The UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum is hitting a major milestone this year, celebrating 35 years as one of Austin’s most quietly iconic cultural spaces. Tucked right next to Zilker Park, it has always felt like that hidden pocket of the city you forget about until you go back and wonder why you don’t visit more often.

Originally the home and studio of artist Charles Umlauf and his wife Angeline, the property was gifted to the City of Austin in 1985 along with a collection of 168 sculptures. What exists today officially opened in 1991, shaped by landscape architect Ann Coleman and designed with a museum gallery and terrace by architect Lawrence Speck. Over the years, it has grown into something much bigger than a sculpture garden. It is a place where art, nature, and community all kind of overlap in a way that feels very Austin.

The collection has expanded significantly, now including more than 2,000 drawings and 273 sculptures by Charles Umlauf, with dozens of works always on display. Beyond the art itself, the space has built a strong reputation for community programming, from free monthly Family Days to Summer Camp and Shaping Space, an after school program serving Title I schools. Those efforts bring in more than 35,000 visitors each year, which says a lot for a place that still somehow feels like a local secret.

To mark the anniversary, the UMLAUF is bringing back one of its most popular events, the Garden Party, happening Thursday, April 16, 2026. This is not your typical fundraiser. It is one of those events where Austin’s food scene shows up in a big way.

This year’s theme, “Amore, Garden Party,” leans into an Italian inspired vibe, with more than 25 of Austin’s top restaurants and chefs serving bites throughout the evening. The lineup is stacked and very local, featuring names like Maudie’s Tex Mex, Moonshine Grill, Truluck’s, Juliet Italian Kitchen, Yamas Greek Kitchen and Bar, Kalimotxo, Ranch 616, Eberly, Intero, El Alma, Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Salt Traders, Garbo’s Lobster, Lucky Robot, Maie Day, and Olamaie, led by chef Amanda Turner, who is being honored at this year’s event.

On the drinks side, Twin Liquors will be pouring premium wines while Tito’s Handmade Vodka handles cocktails. Live music from Joshua Alderete and The Fellowship will carry the night, which basically guarantees it turns into one of those Austin evenings where you plan to stay an hour and end up staying way longer.

The Garden Party is more than just a good time. It is a key fundraiser that supports the UMLAUF’s year round programming, including free public events, youth education, exhibitions, and community outreach. Since many of those programs are offered at no cost, events like this play a major role in keeping everything running.

Sponsors for this year’s event include H-E-B, Twin Liquors, Tito’s, and C3, all helping bring the night together.

General Admission tickets for Garden Party are still available at umlaufsculpture.org/gardenparty. The Garden Party Raffle, featuring an exquisite package from the Four Seasons, is now open and available to the public.

Details on the Live Auction, hosted by Biddy Up Auctioneer, and the silent auction are live now on the UMLAUF’s website.