Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date of the 2026 SGC Tour?
June 7, 2026
What are the hours for the 2026 SGC Tour?
10 - 4 PM
How many gardens are there to view?
Approximately 45
Is there a rain date?
No, the event is rain or shine
Will tickets sell out?
Tickets are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. We will be holding some tickets for in-person, day of sales.
How much do tickets cost?
If you are a Friend of the Library tickets are $25. General admission is $30, but please consider supporting our organizations by becoming a Friend today!
Do I need to buy a ticket for my child / children?
Children under 18 can attend the tour for free, no ticket required!
Is there a suggested route or transportation?
The gardens are spread out. Walking is recommended for clusters, but biking, public transportation, or short drives between neighborhoods may be necessary.
Are the gardens wheelchair or stroller accessible?
The event highlights private gardens, therefore we cannot guarantee wheelchair accessibility, as accessibility varies significantly by garden. Common obstacles include narrow walkways, stairs, and mulch or grass paths. Please reach out to us gardentour@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org with specific accessibility concerns.
How does the event work?
All attendees will receive a booklet for each ticket purchased. The booklets serve as your ticket and guidebook for the tour. The event is self-guided, and you may begin at any of the gardens listed in your booklet beginning at 10 AM. You can visit as many gardens as you like until the event ends at 4 PM.
How does ticketing work?
Your “ticket” to the tour is a physical or digital booklet that contains all of the gardens and information on the tour. You receive one physical booklet for each ticket purchased.
Tickets may sell out online! We will be holding some tickets for in-person, day of sales.
All tickets purchased on EventBrite from May 1st to May 22nd (while supplies last) will be shipped to the ticket purchaser at no additional cost.
For tickets purchased on EventBrite from May 23rd to June 6th (while supplies last), you have the option of physically picking up your booklets on the day of the tour, or using the digital booklet that will be emailed to all ticket purchasers the day of the event. If you purchase a ticket between May 23rd to June 6th you can pick up your physical booklet at the Main Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway) or Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mt Auburn St).
You can also purchase tickets in person on the day of the event (while supplies last) at the Main Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway) or Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mt Auburn St).
Where can I pick up tickets, buy tickets, or learn more about the event on the day of the tour?
Our team members will be stationed at the Main Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway), and Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mt Auburn St) on the day of the tour beginning at 9 AM to assist with ticket pick up, day of ticket sales, and to provide information about the tour.
How does the digital booklet work?
All ticket purchasers will receive an email with a PDF version of the booklet, regardless of when you purchased your ticket. For an optimal experience, we highly recommend securing physical booklets.
Will there be a map of the tour?
The booklets will feature neighborhood garden maps and a QR code linking to the full tour on Google Maps.
How long does the tour take?
Because the tour is self-guided, you can visit as many or as few gardens as you like. Most attendees spend 3-4 hours in the gardens.
Are dogs allowed on the tour?
With the exception of official service animals, dogs and other pets are strictly not allowed.
Are restrooms available on the tour?
Restrooms can be found at Longfellow House (105 Brattle Street), Main Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway), and Mount Auburn Cemetery (580 Mt Auburn St).
Are refunds available?
Due to the physical nature of the booklets, refunds are not available. This is a non-profit event, with all proceeds being donated to The Cambridge Public Library.
When will I receive my ticket by mail?
Tickets will begin shipping after May 22nd and arrive before the event on June 7th. If you purchased a ticket and it has not arrived by Saturday June 6th, please contact us at gardentour@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org.
Why should I become a Friend of the Cambridge Public Library?
By becoming a Friend of the Cambridge Public Library, you join a grassroots community that provides essential funding for innovative technologies, museum passes, and diverse programming that exceeds the limits of the city budget. Your membership directly empowers the library to serve all of Cambridge through enhanced literacy initiatives, special events, and resources that belong to everyone.
How do I become a Friend of the Cambridge Public Library?
Visit our website and donate any amount to become a Friend today.
Why should I become a Friend of Mount Auburn Cemetery?
By joining the Friends of Mount Auburn, you provide essential support for the preservation of this National Historic Landmark’s botanical collections, ecological initiatives, historic monuments and programming. Membership offers exclusive benefits including discounts and exclusive access to public programs like Winter Solstice, staying connected to culture, nature and history, and reciprocal admission to over 340 gardens across North America.
How do I become a Friend of Mount Auburn Cemetery?
Visit our website and donate any amount to become a Friend today.
Have questions not covered here?
Please reach out to us at gardentour@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org
Statement on accessibility
We strive to host inclusive events, and appreciate the importance of accessible spaces. However, the tour takes places in private gardens with varied terrain that may be difficult to access for those with limited mobility. Common obstacles include narrow walkways, stairs, and mulch or grass paths. If you have specific questions about the ease of entering and seeing a garden please contact us at gardentour@cambridgepubliclibraryfriends.org.