Garden Fair 2026 Blooms at Minnetrista
The weather may have started off cold and rainy on Friday, but more than 5,000 people from across our community still came out to celebrate gardening, creativity, and the arrival of spring during Garden Fair. With umbrellas up and rain coats on, Friday visitors explored vendor booths, attended workshops, and embraced the evening despite the spring showers. By Saturday, the skies cleared for a beautiful, sunny day that brought even more garden enthusiasts out to enjoy flowers, fresh inspiration, and time together at Minnetrista.
Throughout the weekend, Garden Fair brought together local vendors, hands-on experiences, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities that celebrated creativity, community, and the joy of the growing season. Guests explored handmade goods, connected with fellow gardening enthusiasts, and enjoyed opportunities to learn, shop, and experience the beautiful blooms throughout campus.
Bob Ross Painting Demonstrations
It would not be a signature Minnetrista event without a touch of Bob Ross. Throughout Garden Fair, Joseph Durham, Minnetrista’s Program Coordinator and in-house Certified Ross Instructor® (CRI®), led live painting demonstrations inspired by the iconic Bob Ross style. Guests gathered to watch peaceful landscapes come to life one brushstroke at a time while learning techniques and hearing behind-the-scenes insights about the painting process.
Fused Glass Garden Stakes
Inside the Center Building, guests explored their creativity through fused glass garden stake workshops led by Minnetrista’s Adult and Studio Programs Manager. Friday’s workshop sold out during the week of the event as participants designed colorful, one-of-a-kind garden art pieces using layered glass elements. The hands-on experience gave visitors an opportunity to experiment with fused glass techniques while creating something uniquely their own to display at home.
Missed the workshop? Additional glass art programs and creative classes will be available throughout the year. Be sure to check Minnetrista’s upcoming programs for future opportunities to create your own masterpiece.
Community Partnerships
Minnetrista was proud to partner with Vasey Commercial Solutions as a supporter of Garden Fair. Their support helped make this year’s event possible while continuing to bring community-centered experiences and seasonal traditions to visitors throughout the weekend.
Garden Fair also welcomed the Versiti Blood Center of Indiana blood bus for a community blood drive during the event weekend. Guests had the opportunity to give back while enjoying the festivities. Versiti will continue attending select Farmers Market dates throughout the season, offering additional opportunities for community members to donate blood and support local healthcare needs.
Furry Friends at Garden Fair
Garden Fair would not be complete without a few furry friends joining the fun. Throughout the weekend, dogs could be spotted strolling through vendor booths, relaxing in the sunshine, and accompanying their families as they explored the event grounds. From tiny pups to larger breeds, four-legged visitors added even more joy and community spirit to the weekend celebration.
See More from Garden Fair 2026
From blooming flowers to hands-on art experiences, Garden Fair created a weekend full of creativity, inspiration, and community connection. Want to see more moments from the event? Explore the full Flickr album for additional photos and highlights from the weekend.
Guests who attended Garden Fair are encouraged to complete the event survey and share feedback about their experience. Survey responses help Minnetrista continue improving future events, programs, and community experiences.