Why I’m Looking Forward to Antiques at the Gardens This Year!
There are certain events in Birmingham that feel like the beginning of a season, and for me, Antiques at the Gardens is one of them.
Last year was my first year back after a long time away, and I had almost forgotten just how special it is.
In my opinion you could call it the charity event of the year in Birmingham.
Yes, it is a wonderful cause. Yes, there are incredible antiques, designers, speakers, and dealers. And yes, it is absolutely one of those weekends where you see everyone you know.
But for me, nothing tops the preview at the Gala in the Gardens.
There is something about getting that first look at everything before the weekend really begins. The rooms are full, everyone is dressed up, friends are everywhere, and then you start spotting the pieces you immediately want to take home.
That combination of beautiful things, beautiful gardens, and Birmingham at its most social is pretty hard to beat.
I Came Back Last Year and Immediately Remembered Why I Loved It
After not attending for years, I went back last fall and wondered why I had stayed away so long.
I love antiques anyway, so putting that many wonderful dealers in one place is already dangerous for me.
I am always drawn to the pieces that feel a little unusual. Old paintings, beautiful tables, interesting objects, pieces with patina, and things that look as though they have already lived a very good life before finding their next home.
Those are usually the things I end up thinking about long after I leave.
But Antiques at the Gardens is about much more than shopping.
It is one of those rare events that manages to bring together antiques, interiors, gardens, fashion, friends, and philanthropy in a way that feels completely natural to Birmingham.
The Gala Is Still My Favorite Part
The official show runs through the weekend, but if I had to choose one part, it would always be the Gala in the Gardens.
This year’s gala is Thursday, October 1, followed by the show October 2 through October 4.
The gala feels like the opening night of something everyone has been waiting for.
You get the first chance to wander through the dealers, see what has arrived, and inevitably start mentally rearranging your house around something you just found.
And there is definitely a little bit of see-and-be-seen to it, which is part of the fun.
Birmingham cleans up very well.
This Year’s Lineup Makes Me Even More Excited
The 2026 event has an incredible design lineup, including names like Bunny Williams, Charlotte Moss, Veere Grenney, Amy Astley, Nathan Turner, David Netto, and many more.
For anyone who loves interiors, collecting, art, or gardens, it is hard to imagine a better weekend.
There will also be 28 dealers to shop throughout the show, along with lectures, panels, workshops, and special events.
I am already looking forward to seeing what everyone brings this year and, realistically, finding at least one thing I convince myself I cannot leave without.
The Best Part Is That It Supports the Gardens
As much fun as the weekend is, the reason behind it matters.
Antiques at the Gardens benefits the Friends of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, helping support a place that is such an important part of Birmingham.
The Gardens have been part of our city since 1962 and now encompass more than 67 acres of gardens and natural spaces that are open to the community throughout the year.
Being able to support that while spending a weekend surrounded by antiques, art, design, and some of the most talented people in the industry makes the event even more worthwhile.
See You at the Gardens
So yes, I am already looking forward to Antiques at the Gardens this year.
I’ll be there for the gala, probably moving much too slowly through the dealer spaces, taking pictures of things I love, seeing old friends, and trying to decide which antique absolutely needs to come home with me.
If you have never been, this might be the year to go.
And if you are a Birmingham regular, I probably don’t have to convince you.
I’ll see you at the Gardens.
Love,
Arden