Prairie Experience 2025

An Evening of Culture, Community, and Conservation
Prairie Experience 2025 Blends Tradition, Taste, and Purpose in Goldthwaite

Highlights

This fall, the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. will once again come alive with the rhythms of history, heritage, and heart. On the evening of October 4, Prairie Experience 2025 promises a gathering that celebrates Native American culture while raising vital support for one of Central Texas’ most treasured institutions.

At the center of this year’s event is Nan Blassingame, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. Renowned for her captivating buckskin dance performances, Blassingame is not only a gifted dancer but also a Cedar Park-based fashion designer and cultural educator. With over two decades of experience, she has become a vital force in preserving and promoting Native American heritage through design, performance, and outreach. Her designs have also been featured at New York Fashion Week.

Guests will dine under the stars with a meal catered by Pecan House Grill, featuring a menu rooted in Native American culinary traditions. Whether choosing a savory meat dish or a flavorful vegetarian option, attendees can expect a thoughtful homage to the region’s original foodways.

The evening also includes both silent and live auctions, each packed with hand-selected treasures and one-of-a-kind experiences. From weekend getaways to artisan-crafted goods, the auctions offer something for every enthusiast while directly supporting the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc.

Supporting a Worthy Cause

Founded in 2004, the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. anchors Legacy Plaza with a mission to preserve the prehistoric lifeways and environmental heritage of the region. Through hands-on exhibits, native plant gardens, and educational programming, the garden teaches visitors of all ages how the land sustained ancient cultures—and how we can steward it today.

This year’s Prairie Experience sets its sights on raising $100,000 to fund educational programs serving both children and adults throughout the year and operational needs. As Executive Director Courtenay Smith puts it, “Each dollar raised helps us continue the work of blending science, culture, and nature in ways that transform how people see their world.”

Get Your Tickets Today

Tickets for Prairie Experience 2025 are available now through September 12. Reservations can be made online or by contacting Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. at (325) 451-1075 during business hours, Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Join us for an evening where tradition meets tomorrow—a celebration of spirit, story, and stewardship. Walk the gardens, stay for the dinner and Native American representation, and leave knowing you helped keep the story alive.