Prairie Experience 2026

Tickets are officially available—join us in celebrating culture, conservation, and community!

This fall, a truly special evening returns to Central Texas. On Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 p.m., the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center, Inc. (TBGNAIC) cordially invites you to attend the seventeenth edition of its annual signature fundraiser designed to inspire, connect, and give back. More than a single evening, the event celebrates regional lifeways and Native American traditions while sustaining a place dedicated to preserving history, land, and cultural heritage for future generations.

An Evening to Remember

Guests will enjoy a distinctive dining experience by Pecan House Grill with Native American–inspired cuisine and regional ingredients, including bison in a wild mushroom sauce, a Three Sisters medley of corn, beans, and squash, and a signature pecan dessert.

The evening features a dynamic performance by Sean and Jason Soukkala of Native Pride Productions, who bring Native traditions to life with authenticity, artistry, and energy. A member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and a Grass Dancer from northern Minnesota, Soukkala has traveled throughout the United States and abroad sharing the knowledge passed down to him by Anishinaabe elders and mentors through education, performance, and community engagement. He and his young son Jason have appeared together at cultural festivals, including the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, creating powerful experiences that foster understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures.

Throughout the night, guests can also participate in high-end raffles and silent and live auctions featuring curated items, artisan pieces, and exclusive experiences, with all proceeds supporting TBGNAIC’s mission to provide dynamic, interactive, life-long learning experiences while identifying, preserving, and showcasing the rich prehistoric and environmental aspects of rural Central Texas.

Rooted in Purpose

Since 2004, TBGNAIC has been a living museum and classroom where the natural world and human history intersect. Guided by four pillars—Prehistory & Archaeology, Ecology & Climate, Conservation & Stewardship, and Native American History & Culture—the organization offers immersive exhibits, native plant landscapes, and hands-on programs that connect visitors to the past while promoting responsible stewardship today, offering multiple ways of exploring native ecosystems and engaging with Indigenous history.

Your Impact

This year, Prairie Experience 2026 aims to net $150,000 to support educational programs for youth and adults and sustain the Gardens as a vital community resource. Your generosity ensures that stories are honored, traditions endure, and our mission continues to flourish. Join us in celebrating culture, conservation, and community—every contribution helps our shared heritage take root!