Lupine flowers. Photo: Pam Wright

Ely Garden Party

wildflowers with Garden Party text

2026 Ely Garden Party

Join us on the banks of the South Kawishiwi River for an afternoon of live music, great food, and community — all in celebration of permanently protecting the Boundary Waters.

When: Sunday, July 12, 2026: 3–6 PM
Where: South Kawishiwi River Campground Pavilion, Ely, MN
Cost: Free to attend. Donations welcome.

 

Event tent at Kawishiwi Pavilion

What to expect: 

This year's Garden Party is bigger and better than ever. Come hungry, ready to connect with community, dance to great music, and help raise critical funds to permanently protect the Boundary Waters.

  • Live music: Enjoy live music from Courtney Yasmineh, Shagawa Shorty and the Greenstone Gals, and Rory van James. 

  • Program updates: Hear from Executive Director Ingrid Lyons on where the fight to permanently protect the Boundary Waters currently is, and from Boundary Waters Connect Manager Lacey Squier on Boundary Waters Connect's current  efforts to build a more vibrant Wilderness edge community and economy

  • Food and drinks: Enjoy delicious food, drinks, and desserts on the shores of the Kawishiwi River

  • Kids activities: Bring the entire family. We're working on some special activities for kids — stay tuned for details.