JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, at 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, aims to introduce, display, and promote plants that diversify the American landscape, as well as educate visitors and provide a living laboratory for research.
The Arboretum is free to visit. Its hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Arboretum hosts many events and activities. Some are free and some have a cost associated with them. The cost for many events is low, $5, and free for Arboretum members. You can see all of the events on the calendar.
Upcoming Events
Please make sure to follow the links for more information, and to register if required.
The Midweek Program
Wednesdays
3 to 4 p.m.
Online
Free (register at above link)
Find topic of each week here.
Garden Story Walk
May 2 to May 10, 2026
During Garden open hours
Free
Come out to the gardens for a Garden Story Walk. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful gardens and read a good story at the same time!
This story will be out in the gardens from Saturday, May 2 until Sunday, May 10 during garden open hours.
Not familiar with Story Walks? Story Walks are self-guided experiences where pages of a book are displayed in the garden. Information about where to find the title page is posted at the Visitor Center. Once you find the first page of the story in the garden, you’ll see the next page and be able to follow the story as you stroll through the gardens. There is no set time to start this experience and can be done at your own pace. Most stories can be experienced in about half an hour to an hour.
Plant-Lover’s Tour: Mexican Plants
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
9 to 10 a.m.
Free for garden members; $5 for non-members
This tour will take you around the garden and show you some of our favorite Mexican plants. Join Curator Dennis as he shows off some of the tough and drought-tolerant plants you might expect from our neighbors to the south, as well as muchas flores bonitas that brighten up the garden while supporting our native wildlife. Dennis is notorious for his fun facts and plant trivia, so be ready to learn a thing or two while you expand your botanical horizons!
Garden Storytime
May 8, 2026
May 22, 2026
10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
$5 per child
Garden Storytimes are a great way for families with preschool children to experience the garden. The program begins at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center where where we will get ready for a fun time outside together. Then, you’ll take a stroll through the garden with Children’s Program staff and volunteers to see all that is happening in the garden, read a couple children’s books with a garden twist, and go home with a garden-themed craft created by your little one.
Please come dressed for the weather, as this program is held outdoors. In the case of rain, activities are moved to a sheltered location. Caregivers stay with children during the program and are encouraged to participate.
Evening Garden Stroll
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
6 p.m.
Free
Enjoy the garden after hours during our Evening Garden Stroll.
Take a break from your weekly grind with some time outdoors after work — wander the gardens at your own pace and relax in the evening atmosphere.
Looking to learn more about the JCRA and its gardens? Go on the free public tour lead by volunteer tour guides. Meet at the Bobby G. Wilder Visitor Center at 6:00 pm to join the tour.
On Evening Garden Stroll nights, the JCRA gardens remain open until 7:30 p.m.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Events
Check out our list of free and cheap events in Raleigh and the rest of the Triangle this weekend, or our full event calendar in the Triangle, or just look at few upcoming events here:
