Plan Your Event
Let our legendary landscape be the backdrop for your special event or community gathering.
The Garden remains open to the public every day and during all events.
Groups of up to 50 people may gather outdoors in the Garden on a first-come, first-served basis. For all other gatherings or to reserve specific areas, please see details below.
Jump to Weddings Free Event Space Requests
Free Event Space Requests
Are you interested in holding your community event or private gathering at Bartram’s Garden?
Please share more details using the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch soon.
We are proud to provide free event space and other event support, prioritizing events that are rooted in our Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood or tied to our mission and values.
Owing to limited space and staffing constraints, we are unable to grant every request, but we will do our best to support events large or small whenever we have the capacity.
For more information about free space requests, contact Logistics Manager Zach Webber at or 215 729 5281 x112.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fill out this form just to have a small picnic?
No! Groups of 50 or less are always welcome to come for private, unamplified gatherings and find space outdoors on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are there rules for events?
For our shared safety and the preservation of the land, we ask that all visitors and event participants follow our site rules.
In addition, when planning your event, please refrain from:
- Amplified sound without prior permission through a space request
- Releasing helium balloons, glitter, or confetti
View full City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Rules and Regulations here.
How far in advance must I submit my space request?
We recommend that you reach out at least 3 months in advance of your proposed event date, but it doesn’t hurt to ask anyway if your preferred date is coming up sooner than that. We are usually able to get back to applicants with a “yes” or “no” within 1–2 weeks of submission.
How much will it cost to rent a space?
There are no rental fees for using space within this public garden.
If this is a special place for you, we encourage you to make a tax-deductible donation to ensure that the Garden is always open and welcoming for everyone.
If you are planning a wedding with our partners Jamie Hollander Gourmet, a portion of your event’s food and beverage expense with JHG supports Bartram’s Garden.
When is there most availability for events?
We are most likely to be able to accommodate events between 10am and 4pm, though we can sometimes staff events outside of this timeframe.
We host events throughout the year, 7 days a week.
Weekends tend to fill up quickly, as do the months of May, June, September, and October. If you can be flexible with your date and time, we are much more likely to be able to provide space for your event.
What kind of events are held at the Garden?
We host picnics, meetings, retreats, book launch parties, baby showers, family reunions, fundraisers, walks, and much more.
Our staff also partner with many organizations and individuals to host a variety of performances, classes, art shows, and wellness events.
If you are interested in gathering people at the Garden for any reason, please complete the form below and we will be in touch soon!
Who decides whether my event gets space?
Your space request will be considered by our Logistics Team, made up of staff members from across our organization. The Logistics Team typically meets on a weekly basis to consider space requests and determine our ability to meet the needs of each request, based on scheduling, site availability, staff availability, and other factors.
We prioritize space requests that are rooted in our Southwest Philadelphia neighborhood or tied to our mission and values.
Is funding available to support my event?
Bartram’s Garden hosts the Yes Fund, a simple micro-grant program for Southwest Philadelphia residents, designed to say YES! to neighbors and organizations with the intent to solve problems in their community.
A limited amount of funding is available to support the great work of community leaders in Southwest Philadelphia through events and gatherings. Learn more here.
Free Event Space Request Form
Are you interested in holding your community event or private gathering at Bartram’s Garden? Please share more details using the form below and a member of our staff will be in touch with you soon.
For wedding inquiries, please click here.
Weddings at Bartram’s Garden
Bartram’s Garden makes an unforgettable setting for wedding celebrations. The Garden includes beautiful, customizable outdoor and covered spaces with modern amenities for gatherings of up to 315 guests.
Our events and catering partner Jamie Hollander Gourmet can provide outstanding food and exceptional service along with expert event planners to handle all the details necessary to make your vision a reality. Alternate catering while working with Hollander’s events planning team is also permitted.
A portion of your event’s food and beverage expense with Jamie Hollander Gourmet supports Bartram’s Garden.
To learn more or schedule a tour, contact events@jhollandergourmet.com or 215-936-5791.
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Photo/Video Permission
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