Garden enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are invited to experience Open Gardens Weekend 2026, a free self-guided tour showcasing more than 20 residential and prairie gardens in Iowa City, Coralville and surrounding unincorporated areas.
The annual event, hosted by Project GREEN, will take place Saturday, June 27, from 4–8 p.m., and Sunday, June 28, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Visitors may tour participating gardens whenever a sign reading “The Garden is Open”
is displayed.
Now in its seventh year, Open Gardens Weekend has become one of the area’s anticipated summer traditions, inspiring more residents to garden and share their landscapes with the public.
“Area gardeners have such interesting gardens because they put a lot of thought into creating their spaces,” said Diane Allen, Project GREEN co-president and Master Gardener emeritus. “We love the generous gardeners who are willing to share their gardens more than once and refer to them as ‘Encore Gardens’ on garden maps.”
The featured gardens highlight plants at their seasonal peak and reflect a range of styles, from carefully cultivated residential landscapes to expansive prairie plantings. Organizers say the event celebrates gardening as both an art form and a way to strengthen neighborhoods, improve environmental stewardship and foster community connections. 
Cindy Parsons, Project GREEN co-president and Master Gardener, said, “Every garden tells a story. Visitors will discover creative ideas, plants that thrive locally and the passion gardeners put into shaping their landscapes.” 
Maps identifying participating gardens will be available beginning the week before the event at local sponsor businesses and during event hours at Project GREEN Gardens at Ashton House, 820 Park Road, Iowa City. A complete list of map pickup locations and sponsoring businesses will be available on the Project GREEN website and social media.
The event remains free thanks to support from local business sponsors, whose participation helps expand access to gardening education and community engagement.
Interest in Open Gardens Weekend continues to grow. Last year, visitors picked up nearly 1,500 garden maps, reflecting increasing enthusiasm for home gardening and nature-based activities. National surveys indicate gardening remains one of America’s most popular hobbies, with growing interest among younger generations, including millennials, attracted to edible gardening.
Organizers note that visiting gardens offers more than inspiration. Research suggests spending time in nature may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and support overall well-being. The tour also encourages visitors to explore area neighborhoods, public spaces and local businesses.
“Gardening certainly qualifies as beauty and art,” organizers said. “Open Gardens Weekend complements the many cultural experiences that make our community distinctive.”
Project GREEN leaders say the event also benefits tourism, introducing visitors to the area’s landscapes, neighborhoods, restaurants and community spirit.
About Project GREEN 
Project GREEN (Grow to Reach Environmental Excellence Now) champions environmental conservation, community beautification, and public gardening initiatives across the greater <a href="https://projectgreen.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Iowa City area</a>. Since its founding in 1968, this volunteer-driven nonprofit has invested more than $2.3 million into local landscaping projects, enhancing public parks, roadsides, riverfronts, and school grounds. A cornerstone of their work is the Project GREEN Gardens, an 8-acre sweeping public green space meticulously maintained in partnership with the city on the historic grounds of the city-owned <a href="https://projectgreen.org/ashton-house/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Ned Ashton House, 820 Park Road</a>. Now spanning over 55 years of dedicated community service, the organization continues to cultivate vibrant, sustainable environments for all residents to enjoy. 
For additional information and map pickup locations, visit <a href="https://ProjectGREEN.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://ProjectGREEN.org</a>
and social media.

Local Event: Project GREEN Invites Public to Explore Open Gardens Weekend 2026

Johnson County

Iowa City

Iowa

Project GREEN Invites Public to Explore Open...

Garden enthusiasts and curious visitors alike are invited to experience Open Gardens Weekend 2026, a free self-guided tour...

Project GREEN Invites Public to Explore Open Gardens Weekend 2026

Beadology Iowa

Combine cubed right-angle weave, CRAW, with netting stitch.Your beaded earrings will be round, with the bottom third full of ruffles.These earrings are on the shorter side; if you like them longer, add a longer ear wire.Instructor: Karen Kubby.
Prerequisite: Basic CRAW skills.Registration is $78 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: CRAW Ruffles Earrings

CRAW Ruffles Earrings

Combine cubed right-angle weave, CRAW, with netting stitch.Your beaded earrings will be round, with the bottom third full of...

Make a wire bracelet using sterling and copper wire and a variety of beads, including crystal, stone, and glass.This project is not for those who love perfect symmetry.The end product is asymmetrical, fun, and beautiful.Different, every time you make one! Instructor: Cheryl Weatherford

Prerequisite: ability to make a wrapped loop.Call for a private tutorial.Registration is $88 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Local Event: Bojangles

Bojangles

Make a wire bracelet using sterling and copper wire and a variety of beads, including crystal, stone, and glass.This project is...

Everyone needs a classic string of pearls. In this class, you will learn the secrets of making pearl knotting easy.Each person will leave with a bracelet made with freshwater pearls and a sterling silver clasp.No previous experience necessary.$35 instructor fee to Kirkwood/$35 materials fee to Beadology Iowa.

Local Event: Pearl Knotting through Kirkwood

Pearl Knotting through Kirkwood

Everyone needs a classic string of pearls. In this class, you will learn the secrets of making pearl knotting easy.Each person...

July 16 through Sun., July 19, regular business hours: 
 Help us make way for new inventory. Find bargains galore during sidewalk sales, held inside during our regular business hours. This is our only sidewalk sale of the season—all sale items will be 50-75% off. Come early for the best picks. New items are put out daily.&nbsp; No admissions fee.

Local Event: Sidewalk Sales at Beadology Iowa

Sidewalk Sales at Beadology Iowa

July 16 through Sun., July 19, regular business hours: 
 Help us make way for new inventory. Find bargains galore during...

Learn to weave a smaller gauge wire around a larger one.Then shape it into a spiral.The ear wire is not attached separately; it is made from the larger wire.A fun and fast wire weaving class.No experience needed.Instructor: Zanetta Hoehle.Registration is $78 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.
For those interested and able, go out on the town for a dutch treat snack and cocktail/mocktail after class.

Local Event: Friday Night Out-Wire Spiral Earrings

Friday Night Out-Wire Spiral Earrings

Learn to weave a smaller gauge wire around a larger one.Then shape it into a spiral.The ear wire is not attached separately; it...

Use your cubed right-angle weave skills to make a square with Toho seed beads. Then use vintage montees (crystals with a cross-channel backing) to embellish the front and sides of your square. Now you have a very sparkly pair of beaded earrings. Instructor: Karen Kubby.Registration is $78 and includes all materials and instruction. Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line. Demos projected onto a large screen.

Prerequisite: Basic CRAW skills.

Local Event: Super Sparkle Earrings

Super Sparkle Earrings

Use your cubed right-angle weave skills to make a square with Toho seed beads. Then use vintage montees (crystals with a...

This workshop involves the fundamentals of soldering. Learn and hone a variety of soldering skills, including connecting an open jump ring, adding a ring to another piece, and more. Practice both sweat and spot soldering. Leave with a variety of samples and a new set of skills. Instructor: Maggie Joynt.Registration is $88 and includes all materials, instruction, use of studio and tools.Register in person, via phone at 319 338-1566, or on-line.

This class serves as a prerequisite for many metalworking classes.

Local Event: Soldering Sampler

Soldering Sampler

This workshop involves the fundamentals of soldering. Learn and hone a variety of soldering skills, including connecting an...

Use a combination of peyote stitch and herringbone with Delica 11/0 beads to create a small wing. Sew this wing together and embellish it with a larger focal bead. Add an ear wire and you are ready for the weekend. No experience needed.$35 instructor fee to Kirkwood/$35 materials fee to Beadology Iowa.

Local Event: Winged Earring through Kirkwood

Winged Earring through Kirkwood

Use a combination of peyote stitch and herringbone with Delica 11/0 beads to create a small wing. Sew this wing together and...

Wholesale beads, gemstones, and freshwater pearls. These items are higher end quality supplies for the avid beader. It is a rare opportunity to purchase wholesale, so we wanted to bring this beautiful opportunity to our customers. Janu Gems has offices in California, Athens, Greece, and Fairfield, Iowa. No admissions fee.

Local Event: Janu Gems Trunk Show

Janu Gems Trunk Show

Wholesale beads, gemstones, and freshwater pearls. These items are higher end quality supplies for the avid beader. It is a...

Linn County

Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Area

Marion

Scott County

Quad Cities Metropolitan Area

Davenport

Black Hawk County

Cedar Falls

Polk County

Des Moines Metropolitan Area

Ankeny

Des Moines

Story County

Ames

Johnston

Urbandale

West Des Moines

Dallas County

Waukee

Your local expert for all things roofing ! 

Friendship Roofing & Coating LLC

Friendship roofing specializes in high performance commercial roofing solutions that protect &amp; extend the life of your property. With over 25 years of experience, we provide roof restoration , repairs, &amp; advanced coating systems  designed to improve durability &amp; energy efficiency. Our team uses proven roofing technologies &amp; materials to help businesses avoid costly replacements while maximizing long term performance. We are committed to delivering reliable service, quality craftsmanship, &amp; roofing systems built to last.

Friendship roofing specializes in high performance commercial roofing solutions that protect & extend the life of your property. With over 25 years...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Iowa City, IA

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Saturday, June 27

Sunday, June 28

Saturday, July 11

Sunday, July 12

Monday, July 13

Sunday, July 19

Friday, July 24

Saturday, July 25

Sunday, July 26

Tuesday, July 28

Friday, July 31

Saturday, August 1

Friendship Roofing & Coating LLC