Hidden Gardens of Fort Worth Tour returns May 15 and 17
by Meliza Aguilera, Fort Worth Report
May 5, 2026
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Hidden Gardens of Fort Worth Tour will return this spring, offering the public a rare opportunity to visit private outdoor spaces in one of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual event invites guests to explore a curated collection of gardens in the River Crest neighborhood. Each garden reflects a distinct design approach and is typically not open to the public. Historic Fort Worth, Inc. says the tour highlights landscape design while emphasizing the connection between architecture and outdoor spaces.
Hosted by Historic Fort Worth, the tour serves as the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support preservation efforts focused on protecting Fort Worth’s architectural and cultural heritage.
The public garden tour is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, from noon to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Guests can expect a variety of features, including outdoor living areas, seasonal plantings, courtyards, pathways and landscapes designed to complement historic homes.
A separate Sunset Tour and Patron Dinner will be held Friday, May 15, at The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth. The event will honor Brent Rowan Hyder, described by Historic Fort Worth as a preservation advocate and supporter of historic places and landscapes. The evening includes early access to select gardens and a seated dinner.
In addition to the Hidden Gardens Tour, Historic Fort Worth conducts other fundraising initiatives throughout the year. These include the annual “Preservation Is the Art of the City” art show, which features more than 60 local artists and celebrates Fort Worth’s architectural heritage. This year’s art show will be held Sept. 3-5 at the Amon Carter Center at Lena Pope.
The organization also stewards the Ball-Eddleman-McFarland House, an 1899 property available for tours and private rentals, including weddings, receptions, dinners and meetings. The McFarland House also offers a Murder Mystery Game experience as an additional rental option. Revenue from these activities supports preservation and education programs.
Historic Fort Worth says community sponsors and partners help fund the event and the organization’s broader mission. Donations and sponsorships are also encouraged for those unable to attend.
Tickets for the Sunset Tour and Patron Dinner are $275. Tickets for the public garden tour are $40.
The tour is rain or shine. Strollers are not permitted beyond the check-in table, and pets are not allowed. Photography is limited to plants only. All guests, including children, must have a ticket, with the exception of infants in carriers.
As Fort Worth continues to grow, Historic Fort Worth says the tour provides an opportunity to experience private gardens while supporting efforts to preserve the city’s historic character.
Historic Fort Worth, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Historic Fort Worth, Inc. preserves Fort Worth’s distinct historic identity through stewardship, education and leadership.
For more information on Historic Fort Worth and to purchase Hidden Gardens event tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2026HG.
This article first appeared on Fort Worth Report and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.![]()