One of Overland Park’s most beloved spring fundraisers will arrive earlier next year. Stems: A Garden Soirée, the signature event supporting the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, will move to May in 2026, offering guests a chance to celebrate while the gardens are in full spring bloom.
Organizers say the shift allows the event to better match the natural beauty of the season. Late spring brings vibrant color, comfortable evening temperatures, and a renewed excitement for spending time outdoors. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere as they stroll garden paths, sip beverages, enjoy live music, and dine among the flowers.
The earlier date also helps the event stand apart from a busy summer calendar. With the region preparing to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup across the metro area, organizers say “blooming early” gives Stems its own moment to shine before large scale summer events take center stage.
Visually, the gardens will offer a lush spring backdrop. Beds of colorful annuals such as snapdragons, pansies, osteospermum, dianthus, and calendula will be in bloom. Spring bulbs including alliums, late tulips, and daffodils will add height and drama. Depending on the season’s warmth, guests may also see pink peonies blooming near Margaret’s Pond and bright red poppies in the Arboretum’s Monet Garden. Early summer perennials such as salvia, catmint, and baptisia will add layered texture across the landscape.
While longtime traditions remain, several new experiences will debut in 2026. A large main stage returns to the gardens with a performance by the high energy band Funk Syndicate. Guests can also encounter a fashion sketch artist capturing garden party outfits as custom keepsakes.
A popular Stems tradition will return as well: hand painted souvenir wine glasses. This year, 15 local artists will create designs ranging from butterflies and wildflowers to colorful abstract patterns, giving guests a unique glass to carry throughout the evening.
New for 2026, a silent auction will feature experience based items tied to community spaces. Bidders may compete for exclusive photography sessions at the Arboretum or the Farmstead, or even collect a full set of the hand painted Stems glasses.
Food and drink remain central to the experience. Restaurants from across the Kansas City metro will offer small plates designed to match the garden setting. Returning favorites include Bo Lings, JINYA Ramen Bar, Zephyr Bourbon Bar + Kitchen, and Taco Naco KC, along with newcomer Tiki Taco. Guests can expect a wide range of flavors, from street tacos and crispy beef to delicate desserts.
Entertainment will be woven throughout the gardens with multiple bands, roaming performers, and playful experiences like balloon artists and tarot readings. The evening concludes with a fireworks display over the illuminated landscape.
Stems is the signature fundraiser for the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Foundation, supporting projects and programming at both the Arboretum and Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead. Proceeds help sustain fundraising efforts, partnerships, and behind the scenes operations that bring educational programs, garden enhancements, and community experiences to life.
Organizers hope guests leave with more than just a memorable evening.
“The night is designed to nourish both the senses and the community,” organizers say. “Every ticket helps support the spaces and programs people love across Overland Park.”
Stems is a 21+ event. Tickets are available at stemssoiree.org, with early bird pricing available through April 1.