This year's celebration promises an unforgettable "party with purpose"
- What: Take Me to the Trees: A Redwoods Celebration
- Why: Benefitting Save the Redwoods League
- Where: National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park
- When: May 2, 2026
- GET TICKETS
Each spring since 2018, Save the Redwoods League supporters have gathered to celebrate the past year’s triumphs and to reflect on the important work ahead. Take Me to the Trees has grown into a beloved tradition—one that’s raised more than $6 million to revitalize coast redwood and giant sequoia forests across California’s redwood range.
On May 2, 2026, we return to the towering canopy of the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for an evening rooted in purpose, connection, and wonder. We are grateful to our generous presenting sponsor, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, for helping to make this joyous gathering possible.
Cocktails and community in the redwoods
The night kicks off at golden hour with redwood‑inspired cocktails and the chance to connect with fellow redwood fans beneath the trees. Music from The Campfire Quartet—blending classical, Latin, and jazz influences—will fill the grove, setting a lively tone for the night.
Strolling beneath the redwood canopy, guests will find a wide array of silent auction offerings, with a few playful surprises along the way. Silent auction highlights include:
- VIP Cloud Club tickets for a San Francisco Giants game
- Forest bathing among the old‑growth redwoods at Peters Creek
- Cabernet tasting and food pairing at the historic Sequoia Grove Winery
- Private tour and guided whiskey tasting at Redwood Empire Distillery
Dinner under the stars
As the sun sets, the gathering moves into a striking open‑air tent for a dinner designed by McCalls Catering, perfectly paired with wines from Sequoia Grove Winery. The redwood forest is defined by its details—from beautifully textured tree bark to brilliant yellow banana slugs—and that same level of magic carries through the distinct flavors and colors of the evening’s menu.
Guiding the night is Raj Mathai, the 12‑time Emmy Award–winning journalist (and three‑time Olympic torchbearer) from NBC Bay Area. Mathai will welcome guest speaker Tiffany Shlain, an acclaimed artist, Emmy‑nominated filmmaker, national bestselling author, and founder of the Webby Awards. Shlain has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the “Women Shaping the 21st Century.”
A live auction rooted in adventure
As dinner concludes, the energy builds for the live auction—a longtime highlight of Take Me to the Trees. The auction will feature curated experiences and redwood‑themed adventures that can only be found at this event. Highlights include:
- Two nights at Brush Creek Landing in Sonoma with a private chef
- A coastal retreat in Trinidad, California, including a guided redwoods hike
- An all‑inclusive backpacking trip with Sierra Summit Expeditions
Proceeds from the auction will support a wide range of projects focused on keeping redwood forests resilient, thriving, and accessible for generations to come. The bidding experience will be accompanied by a brand new video celebrating Save the Redwoods League’s bold and expansive vision for the future, as well as the small, often overlooked wonders that make redwood ecosystems extraordinary.
Bask in the afterglow
Buoyed by the energy of the live auction, the celebration returns to the redwood grove for a final joyful gathering beneath the stars. By night’s end, our hope is that guests leave with a deeper sense of connection—to the forests, to one another, and to the shared work of shaping a hopeful future across the redwood landscape.
Take Me to the Trees happens just once each year. Come for the trees. Stay for the magic.
