Friends of Maclay Gardens

09/09/2026

Seeking Sponsors for Moon Over Maclay 2026! Support a Tallahassee treasure - Maclay Gardens - and enjoy a night of jazz in the gardens on October 25th.

Contact Julie Alexander, President of the Friends of Maclay Gardens, at [email protected] or [email protected].

09/08/2026

https://leoncountyfl.galaxydigital.com/event/detail/?event_id=122373

The Friends of Maclay Gardens’ annual Moon Over Maclay jazz concert returns! Visitors will enjoy live jazz music under the full moon on the Maclay House lawn - and we need YOUR help to make it happen!

09/08/2026

https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/MoonOverMaclay2026

09/05/2026

🎃 Calling all scarecrow creators! 🎃

One of Maclay Gardens’ favorite fall traditions is back! Scarecrows in the Gardens 2026 will fill Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park with creative, colorful, and one-of-a-kind scarecrows throughout October.

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, students, families, clubs, and community groups are all invited to create a scarecrow and join the fun!

🍂 Entry deadline: September 25
🎨 Setup: September 27–28
🗳️ People’s Choice voting: October 3–31

Entry fees:
Adult/Business: $25
Nonprofit: $15
Student: $10

🏆 And yes, there are prizes! Category winners and the People’s Choice winner will each receive $50 cash + a $50 Friends of Maclay Gardens membership.

Gather your coworkers, classmates, friends, or family and start dreaming up your scarecrow. Funny, clever, beautiful, spooky… we can’t wait to see what you create!

👉 Complete the entry form by September 25: https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/ScarecrowsInTheGardens

Please share and help us fill the Gardens with scarecrows this October! 🍁

08/24/2026

🌙🐞🐾 There’s a lot happening at Maclay Gardens! Our park rangers have three special programs coming up, with something for hikers, bug lovers, and four-legged adventurers.

🌕 Full Moon Hike | Saturday, August 28 at 7:30 PM
Experience Lake Overstreet after dark on a 3.5-mile guided hike under the full moon. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water, bug repellant, and a flashlight. Please leave pets at home for this hike; service animals are welcome. The program is included with paid park entry.

🐞 Insect Walk | Friday, September 4
Discover what comes alive after dark! Head to the Lake Hall Recreation Area for a self-guided nighttime insect walk. Rangers will be on hand to answer questions and help you explore the fascinating world of bugs. Bring closed-toe shoes, long socks, a flashlight, and your curiosity.

🐕 NEW! Tails & Trails Hike | Sunday, September 6
Bring your canine companion for a guided three-mile hike focused on North Florida wildlife and keeping pets safe on the trails. Well-behaved dogs are welcome and must be handled by an adult on a 6-foot leash. For everyone’s safety, no nose-to-nose contact between dogs will be permitted. Bring water and gear to keep both you and your pup comfortable and hydrated.

📞 Space is limited! To sign up, call the Maclay Gardens Ranger Station at (850) 487-4556 during park operating hours.

Come explore a different side of Maclay Gardens. We hope to see you on the trails!

08/22/2026

🐝🌼 Join us today, Saturday, August 22 at 9:00 AM for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census—a fun, hands-on opportunity to learn more about the pollinators in our community and the important role they play in our environment! 🌼🦋

We’ll learn how to conduct a pollinator census, discover which plants attract the most pollinators, and explore how pollinator populations impact our environment. You’ll also get practical tips for creating a more pollinator-friendly landscape at home!

Have a gardening question? Leon County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers will be there to help, with a Plant Clinic table where you can get answers to your gardening questions.

📍 Location: Meet the group at the Visitor Center, then we’ll walk together from the Visitor Center to the Pollinator Garden behind the Children’s Cottage.
⏰ Date & Time: August 22, 2026, at 9:00 AM
✨ No registration required! Bring your curiosity and come help us count, learn, and celebrate our pollinators!

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! 🇺🇸

Celebrate this historic Independence Day weekend at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park!

As our nation marks 250 years of freedom, there’s no better way to celebrate than by enjoying the natural beauty that makes America so special. Stroll through the gardens, explore the trails, paddle the lake, or simply relax beneath the shade of majestic oaks.

🎉 Free admission to all Florida State Parks
📅 July 3–5, 2026

Gather your family and friends and make memories in one of Florida’s most beautiful places. We look forward to celebrating with you!

06/20/2026

Now is the time to enjoy Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park before the rain comes in. I’m headed that way now! 🥾🚲🛶

06/13/2026

USA! 🇺🇸USA! 🇺🇸

Celebrate the World Cup at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park!

Bring a soccer ball, gather your friends and family, and enjoy the beautiful Maclay Lawn.

Get outside and join the global spirit of soccer.

USA ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
Paraguay ⚽️

06/10/2026

There’s no better way to spend Father’s Day than out in nature – join us for our Summer Solstice Hike at 9am around Lake Overstreet, then head over to Lake Hall for some fishing, paddling, or swimming! It’s not too late to sign up. Please call the Ranger Station at (850) 487-4556 to reserve your spot!

Remember to bring water, sun protection, insect repellant, and wear closed-toed shoes. We hope to see you there!