The chance to take a swim at Filoli is just one of several new summer offerings at the historic house and garden in Woodside, and it’s already a popular activity.
The first couple pool parties sold out quickly, but Filoli added three more dates to take a dip: July 1, 23 and 30, 5:30-8 p.m. each evening. An $85 ticket gets you in the pool; a $180 lounger ticket also includes a guaranteed poolside chair, two drink tickets, an item from the grill, dedicated table service, and a Filoli keepsake towel.
While Filoli’s Summer Nights have been going on for a while, this year the number of opportunities to pack a picnic dinner to enjoy on the grounds has doubled. Filoli is open on Thursdays as well as Wednesdays, 5-8 p.m., through Sept. 19. Visitors can bring their own food and drink or avail themselves of food truck fare and libations as they hang out on the lawn and listen to acoustic music.
The estate home and garden are open for self-guided tours during the event, and horticulturists and staff are on hand to school visitors in the current plant life and the history of Filoli.
General admission is $38 at filoli.org/summer-nights, with special rates for Filoli members. For $75, visitors can include a 2-mile, guided sunset hike in their Summer Nights package. filoli.org/sunset-hikes
For a more hands-on experience, Filoli is hosting a series of flora parties, where designers from Nigella SF will help guests create floral arrangements. The $150 fee includes materials, sparkling wine, rosé and light snacks. Guest can stroll in the garden before and after the party.
The parties are on Wednesday, July 10, 6-8 p.m.; Thursday, July 11, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.; and Saturday, July 13, 10am-noon and 2-4 p.m. Register at filoli.org/parties
Performers Filoli’s Summer Stage concert series will take the stage in late August. The series opens Aug. 16 with a bluegrass night featuring Never Come Down. Alt pop artist Paravi plays Aug. 17, followed on Aug. 18 by Alex Manham and his orchestra performing jazz and swing. The Outlaw Mariachi play Aug. 20. Wreckless Strangers add some bluesy rock to the mix on Aug. 25, and Trio Paz closes out the series Aug. 26 with Latin jazz.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. on concert nights; shows run 6:30-8 p.m. filoli.org/summer-stage
Those who like getting their hands dirty have several opportunities to do so at Filoli. The horticulture team needs help mulching, weeding and tidying the garden orchard on Aug. 6, 8 and 10, 9 a.m.-noon. Halfway through the session, volunteers learn about the history of the orchard and what best practices to use when working with fruit trees. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
Volunteers can come back in September to help prepare the Gentleman’s Orchard for Orchard Days by building a hay maze and mulching the trees and path. Dates are Sept. 11, 12 and 14, 9a.m.-noon. filoli.org/service-learning
