Events
Ellis History Presentation with Mark Hunter and the Wednesday Shakespeare Club
In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for Sunday, June 8, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Join the Friends of Shakespeare Garden in welcoming Mark Stoffer Hunter—an expert on all things historical in Linn County and Cedar Rapids—for an engaging hour in the Shakespeare Garden.
Mark will present the history of Ellis Park, beginning with its origins as the private property of west Cedar Rapids pioneer Robert Ellis and his family. He’ll also share insights from the early 1900s, including the creation of the Shakespeare Garden and its connection to artist Grant Wood. In addition, Mark will highlight the broader Time Check neighborhood and Ellis Boulevard NW.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear Mark speak and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the garden. Light refreshments will be provided. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, relax, and take in the beauty of the garden as it begins to bloom.
Tour the Shakespeare Garden
Learn about the plants in the garden from the dedicated gardeners, along with the history of the garden and the Wednesday Shakespeare Club.
Special guests will share Ophelia’s story from Hamlet, followed by a reenactment of her tragic ending.
To benefit the garden, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase Ophelia’s flowers, plant markers, and a guide explaining the plants.
Midsummer Garden Arts Fair
The fourth annual Midsummer Garden Arts Fair is scheduled for June 28, 2025 in the Shakespeare Garden at Ellis Park.
The festivities will officially begin at 7:00pm, but everyone is welcome to arrive a little early to set up their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic paraphernalia. In the unwelcome chance of rain, the event will be moved to Overlook Pavilion in Ellis Park.
Program Schedule:
6:00 PM – Treats, donor recognition, and chair setup
7:00 PM – Program begins
Rain location: Overlook Pavilion
Clean-Up Days and Micro-Woodland Planting
Clean up day at the garden! Join us with your garden tools and a collection bag (if you can).
Clean-Up Days and Micro-Woodland Planting
Clean up day at the garden! Join us with your garden tools and a collection bag (if you can).
Garden Clean Up
Volunteer opportunity! Join us on Wednesday, October 23 to help clean up the garden. In the event of rain, we’ll meeting on Friday, October 25th.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Midsummer Arts Fair
The third annual Midsummer Garden Arts Fair is scheduled for June 29, 2024 in the Shakespeare Garden at Ellis Park.
The festivities will officially begin at 7:00pm, but everyone is welcome to arrive a little early to set up their lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic paraphernalia. In the unwelcome chance of rain, the event will be moved to Overlook Pavilion in Ellis Park.
Representing the Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Al Pierson will introduce the festivities for the evening. The event includes many renowned musicians who are part of the Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival. Music will be a mix of medieval, folk music from Shakespeare’s time, and other classical selections. Darren and Robyn Crow will read a scene as Benedick and Beatrice from Much Ado About Nothing. Dancing and music, “Sweet Kate (English Country Dance)” by John Young will be performed. The dancers will be staged by Carol Maxwell Rezabek. As part of the audience, you will have the opportunity to join in and learn the dance. Selections from Shakespeare will be read by Stephanie Wagor, President of the Wednesday Shakespeare Club. Madrigal singing will be directed by Fred Kiser.
An update on the progress of the renovation of the garden will be shared by Lisa Ramlo of Friends of Shakespeare Garden.
This event is a family event, sponsored by: The Northwest Neighbors Neighborhood Association, Five Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Cedar Rapids Garden Club, The City of Cedar Rapids, The Wednesday Shakespeare Club, and Friends of Shakespeare Garden.
Photo opportunities with the Bard himself will be available.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
A Walk in the Garden with William Shakespeare
Come and enjoy a stroll through the Shakespeare Gardens and learn about some of the 175 plants featured in his 38 plays and 154 sonnets.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Group Gardening
Group gardening takes place every Wednesday, June through September. Adopt a garden bed and take care of the 4X8 ft. space.
Dedicate the bed to a loved one or share your favorite quote with garden visitors on the Garden bed dedication plaque.
Time subject to change based on weather.
Planting Day
Planting day in the garden will NOW take place on May 22nd at 11:00 a.m. This was originally scheduled for May 20th. Join us and bring your garden tools.
Garden Clean Up Day!
Clean up day at the garden! Join us with your garden tools and a collection bag (if you can).
FOSG Horticulture Committee Meeting
All our welcome to join the Horticulture Committee meeting.
It will take place on the 2nd floor atrium.
FOSG Venue & Events Committee Meeting
Join the FOSG Venue and Events Committee for their next meeting.
"What is a Shakespeare Garden?" Class at the 2024 Winter Gardening Fair
Linn County Master Gardener and FOSG Horticulture Co-Chair Brenda Van Gorp presents “What is a Shakespeare Garden?” at the Winter Gardening Fair, hosted by Iowa State Extension and Outreach.
Named for poet and playwright William Shakespeare, a garden is designed to evoke the Bard's native English countryside. How can you incorporate these elements into your own garden? We’re in a different hardiness zone than Shakespeare’s homeland. Learn about the closest Shakespeare Garden right here in Cedar Rapids. Discover the garden that’s been in existence since its 1927 inception.
Click here to register for the fair and preview all available classes.
Events & Programs Committee Meeting
Join the Events & Programs Committee for a meeting on October 30th at Winestyles.
