GSBF Bonsai Garden at lake Merritt

Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser
2025-03-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-03-02 09:00 - 15:00 UTC | CA
The Mammoth Auction & Sale fundraiser is held once a year in the winter at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt, Oakland, California. All proceeds go to support the bonsai garden’s yearly operations.
The Mammoth fundraiser is scheduled annually for the first full weekend in March.
On Saturday, there is a live auction of bonsai trees, pots, stands, and related art. Preview of auction items is from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Live auction is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
On Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there are numerous bonsai vendors from the greater San Francisco/Bay Area to sell bonsai trees, soil, pots, tools, and other bonsai goods.
On Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there is a bargain sale of bonsai trees, a ton of pots and other bonsai goods.
The annual fundraiser event is well attended by the bonsai community and the public.

Official Procedures PDF
Auction Forms
Sale Forms
Catalog PDF

BGLM Volunteer Appreciation Day
2025-09-01 11:00 - 14:30 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) annual Volunteer Appreciation Day. Enjoy a social and catered luncheon for all bonsai garden volunteers.
Please RSVP with Director Suzanne Muller and request meat or vegetarian options.

Autumn Moon-Viewing
2025-10-05 08:00 - 17:00 | Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt, 650 Bellevue Ave.,, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt supports the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association in their hosting of an evening of moon-viewing. The annual Otsukimi moon-viewing event is held on the Sunday closest to the full harvest moon each October at the Gardens at Lake Merritt. (https://www.oakland-fukuoka.org/home)
The harvest moon is a symbol of blessing and abundance for many cultures, including Japan.
Similar to tea parties, the moon viewing parties are occasions for sharing food and stories, while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year.
BGLM opens its gate from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. for special guests of the Otsukimi moon-viewing party to be among bonsai masterpieces.
Reservation required.
For reservations – Call 510.325.3729 or email ofsca1962@gmail.com.

Autumn Lights Festival
2025-10-16 18:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-15 18:00 - 23:00, 2026-10-17 18:00 - 23:00 | Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM) takes pride in Oakland’s Autumn Lights Festival (ALF). The three-night event raises funds for the Gardens at Lake Merritt, which includes the BGLM.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of maintenance. Volunteers provide much needed care and maintenance. The gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Oakland and provide public educational programs. (https://gardensatlakemerritt.org/)

Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser
2026-03-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
On Saturday, there is a live auction of bonsai trees, pots, stands, and related art. Preview of auction items is from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Live auction is from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser
2026-03-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
On Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there are numerous bonsai vendors from the greater San Francisco/Bay Area to sell bonsai trees, soil, pots, tools, and other bonsai goods.
On Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there is a bargain sale of bonsai trees, a ton of pots and other bonsai goods.

World Bonsai Day
2026-05-09 10:00 - 15:30 | CA
World Bonsai Day was created in 2010 to promote bonsai and friendship throughout the world.
World Bonsai Day is celebrated to further bonsai awareness and appreciation world-wide.
The World Bonsai Friendship Federation World Bonsai Day celebrates the legacy of bonsai master Saburo Kato (1915-2008). A key figure in the modern history of bonsai. Kato was the third-generation owner of Mansei-en, located in Omiya (just north of Tokyo), one of the most famous bonsai nurseries in the world.
World Bonsai Day is recognized annually on the second Saturday of May.
Join us at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt for bonsai awareness and appreciation.

Oakland Lakefest 2026
2026-06-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
The Gardens at Lake Merritt will be closed on Saturday, June 27, 2026, due to Oakland Lakefest 2026. The Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt also will be closed.
LakeFest Oakland 2026 – Celebrate Music & Culture!

Autunm Lights Festival
2026-10-16 18:00 - 23:00 | Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States

Annual Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser
2027-01-23 11:00 - 17:00, 2027-01-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94610, United States
