Pack a Picnic

Dixon Gallery and Gardens Guidelines for Picnics

To ensure that the Garden is a serene environment for all our guests, we ask that picnic groups follow the guidelines listed below during their visit! 

Picnic hours are 10:00am to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 to 4:30 on Sundays.

Please picnic in the following areas: Tables and chairs in the fan area, near the admissions booth South Lawn

Please return all tables and chairs to their original positions after use. Tables and seating may not be reserved.

Rules and Guidelines:

• Always remove all the items you bring with you.
• Carry out your trash or dispose of it in trash cans.
• Trash cans are located near the admissions booth, the tables and chairs in the fan area, and by the main entrance to the museum.
• Be mindful of other guests and help keep the Gardens relaxing and peaceful for all – no loud music or electronic devices, no disruptive activities (yard games, races, ball games), etc.
• Do not step into the cultivated garden beds.
• Picnic items should be packed in non-breakable containers (no glass).
• Please leave tents, tables, large coolers, and chairs at home. These items can damage the garden spaces and detract from the beauty of the gardens.
• Please dress appropriately – no sunbathing or swimsuits.
• Always remain with your picnic items and remove them before enjoying the galleries or other garden areas.

To keep the garden as accessible as possible, unauthorized group events (weddings, memorials, reunions, field trips, or gatherings with more than 10 people) are not allowed. 

For information about booking a wedding or larger event, please visit our venue rental page. School groups, please visit our tours page to arrange tours and picnic opportunities.

Other Picnic locations:

Audubon Park: located at the corner of Goodlet and Park Ave., a public park just down the road. To reserve a covered pavilion at Audubon Park, or at any other Memphis Park pavilion, please visit the Memphis Parks Page.

Still haven't found what you're looking for? Explore other great locations to hold picnics in Memphis.
 

Please be aware that the following are never allowed:

• Smoking, tobacco, or e-cigarettes.
• Outside alcohol - alcohol may be purchased from Park + Cherry Café.
• Athletic equipment, including but not limited to bikes (bikes must be parked in the designated spots in the parking areas), scooters, skateboards, frisbees, kites, balls, water guns and balloons, and yard games.
• Grills, outdoor cooking equipment, and/or campfires. Any items that produce a flame should be left at home.
• Balloons, flags, large décor items or any items that are staked in the ground.
• Drones or other forms of UAV.
• Pets and other animals, excluding service animals.