Where Spring Blooms Meet Craft Brews

Airlie Gardens’ Blooms & Brews after-hours spring fundraiser pairs peak-season blooms with local craft beer, food and live music 

By Janine Powell

Each spring, Airlie Gardens comes into full color as buds open and the grounds shift into a tapestry of blooms that has drawn visitors for generations. Blooms & Brews is designed to celebrate that peak season by pairing the garden’s Spring Bloom with food, local craft beer and live music—while raising funds to support the public garden.

Airlie Gardens is a 67-acre historic public garden with roots that stretch back nearly three centuries. Privately owned for many decades, Airlie has evolved into one of North Carolina’s best-known public gardens, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Beyond its scenery, the garden supports plant conservation, historic preservation and education that connects people to the natural world.

Spring is Airlie’s most visible season, anchored by large-scale floral collections: more than 75,000 azaleas in pinks, whites and corals; 60,000 tulips arranged in bands of bold color; and more than 4,000 camellia cultivars, many of which bloom earlier and lead into the spring display. Maintaining those collections requires year-round work, from soil health and plant care to landscape preservation.

Blooms & Brews was created to celebrate that season while raising funds to help maintain and enhance Airlie’s gardens. Ticket proceeds support ongoing upkeep and preservation efforts intended to keep the garden thriving for future visitors.

This year’s event will be held on the Oak Lawn, framed by live oaks and Spanish moss. As the sun sets, the evening is intended to feel relaxed and social, with time to stroll, talk and take in the garden after hours. Casual attire is recommended; bright spring colors are encouraged.

Food stations will be provided by Middle of the Island Catering, with menus built around seasonal flavors. Mad Mole Brewing partnered with Airlie to create a spring beer for the event, joined by other local breweries offering a range of craft selections.

Live music will be provided by The Dram Fam Jam Band. Guests can also visit a social station hosted by Active Entertainment.

Blooms & Brews will take place Friday, March 20, from 6-10 p.m. Organizers say the event is intended to become a new spring tradition and a signature after-hours experience at Airlie.

General admission tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $100 per person or $175 per couple. Availability is limited, and early purchase is encouraged.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available for those who want to support Airlie Gardens at a deeper level while gaining visibility at the event. Questions about tickets or sponsorships may be directed to Janine Powell at 910-798-7703 or jpowell@nhcgov.co