Agave Fest

A month-long celebration of an iconic genus

Celebrate one of the most iconic plants of The Ruth Bancroft Garden with a month-long tribute to agaves – bold, sculptural, and one of the most beloved plants in the Garden!

Event Highlights:

• Kickoff Webinar   (7/1 @11:00) Join longtime curator Brian Kemble as he shares standout agaves from the Garden’s collection, highlighting some of the most iconic and unusual species in cultivation.
• Curator-led Lecture  (7/11 @ 10:00) Experience Brian Kemble’s engaging talk previously presented to leadership at the American Public Gardens Association annual conference in June, exploring agaves as powerful focal plants, from the nursery trade to wild habitats.
• Curator-led Tour  (7/11 @ 11:30) Take part in an intimate, guided tour of the Garden’s agave collection, many in dramatic bloom, offering a rare chance to witness their spectacular final flowering.
• Special Pop-up Plant Sale (7/11 @ 9AM-1PM)– Shop a curated selection of unique agaves from the private greenhouse collections of Curator Brian Kemble and Garden Manager Walker Young.
• Mezcal Tasting (7/18 @ 5:00PM-7:00 PM) –  Join us for a summer evening in the Garden celebrating the remarkable world of agaves and mezcal with a guided tour led by longtime curator Brian Kemble and Susan Cross, co-founder of Mezcalistas. Guests will enjoy a private tasting mezcal tasting and learn about the “spirit of the agave.”
• Ethnobotany Webinar (All month)– Enjoy a fascinating presentation by Hualapai ethnobotanist Carrie Cannon on the cultural history of mescal agave and its deep connections to people over time.
• Explore Together: Activity for Children and Families:  (7/26 all day) – Special Exploration Station about the many uses of agaves including related craft.
• Exclusive Nursery Goods (All month)– 20% off Agaves all month! Sale on limited-edition notecards featuring Curator Brian Kemble’s agave photography. One of a kind tea towels made by Ms. Ann Dumont featuring Brian’s art. Pick up a copy of Jeff Moore’s richly illustrated deep dive into the world of agaves – Agaves: Species, Cultivars, Hybrids to wet your appetite!

Join us for a rich and immersive celebration of agaves—where horticulture, design, and cultural history come together!