A sneak peek of one of the gardens on this year’s tour.
Historic Fort Worth has named Brent Rowan Hyder as the honoree for the organization’s 22nd annual Hidden Gardens Tour, planned for May 15 and 17.
During the always-anticipated Hidden Gardens Tour, five private landscapes will be on view, offering the public a rare, rain-or-shine look inside some of Fort Worth’s most unique home gardens. Exactly which homes will be on public display remains unknown, “hidden” until the event.
The two-day event will begin at 5 p.m. May 15 with a gourmet patron dinner and sunset tour honoring preservationist Hyder. Friday night patrons’ dinner tickets are on sale now for this limited event, which features a docent-led tour on air-conditioned buses for a private viewing of the gardens. Following the exclusive tour will be cocktails and a sit-down dinner at The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth.
“It’s always a beautiful evening,” said Gretchen Davis, a spokesperson for Historic Fort Worth. “We have quite a few regulars who are there every year.”
Then May 17, a Sunday afternoon, self-paced tour will be available from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets for the afternoon event are $40 and required for all attendees.
Meet the “Restoreinovationist”
Brent Rowan Hyder, 2026 honoree
Hyder, a self-professed “restoreinovationist,” has a long history of advocating for historic preservation. He is known for his support for Fort Worth’s historic neighborhoods, architecture, and landscapes.
Hyder credits being reared in the city’s Arlington Heights neighborhood with fostering his interest in maintaining Fort Worth’s cultural history. Through the Brent Rowan Hyder Foundation, he has invested in renovating historic houses, championed civic landmarks, and backed efforts to improve public spaces. His work has included upgrades to Donnelly Park, located within his beloved Arlington Heights, and he serves on the Tarrant County Historical Commission.
“He’s been a really big proponent of historic preservation,” Davis said of the honoree. “He’s very active in the community and is a longtime champion of Historic Fort Worth.”
Tickets Selling Now
Tickets for Fort Worth’s 2026 Hidden Gardens Tour may be purchased through Historic Fort Worth’s website where guests can select either the patrons’ dinner on May 15 or the public tour on May 17. Prices for the May 15 event range from $250 for an individual ticket up to a $10,000 sponsor level for a table of 10. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and confirmation details are delivered by email.
Founded in 1969, Historic Fort Worth’s mission is to protect and maintain the city’s architectural and cultural heritage. The non-profit offers research, education, and advocacy for important buildings and neighborhoods, in addition to providing preservation programs to promote Fort Worth’s historic identity. The Hidden Gardens Tour serves as an annual fundraiser for Historic Fort Worth’s preservation projects.
This preview from the 2026 tour highlights a sitting area in one of Fort Worth’s most beautiful gardens.
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