Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden

Nice little botanical garden (mostly roses, doh) and some additional plants that you won’t see at too many other parks here in Raleigh.
There were at least a dozen or so benches and picnic tables spread out throughout the property, as well as one or two larger grassy areas to lounge in the sun or just run around with kids, dogs, etc.
The entire park is sunken probably 1 to 2 stories below street /​ground level, so it is pretty quiet there and doesn’t feel at all like you are only a few blocks from Cameron Village and one of the busiest parts of the city.
Overall this is a very nice little spot to come spend an hour to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

What’s not to love about the Rose Garden? I mean really where else can you find a beautiful space like this to enjoy the great outdoors. I’ve been here several times now for all different occasions including: weddings, dates, walk-​a-​bouts, and most recently an outdoor concert.
The space is so versatile they have this amazing stage for theatre and live music with the old school stone seating for all to enjoy. Bathrooms in the main building made the space extra special to rent out for a large event. The roses are stunning you won’t see anything else like it.
Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or to impress a date check out this magnificent space. The Groove in the Garden event that just recently was hosted at The Rose Garden just goest to show what a unique space this is for live music, they better bring it back next year.
Bring your pups, bring your kids and just get out there and enjoy all the green space we have here in the Raleigh area.

SUCH a BEAUTIFUL place!
I was in a wedding here last year and it was a gorgeous venue.
I also attended a concert series here Saturday and it was easily accessible and a good place to have an event.

The Raleigh Rose Garden is undeniably gorgeous. I can’t get enough of this place — a stroll through the garden in the evening is equal parts whimsical and therapeutic.
But here’s the thing: this place is well known locally as a popular wedding venue, and my sister decided to hold her outdoor wedding there. While the event was stunning (thanks to one hell of an event planner and the setting itself), I was time and time again floored by how awful the event coordination staff is there.
Not only did they double book the garden for the date my sister had put a deposit down for 6 months in advance, she didn’t find out about the double booking until a friend happened to mention that a play was to take place there on the same evening as her wedding (just a month before their date). The event manager then proceeded to tell her there was «nothing he could do» and gave her (a bride, freaking out about her venue suddenly being booked out from under her) a *really* hard time about it. I believe is exact words were, «What do you want me to do?»
While the higher-​ups at the Little Theater found out about the error and were able to move the performance, the event manager continued to be difficult about the entire thing. When the wedding planner wrote to thank all of the vendors for their efforts in pulling it all off, the rose garden event coordinator responded by telling her that their tent caused «damage to the roses» and told the wedding planner (who was extremely sweet and professional) that he «would let her continue to plan events there «for now,» but that she couldn’t use that tent company ever again. We have photographic evidence that the proper type of tent weighting was used, and I’m thoroughly convinced this guy has a (ahem) thorn in his side and was unnecessarily being a (cough, cough) prick.
At any rate — I’d highly recommend taking a stroll through this beautiful spot, but would warn against planning an event there. I couldn’t believe the horrendous customer service — especially towards a bride and groom who were paying good money to use the space for a very important day.

absolutely beautiful I used to come here when I was a little girl and play in the gardens. great if you’re looking for a place to take pictures :)

who needs Xanax when you can have The Rose Garden? This place is incredible! Calming, relaxing, and beautiful, The Rose Garden is a great place to go for a lazy day outdoors! Bring a book, and some music, and there are few ways better to hit the «Reset» button on life. Whether you camp out on one of the many benches, picnic tables, in the gazebo, or soak up some Vit D on the amphitheater side, The Rose Garden is a nice little hideout in Raleigh, away from the stress and day-​to-​day chaos of life.

I took advantage of a warm sunny February day for a quiet visit at the Rose Garden. (Ok that’s not entirely true, I had a model with me and we took some photos there.) While winter certainly isn’t the prime time to enjoy the beauty of the roses, you will find a winter visit a good time to sit in a quiet environment and enjoy the sun’s warmth.
I have been during prime rose blooming season, and it is a lovely place to enjoy the beautiful gardens. During that season just remember a whole lot of Raleigh folks will be doing the same thing, so expect lots of company.
parking can be difficult with the garden’s proximity to N C State. Make sure if you use their parking lot that you park in the correctly marked spaces, as some of them require a permit and NCSU students will sometimes try to take advantage of free parking close to campus — if RPD is patrolling the parking lot it is a $ 30 ticket if you are parked in the wrong place.

Although small (we sat on the balcony), the production of «Rocky Horror Picture Show» was spectacular! This is a very low budget theater, so don’t expect Broadway, but do expect fantastic talent and a fun time! The lobby area is small and a little dingy, with a folding table for concessions. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to drink inside the theater, but you can have a cup (yes, plastic cup) of wine before entering. The seats are comfortable enough and the view from the balcony was good.
This is the only show I’ve been to here, but I would absolutely go back. The performers were SPOT ON with their characters and very talented singers and actors. I was impressed! This is a fun show anyway, with tons of audience participation (dancing in the aisles, yelling out, etc).
I highly recommend it!

My love is like a red red rose that’s newly sprung in June…
Whenever I visit the Raleigh Little Theater Rose Garden this poem by Robert Burns always comes to mind. This little rose garden is one of those hidden gems that can be easily overlooked because it is practically hidden literally. It’s located behind the Raleigh Little Theater located on Pogue Street, only a few blocks from NSCU and Cameron Village. You can’t see this garden from the road. If you follow Pogue Street around to the point about 180 degrees from the theater, you still can’t see the garden especially in the summer when all the deciduous trees and shrubs are flourishing with leaves. But don’t let it’s difficultly to find keep you from visiting and enjoying this beautiful little garden. Park along Pogue Street and find a staircase down into the gardens or find a spot in the small parking lot to the left of the theater. Oh, if you are handicapped this is an access road behind the theater (this road is to the right of the theater) where you can park steps from the garden and not have to traverse any stairs.
There are row after row of roses and there is a row of climbing roses that is spectacular. There is a stone and wood arbor along one end of the garden that creates a cool tunnel to walk through. There are sunny areas and shade areas for all kinds of activities.
Some of the things I’ve seen in the garden:
*couples having a picnic
*families, couples, and brides having their photos taken
*photographers capturing the beauty of the garden
*a very flexible man doing yoga
*a wedding
*college co-​eds sunbathing
*people relaxing and reading a book (maybe some poetry?)
There are a few picnic tables but you are welcome to bring a blanket to throw on the grass. The roses bloom all summer long but one of the best times to visit the garden is during the first blooming in May or June depending on the weather. So take time out of your busy, hectic schedule to visit this rose garden and SMELL THE ROSES.

We recently attend a wedding at the Rose Garden. What a beautiful nuptial setting! The roses were all in full bloom with a wide variety of colors. White chairs for set up for the guests. I’m not sure if the audio equipment was provided by the couple or by the garden that we were able to hear the ceremony very well. There is a little shelter at the back that served as the perfect place for refreshments. I would guess that there were approximately 50 guests. If you’re looking for a beautiful spot for an outdoor wedding, check it out!

One of my good friends from high school had a beautiful wedding ceremony in the Raleigh Rose Garden last Saturday. I could think of few places more lovely to get married. Aside from the obvious pretty backdrop, I’m sure she saved a ton of money by skipping the florist. ;)
Although the wedding was fairly small, the garden itself was very spacious and could hold a much larger party. My only complaint would be that the open area isn’t shaded at all, allowing you to experience the full beauty of the roses, but was awful hot in the midday sun (not that the Garden could do anything about the amount of sweat that was rushing down my back in my silk dress).
Other than that, it was lovely, and I’d highly recommend the Rose Garden to those interested in sharing nuptials outdoors.

One of my earlier and most awkward romantic encounters happened in the Raleigh Rose Garden. I am in no way going to elaborate on that, but you’ll have to understand that there’s a certain amount of nostalgia mixed with horror when I speak of this place. Which is really rather fitting.
During the spring and summer, it’s really a majestic spot. Colorful, beautiful, and smelling like… well…roses. Once the weather cools off, though, I think the keepers of the garden just give up. It all turns to the color of dirt and becomes instantly as uninviting at this point as it was beautiful only a few months (or even weeks) prior.
I’m in awe of the adorable little amphitheater attached to it, and I would spend many a night with a friend there talking about one day finding out what it would take to do a production of Waiting for Godot there.
We never did. Sigh…

I can’t believe this place isn’t even listed yet! This little spot is one of my favorite places in Raleigh.
The Rose Garden is a great spot to bring a date or a friend and just hang out or enjoy a picnic. There are more roses here then I’ve ever seen in a single spot (now mind you I’m no rose expert) and if you go at the right time of year it’s really a magnificent thing to behold. The garden, as far as I know, stays open 24 hours (there’s no real way for them to close it). There’s lots of little benches and a covered gazebo.
We actually looked at renting this place for our wedding, and I’m kind of disappointed that we didn’t, but we’re looking at a fall date, and there’s nothing romantic about roses that aren’t in bloom. It’s still a nice place to hang out in and enjoy some quiet conversation. The only complaint I have about the Rose Garden is that at night there’s sometimes bums sleeping on the benches. It’s not a whole slew, but it can be surprising to be walking around at night and see a bum sleeping right in front of you. That’s only a night time thing, however, and during the day the garden is usually quiet and relaxing.
If you’re looking for a nice quiet place in the day in Raleigh, or if you just love seeing multitudes of roses, this is the spot for you.