Garden Stroll | June 5-6, 2025

The Southport Garden Stroll, one of Pequot Library’s signature fundraisers, features exciting events and activities showcasing some of Southport’s finest private gardens.

We’re grateful to the generous owners of our participating gardens who open up their private sanctuaries to hundreds of visitors for this important fundraiser. We aim each year to include a number of new gardens—this year, you’ll find 3 new destinations plus a few that have not been on the tour in several years. As in years past, we also include two perennial (no pun intended) favorites that will delight new visitors and give repeat attendees a chance to see how these spectacular spaces evolve year to year. The Wakeman Memorial gardens have been recognized by the Archives of American Gardens at the Smithsonian Institution, and the other garden is attached to a historic gem: the William Bulkley house, one of the sole houses in Southport that didn’t burn during the American Revolution. We trust that you’ll relish behind-closed-gates access to all of these incredible spaces, whether they’re new to you or if you’re gaining the chance to revisit them in all of their splendor!

Don’t miss out on our June 5 (6:00 p.m.) ticketed Cocktail Kickoff Party at a private home featuring ceramicist, author, and photographer Frances Palmer. The celebration continues on June 6 with garden tours, engaging conversations, food trucks, rosé sold by the glass, live music, raffle items, vendor displays, and more!

• New this year: Start your day with drip coffee by the cup available for purchase from the Sound Coffee Cart from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
• Bud Bucks: Use your bud bucks to enter to win raffle items, purchase a glass of rosé in our exclusive Rosé Tent, sponsored by Sturges Ridge of Fairfield, and partake in some treats along the stroll.
• Food trucks: Grab a bite to eat from local food trucks on the Great Lawn, available for purchase from BFF Grill Truck and Proof Pizza from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Live music: The Merwin Mountain Band will perform from 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
• Gallery stop: As you are coming or going from the Southport Garden Stroll, please stop by the George Billis Gallery at 1700 Post Road in Fairfield to enjoy the currency Group Show on display, any time between 12:00 and 6:00 p.m.

Find information on companion programs, parking, vendors, sponsors, and volunteer opportunities here. Click here to reserve your tickets! Many thanks to our premier event sponsor, On the Harbor real estate, as well as the other local businesses that have lent us their support.