Gardens of Historic Oakwood: A Springtime Tour You Can’t Miss

We’ll take any excuse to wander through Historic Oakwood in downtown Raleigh and pretend – for just a little while -that it’s our own neighborhood. And what better way to keep up the illusion than by strolling through its enchanting gardens in spring?

Of course, reality sets in quickly when I remember my black thumb and my impressive ability to kill even the hardiest cacti. If only my gardening skills were a little more like Elphaba’s—lush and thriving instead of, well… cursed. But let’s not dwell on my plant-related shortcomings. Instead, let’s talk about one of the most charming spring events in Raleigh that you won’t want to miss: the Historic Oakwood Garden Tour.

This annual tour, organized by the Oakwood Garden Club, offers a rare glimpse into some of Raleigh’s most beautiful private gardens. The 37th edition of this self-guided walking tour is set for April 11-12, 2026, and trust me, it’s worth marking your calendar for. We attended for the first time in 2025 and had an absolute blast – wandering through breathtaking gardens, chatting with homeowners, and soaking up the sunshine with fellow eventgoers. And if you really want to get into the spirit of the day? Don’t forget to make and wear your very own fascinator (more on that below).

What to expect

Participants will have the opportunity to explore six carefully selected private gardens within the Historic Oakwood neighborhood. Upon checking in at check-in at 401 E Jones St (the Tucker House in Oakwood which is where you normally check in is closed this year for renovation), where you will receive a map with details of the homes featured and information about them and the gardens. Keep the map as it’s your ticket to see each of the gardens and it will be checked. 

The tour route covers approximately 1.5 to 2 miles, making it a leisurely walk suitable for most fitness levels. You will find a poem in each garden that describes the garden space. 

Along the way, you can enjoy curated tea selections that complement the vibrant springtime blooms. I loved seeing the variety of gardens on display last year from pretty manicured layouts with colorful blooming flowers, to more wildly grown with jungle, forest feels. We discovered a stunning cedar tree in the back of one yard, which felt like I was back wandering the forests of Oregon.

Why attend the Historic Oakwood Garden Tour?

• Meet the Homeowners: Engage with the residents who have lovingly designed and maintained these gardens. Their insights and stories provide a deeper appreciation of the creativity and effort involved. And if you have a green thumb, you just might learn a few gardening tips! (I need far greater help than that!) You may not always meet the homeowners – sometimes there may be a knowledgeable volunteer instead to answer all your questions!
• Design Inspiration: Discover a variety of plants, layouts, and design elements that might inspire your own gardening endeavors.
• Community Engagement: Participate in a cherished local tradition that fosters community spirit and showcases the beauty of Raleigh’s historic neighborhoods. Part of the reason I want to live here is because of the community spirit I have experienced throughout the year at their events such as Halloween, and the Christmas Candlelight tour.
• Springtime walk: You get to wander around in the beautiful spring weather connecting to nature!

Even if you have done the Historic Oakwood garden tour before, you always have a reason to come back the following year, as they change the homes each year giving you a new garden to explore.

Tips for a great experience

• Wear Comfortable Footwear: The tour involves walking through gardens and along neighborhood streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.
• Stay Hydrated: While teas are provided, it’s a good idea to bring a water bottle, especially if the weather is warm.
• Plan Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the tour map and plan your route to ensure you visit all the gardens at a comfortable pace.
• Capture Memories Respectfully: While photography is often welcome, always ask for permission before taking photos of private properties.
• Engage and Ask Questions: The homeowners and volunteers are usually eager to share their knowledge. Don’t hesitate to ask about specific plants or design choices.
• Dress appropriately for weather: April weather can be unpredictable so check the forecast and dress accordingly. It’s an all-weather event!

Ticket information for Historic Oakwood Garden Tour

• Walking Tour Only: $25 per person + fees.

Tickets are available for specific dates and time slots. All sales are final, and the event will proceed rain or shine. The time slots available are 10am-11am, 11am-12pm, 12pm-1pm or 1pm-2pm on either the Saturday or Sunday. You must check in between the hour you have chosen. Gardens close at 4pm. Participating in the Historic Oakwood Garden Tour is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Raleigh’s spring gardens, gain inspiration, and connect with the local community. Get your tickets here.

Historic Oakwood Garden Club

Established in 1950 by the passionate gardener Vallie Henderson, the Oakwood Garden Club holds the distinction of being one of Raleigh’s oldest garden clubs. Its mission is to enhance community beautification and deepen horticultural knowledge through study and hands-on experience. The club’s activities include monthly meetings with guest lecturers, maintenance of Vallie Henderson Park and neighborhood gardens, and organizing the annual Garden Tour and Tea. Proceeds from this event support the club’s grant program, which funds local organizations focused on gardening and public well-being.

Where to eat and drink in Historic Oakwood

If you’re like us, you like to include extra things around events like this to maximize your tie and effort getting to the event in the first place and diving deeper into the culture of the destination. Historic Oakwood backs onto N Person St, which has several great places to eat and drink. Consider:

• Coffee: The Optimist (on the other side of Oakwood) or Yellow Dog Bakery (not my favorite coffee, but you may like it and their bakery items)
• Visit Raleigh City Farm: Extend the garden theme even more by wandering around this beautiful urban farm with a powerful cause supporting food instability in Raleigh. Some members of the Oakwood Garden Club volunteer here. We love volunteering at their Wednesday Wine + Weeds
• Treats: The aforementioned Yellow Dog Bakery, ice cream from Two Roosters, or a cupcake from Sugar Euphoria.
• Drink: Standard Beer, Pelagic Bottle Shop, Wine Authorities, and Wilco Bar could be good options for an after-tour refreshing drink. 
• Food: Smokestack Cafe (in a house in the middle of the neighborhood), Standard Beer & Food and the Station offer more casual dining, while Jolie’s patio may be a good fancy restaurant to end the day with. I think Smokestack would be the best fit for your garden tour experience – it’s unique and cute with a patio that feels like you’re sitting in a garden.

Read more in our guide to N Person St District of Raleigh and our guide to Mordecai. Check out these other top festivals and events in Raleigh, and more fun things to do in April in Raleigh and spring in Raleigh and where to find more spring blooms in Raleigh.