Go Bananas!

The Houston Botanic Garden’s popular Go Bananas! festival falls on the last Summer Saturday of 2026, so the festivities move to the late afternoon and early evening. This fun and family friendly annual event draws attention to the many varieties of edible and ornamental Musa (banana) — the world’s largest herb! — in the Garden’s living plant collections.

During Go Bananas, attendees can sample different banana varieties, shop a festive market featuring local vendors, visit with the Garden’s horticulturists to learn tips for growing bananas at home, and even purchase a plant(s) from the Garden’s collection. The day features activities for every age and interest. The banana bread baking competition — featuring curated entries from local bakeries judged by a panel of previously selected judges — returns, and neighborhood Tex-Mex restaurant Maria Rita’s will be back selling adult beverages.

Access to the entire Garden, including the interactive water play in the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, is also part of the Go Bananas! experience.

Like all of the Garden’s six annual festivals, Go Bananas! tickets are $20/adult, $16/child/student/senior/military. Members can use the free general admission benefit(s) associated with their level of membership to attend at no additional charge.

NEW FOR 2026: A Tasting Lounge ticket — $45/adult, $41/child/student/senior/military — gets you admission to the festival PLUS exclusive access to our climate-controlled lounge where you can sample tasty food prepared by local chef Mars Wasterval of Earth to Mars Cafe.

Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for daytime events — including festivals — which are held rain or shine.