'Groovin' in the Garden' returning to Lewis Ginter this year

After a decade hiatus, the outdoor concert series Groovin’ in the Garden will be returning to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside this summer.

The initial event will be headlined by Carbon Leaf, a Richmond band that plays alt-country, Celtic, and folk-infused indie rock. That concert, on May 30, will mark the first time since 2013 that the outdoor series will have taken place at the venue. Last year, the garden held one "Groovin'" show, headlined by Gregory Alan Isakov and Lucius, which sold out and confirmed the Garden’s plans to bring back the Groovin’ series.

“The decision is especially fitting given 2024 is the Garden’s 40th anniversary,” said Brian Trader, president and CEO of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. “We know Groovin’ concerts are much-loved, and we’re looking forward to celebrating our community and our gardens with great music in a spectacular setting.”

Groovin’ in the Garden began in 1999 and continued at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden through 2013.

The Garden is partnering with Broadberry Entertainment Group on the Groovin’ series, which will include five to six concerts this summer and fall. The shows will take place in the Cochrane Rose Garden at Lewis Ginter. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the music will begin at 7 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase in the Garden during the concert. Blankets, tents, and canopies are not permitted. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

Tickets go on sale to the general public March 1 at 10 a.m. at lewisginter.org. Physical tickets also will be on sale at Plan 9 Records.