Shinrin-yoku Sound Healing: A Forest Bathing Outdoor Sunset Sound Bath

Step into an evening of sensory renewal as we gather among the lush pathways and vibrant spring blooms of Sherman Library & Gardens for a sunset sound healing experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Surrounded by flowering botani......More

Step into an evening of sensory renewal as we gather among the lush pathways and vibrant spring blooms of Sherman Library & Gardens for a sunset sound healing experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Surrounded by flowering botanicals, gentle ocean air, and the golden light of dusk, this outdoor immersion invites you to slow your pace, deepen your breath, and reconnect with the living rhythms of nature. The garden itself becomes a co-facilitator, with fragrance, color, and natural soundscapes enhancing the restorative effects of the journey. As the sun begins to set, a carefully curated sound bath unfolds using crystal singing bowls, planetary gongs, and nature-inspired instruments that mirror the elemental qualities of earth, air, fire, and water. Low, grounding tones support the body in releasing tension into the earth beneath you, while airy harmonics and shimmering overtones awaken spaciousness in the mind and heart. The resonance of sound weaves seamlessly with birdsong, rustling leaves, and the subtle shift in evening light, creating a multi-sensory meditation that nourishes the nervous system and restores energetic balance. This experience is designed to help you clear mental fatigue, soften emotional buildup, and open yourself to the quiet intelligence of the natural world. Held during the height of the season’s floral expression, the blooming landscape symbolizes renewal, growth, and gentle transformation, mirroring the inner unfolding that can occur when we give ourselves permission to simply receive. You’ll leave feeling grounded yet uplifted, calm yet inspired, and more deeply attuned to both your inner landscape and the beauty that surrounds you. Good to Know: We recommend wearing loose, warm, and cozy layered clothing, and bringing a blanket for comfort. For the best experience, use a cushion under your yoga mat or bring an extra-thick mat to keep you fully supported and relaxed. Additional suggested items include bottled water, pillow, eye mask, and ear plugs (if you have sound sensitivity). Price:$45 members$55 non-members Purchase Tickets

Carnivorous Bog

Join horticulturist Dylan Zoeller for a tour of our carnivorous bog at Sherman Library and Gardens.  Discover different species and how their amazing adaptations have helped them become the ultimate predators. Free with garden admission.  No pre-registration required....More

Join horticulturist Dylan Zoeller for a tour of our carnivorous bog at Sherman Library and Gardens.  Discover different species and how their amazing adaptations have helped them become the ultimate predators. Free with garden admission.  No pre-registration required.

Little Seedlings Story Time

Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join us every Friday as we share our favorite stories, picture books and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers. Drop-in, meet in Central Garden. Free of charge.

Talk and Q&A: ‘An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants’

Everything you need to know about carnivorous plants. Take a look at what makes carnivorous plants different from other plants as well as some of the common characteristics you might see within the different genera of carnivorous plants. Free with garden admission.

Carnivorous Plant Show and Sale

Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts will be presenting a judged show of unique carnivorous plants from around the world. Members and vendors will be selling a wide range of plants and supplies providing quality materials to those interested in carnivorous ......More

Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts will be presenting a judged show of unique carnivorous plants from around the world. Members and vendors will be selling a wide range of plants and supplies providing quality materials to those interested in carnivorous plants – experienced and novice alike. Come along with your questions for our experts and take home some tips to care for your new plants. Free with garden admission.

Talk and Q&A: ‘An Introduction to Carnivorous Plants’

Everything you need to know about carnivorous plants. Take a look at what makes carnivorous plants different from other plants as well as some of the common characteristics you might see within the different genera of carnivorous plants. Free with garden admission.

Carnivorous Plant Show and Sale

Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts will be presenting a judged show of unique carnivorous plants from around the world. Members and vendors will be selling a wide range of plants and supplies providing quality materials to those interested in carnivorous ......More

Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts will be presenting a judged show of unique carnivorous plants from around the world. Members and vendors will be selling a wide range of plants and supplies providing quality materials to those interested in carnivorous plants – experienced and novice alike. Come along with your questions for our experts and take home some tips to care for your new plants. Free access with garden admission

Cognition as We Age: Separating Fact from Fiction

There is a lot of interest, and some confusion, about how our thinking changes as we age. In this evening talk, Dr. Matthew Grilli will explain what typical cognitive aging looks like and how it differs from dementia. He will also share practical tips for supporting a h......More

There is a lot of interest, and some confusion, about how our thinking changes as we age. In this evening talk, Dr. Matthew Grilli will explain what typical cognitive aging looks like and how it differs from dementia. He will also share practical tips for supporting a healthy brain and highlight the latest research on dementia prevention. Attendees will learn that many cognitive changes in later life are subtle. Contrary to popular belief, several abilities remain stable or even improve with age. Recent research suggests that some age-related changes may reflect adaptive, motivated shifts in thinking rather than simple decline. The talk will also cover what science currently knows, and does not know, about the role of health and social activities in protecting against cognitive decline. Dr. Grilli will draw fascinating parallels between how humans and nature age, connecting the discussion to the historic Sherman Library & Gardens and the importance of preserving community history. Dr. Matthew Grilli, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Arizona and directs the Human Memory Laboratory. His research focuses on how the brain stores and retrieves memories, the impact of aging and brain injury on cognition, and effective interventions for improving everyday memory. He serves as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on multiple awards from the National Institute on Aging, Department of Defense, and other major research organizations. Dr. Grilli has received over $25 million in research funding and published more than 70 scientific articles and chapters. Price:$10 Members$20 Non-MembersPurchase Tickets

Dive in at Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory (Newport Harbor)

Caltech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory is one of America’s longest running marine labs featuring a storied background in worldclass research right here in Corona del Mar. This tour will feature the history of this marine station and the current projects happening locally......More

Caltech’s Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory is one of America’s longest running marine labs featuring a storied background in worldclass research right here in Corona del Mar. This tour will feature the history of this marine station and the current projects happening locally in Southern California and throughout the world. Participants will get an opportunity to experience hands-on interactions with marine life and see the research happening in real time. TransportationParticipants are responsible for their own transportation to the Kerckhoff Marine Laboratory. Specific driving and parking directions will be given to registered participants by email in advance of the excursion on June 25.  AccessibilityThis 2-hour excursion involves walking up stairs and in behind-the-scenes areas. Some parts of the tour will include climbing stairs please let Sherman staff know if you need mobility accommodations in advance of this excursion.  Members-Only Excursions are an exciting new benefit exclusively for Sherman Library & Gardens members. Designed to delight our cherished membership community, these special outings offer unique opportunities to explore remarkable places beyond our garden walls. Participation is reserved for those with active memberships. To confirm your membership status, please contact Sherman Library & Gardens at 949-673-2261.  Cost:$20 (Members Only) Purchase Tickets

Little Seedlings Story Time

Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join us every Friday as we share our favorite stories, picture books and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers. Drop-in, meet in Central Garden. Free of charge.

A Journey through Japanese Tea Types: A Guided Tea Tasting Experience

Explore Japanese teas through a hands-on tea experience. Enjoy a curated tasting flight of four distinctive Japanese teas, including green, oolong, and black varietiesDiscover how different production methods shape each tea’s flavor and aroma, alongside firsthand storie......More

Explore Japanese teas through a hands-on tea experience. Enjoy a curated tasting flight of four distinctive Japanese teas, including green, oolong, and black varietiesDiscover how different production methods shape each tea’s flavor and aroma, alongside firsthand stories from volunteering on tea farms in JapanLearn to brew your own tea using a traditional Japanese teapot (kyusu)Finish with a traditional Japanese tea sweet, paired with teaMichelle Chen, owner of Kaeru Tea, brings firsthand experience from volunteering on tea farms in rural Japan, where she learned to harvest and process tea. She holds advanced certifications from the Global Japanese Tea Association (Kyoto) and Tea Talk Academy (Taiwan), and she also practices the Japanese tea ceremony (sado, table-style). Price:Member: $50Non-member: $60Purchase Tickets

Evening Talk Sneak Peek: New Duke Mural in Corona del Mar

Gates Open at 5:30 p.m. Before the evening talk at 6:30 p.m., join us for a special community gathering celebrating Murals Beyond the Garden Walls, Sherman Library & Gardens’ public art initiative that brings art, history, and storytelling into the community while suppo......More

Gates Open at 5:30 p.m. Before the evening talk at 6:30 p.m., join us for a special community gathering celebrating Murals Beyond the Garden Walls, Sherman Library & Gardens’ public art initiative that brings art, history, and storytelling into the community while supporting local artists. Guests will receive an update on the program and learn about its newest installation in Corona del Mar. Located at Crown Ace Hardware (corner of Jasmine and PCH), the mural honors Duke Kahanamoku and commemorates the Great Rescue of 1925, a pivotal event that transformed ocean rescue practices. The mural provides a meaningful connection to the evening’s program celebrating Newport Beach and its rich lifeguarding history. This community-driven project was made possible through the collaboration and support of local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders. We invite you to meet representatives from several of the partners who helped bring this mural to life:• OluKai• City of Newport Beach, Mayor Lauren Kleiman• Newport Beach Lifeguard Department• Ben Carlson Foundation• Third Thursdays Leadership team Learn more about the mural, the partnerships behind it, and the ongoing impact of the Murals Beyond the Garden Walls program here. Must purchase tickets ”How Tragedy and a Russian Forged the World’s Greatest Lifeguard Department” to attend this event.Purchase Tickets

How Tragedy and a Russian Forged the World’s Greatest Lifeguard Department

What does it take to build one of the most elite lifeguard departments in the world? In Newport Beach, it began with tragedy, dangerous waters, and an unlikely immigrant who believed drownings were preventable. In this talk, former lifeguard and Newport Beach historian ......More

What does it take to build one of the most elite lifeguard departments in the world? In Newport Beach, it began with tragedy, dangerous waters, and an unlikely immigrant who believed drownings were preventable. In this talk, former lifeguard and Newport Beach historian laureate Bill Lobdell tells the story of how vision, innovation, and persistence shaped a world-class lifesaving institution. More than 100 years ago, the Newport Beach harbor entrance claimed dozens of lives. Early efforts to form a lifeguard service failed, including one group of “lifesavers” who could not swim. Into this environment came Antar “Tony” Deraga, a Russian immigrant and Crimean War veteran who saw a different future. From his meteorological station atop Lookout Point, Deraga studied ocean conditions and patterns of disaster. He became the town’s de facto lifeguard and pushed for structure, training, and professionalism at a time when none existed. By introducing rigorous standards and early innovations, including the use of aircraft for observation, he helped transform a loose effort into one of the first professional lifeguard departments in the U.S. by 1923, setting a standard that still defines Newport Beach today. What you will walk away with You’ll leave this evening program with a clear understanding of why Newport’s coastline was so deadly, how early rescue efforts failed, and how Tony Deraga’s leadership helped create modern lifeguarding standards. About Bill Lobdell Bill Lobdell is Newport Beach’s first historian laureate and creator of “Newport Beach in the Rearview Mirror,” a popular video series and podcast about the city’s history. His work has generated over eight million views and more than 50,000 downloads. A former editor of the Daily Pilot and award-winning investigative reporter for the Los Angeles Times, he is also the author of Losing My Religion. He lives in Corona del Mar. Price:Members: $10Non-members: $20Purchase Tickets

Shinrin-yoku Sound Healing: A Forest Bathing Outdoor Sunset Sound Bath. (July)

Step into an evening of sensory renewal as we gather among the lush pathways and vibrant spring blooms of Sherman Library & Gardens for a sunset sound healing experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Surrounded by flowering botani......More

Step into an evening of sensory renewal as we gather among the lush pathways and vibrant spring blooms of Sherman Library & Gardens for a sunset sound healing experience inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Surrounded by flowering botanicals, gentle ocean air, and the golden light of dusk, this outdoor immersion invites you to slow your pace, deepen your breath, and reconnect with the living rhythms of nature. The garden itself becomes a co-facilitator, with fragrance, color, and natural soundscapes enhancing the restorative effects of the journey Price:Member: $45Non-Member: $55Purchase Tickets

Little Seedlings Story Time

Explore nature through the wonderful world of books. Join us every Friday as we share our favorite stories, picture books and poems. Perfect for preschool children and their caregivers. Drop-in, meet in Central Garden. Free of charge.