Living more sustainably doesn’t have to mean making drastic lifestyle changes. The Missouri Botanical Garden is making it easier than ever to discover practical solutions for everyday life during the Green Living Festival 2026.
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Green Living Festival returns July 11 for its 25th anniversary, with a full day of expert advice, hands-on demonstrations, local vendors, and family-friendly activities focused on sustainable living. From reducing household plastic and lowering energy costs to choosing natural beauty products and creating wildlife-friendly gardens, the festival highlights simple ways St. Louisans can make a positive impact at home and in their communities.
Green Living Festival 2026 features over 60 local businesses and organizations offering sustainable products and services, interactive workshops, specialized tours, and nature-focused activities like yoga and tree canopy climbing.
This festival is included in Garden admission, and is free before Noon for St. Louis City and County residents.
Thank you to our sponsors: Presented by Ameren Missouri with additional support from Metro Transit and Deer Creek Watershed Alliance
When and Where Is the Green Living Festival 2026?
The Green Living Festival takes place at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Saturday, July 11, with programming and vendors available 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Workshops and demonstrations will take place inside the Farr Auditorium and meeting rooms inside the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center as well as the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening classroom.
Vendors and exhibitors will mainly be set up inside the Bayer Event Center located to the left of the Visitor Center when entering the Garden.
Activities like yoga and tree climbing will take place throughout the Garden.
What can I do at the Festival?
The Green Living Festival has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for ways to find plastic alternatives in your home, reduce waste, discover natural beauty products, or learn about native gardening. The Garden’s goal is to offer a little something for everyone and to help attendees leave with the knowledge and resources to change even just one aspect of their daily lives to be more eco-friendly.
With over 60 exhibitors and vendors, 14 workshops, free yoga and canopy tree climbing, and kid-centered activities, you are sure to discover something new while having fun.
Start the Day with a Free Yoga Class
9:30-10:30 a.m. | The Knolls
During the Green Living Festival, attendees can deepen their connection with Mother Nature through free yoga in the Garden. Hosted by Grand Basin Yoga, this all-levels class invites participants to reflect on our relationship with–and responsibility to–the planet surrounded by the serene beauty of the Garden Knolls area.
Please bring a yoga mat or towel, water bottles, and any props used in your practice.
Visitor Tip: Yoga will take place in the Garden Knolls area for the first time this year, offering a scenic vista to connect with Mother Nature.
See the Garden from a new perspective with canopy tree climbing (ages 8+)
9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m | At the large sweet gum tree near Spink Pavilion
Usually, climbing trees at the Missouri Botanical Garden is not permitted, but during the Green Living Festival, we’re offering a special opportunity to explore our tree canopy with Vertical Voyages.
Whether you’re an adventurous adult, a family of explorers, or anyone age 8 and over who loves climbing trees, this experience is a must-do.
Designed for first-time climbers and taught by expert instructors, this experience will introduce you to the world of recreational climbing and the different levels of a tree’s canopy.
Be part of cutting-edge plant science
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Bayer Event Center
You can be part of the cutting-edge Revolutionizing Species Identification project to digitize 6 million Herbarium specimens. Use real scientific equipment to scan an herbarium specimen to reveal its story and learn about the Garden’s extensive work to inform taxonomy and plant systematics, aiding restoration and conservation efforts worldwide.
Support Local, sustainable businesses and Nonprofits
9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Bayer Event Center and Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center
This year, the Green Living Festival will feature an expanded exhibitor and vendor area, with 60 booths to explore.
From energy efficiency and nature scaping to recycling, composting, and beyond, the trustworthy pros can provide answers and resources.
Support our local eco-conscious vendors offering accessible, plant-based skincare, vintage and upcycled clothing, produce, plants, and other sustainably sourced everyday essentials.
Learn from local experts and attend free Workshops
9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. | Farr Auditorium and Meeting Rooms in the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center and William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening classroom
During the Green Living Festival, attendees can attend lectures and DIY workshops with local sustainability experts.
Explore a wide variety of topics, including:
- Plant-based skincare,
- Chicken tending
- Biking in St. Louis
- Solar rebates for homeowner
- Mending your own clothes
- Adapting your garden for a changing climate
- And much more
Encourage your kids to be sustainable stewards of Nature
We know that when young people experience and explore nature, they are inspired to be stewards of nature. Throughout the Green Living Festival, young visitors can enjoy hands-on exploration and learning.
Several vendors will have kid-friendly activities and items to explore at their booths, and the Brooking Exploration Center will be hosting kid-focused programming throughout the day.
Kid-focused programming:
- Pot-a-Plant (while supplies last) | Plant Lab (next to the Brookings Exploration Center)
- Make Recycled Paper | Plant Lab (next to the Brookings Exploration Center)
- Recycled Book Binding | Brookings Exploration Center
- Ballerinas in Bloom provided by Ballet 314 and Vivant Entertainment | Dancing around the Festival
Do I have to buy a ticket to the Green Living Festival?
You do not need to buy a special ticket to the Green Living Festival! It is included in the price of admission to the Garden for Saturday, July 11.
Before Noon, St. Louis City and County residents can get free admission to the Garden with proof of residency.
Where can I park?
The Garden offers parking outside of the Visitor Center, including several EV charging stations.
There is no charge for parking at the Missouri Botanical Garden. In the event that the parking lot is full, visitors should use the free parking at the overflow lots at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Vandeventer. View the Missouri Botanical Garden Parking Map >
As leaders in sustainability, we are also big fans of walking, biking and public transportation. We offer bike parking near the Visitor Center and are conveniently located near two Metro bus stops. Arrive Green! Ride MetroBus #8 to the Festival.
Learn more about the Green Living Festival
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
Leave a Reply