Make a miniature bonsai while sipping local beer at These Guys Brewing on Franklin Street. This two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop pairs hands-on plant care with a lively tasting room scene—perfect for a creative date night or a low-key group outing.
Make a miniature bonsai while sipping local beer at These Guys Brewing on Franklin Street. This two-hour, beginner-friendly workshop pairs hands-on plant care with a lively tasting room scene—perfect for a creative date night or a low-key group outing.
Book with Bonsai Bar
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bonsai Bar · Norwich, Connecticut
Bonsai Bar @ These Guys Brewing brings a two-hour hands-on bonsai workshop to 78 Franklin St in Norwich, Connecticut, inside These Guys Brewing Company’s tasting room. It’s part craft-class, part pub night: sip small-batch beer from the brewery’s taps, order from a scratch kitchen menu, and walk away with your own tiny tree and the tools to keep it alive. Classes run two hours and are tailored for beginners. Every ticket includes a tree you pick, a ceramic bonsai pot, two hours of bonsai wisdom, and access to ongoing support through the Tree-iage program. The event supplies practical tools to borrow—shears, a soil bin, and chop sticks—so newcomers can focus on learning pruning, wiring, potting, and basic aftercare without worrying about gear. Check-in opens fifteen minutes before start time to choose your specimen and grab a drink; workshops begin promptly. What makes this offering stand out in Norwich’s scene is the collision of craft beer culture and slow-plant craft. These Guys Brewing sits on Franklin Street and serves seasonal dishes from a scratch kitchen alongside core and experimental beers brewed on site, creating a welcoming backdrop for hands-on learning. The tasting room atmosphere lowers the stakes for first-timers and makes the evening social: bring a friend, or make new ones over shared tables and pots of soil. Practically speaking, these workshops work well for families and mixed-age groups when supervised by adults; the venue is dog-friendly in the tasting room and outdoor areas, and spaces are ticketed per person. There are no refunds unless a class is canceled, so plan ahead. The class is an excellent winter or shoulder-season activity when outdoor recreation options in New England are limited—an indoor way to engage with plants and a local business. In-class curriculum covers species selection, basic wiring, seasonal pruning windows, potting technique, and simple watering and fertilization guidance tailored to temperate New England climates. Instructors walk you through choosing a specimen size, trimming roots, and balancing soil drainage with water retention. Bring patience and curiosity—after two hours most people have a styled starter and a clear first-month care plan. Workshops are popular for date nights, birthday groups, and team-building activities. Reserve early; seating and pots sell out. Why locals and visitors book this trip: it’s compact, creative, and immediately rewarding. You’ll leave with a living souvenir, practical skills to maintain it, and access to follow-up help if your tree needs attention. For travelers staying in Norwich or exploring Connecticut’s rivers and parks, the Bonsai Bar offers a gentle, hands-on contrast to hikes and boat days—an evening that pairs the tactile focus of bonsai with good food and beer. Address: 78 Franklin St, Norwich, CT 06360, United States. Operator information: Not provided.
No. Events are ticketed per person and each attendee must have their own ticket and tree.
Maybe—many venues are family friendly. Under-21 attendees are allowed if accompanied by a parent or guardian; check the venue policy.
No. Drinks and food are purchased separately from the brewery’s menu.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to check in, choose your tree, and order food or drinks.
You get a tree, a ceramic bonsai pot, two hours of instruction, access to tools and a follow-up Tree-iage support program.
Yes—well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome in the tasting room and outdoor patio areas.
Bonsai Bar is a mobile bonsai workshop company based in Providence, Rhode Island that brings hands-on bonsai experiences to bars, breweries, and taprooms. The business runs guided sessions where participants pot, prune, and design their own tiny bonsai trees in social, relaxed venues. Each event includes live instruction, supplies, and a take-home pot so guests can continue caring for their tree after the workshop. Bonsai Bar focuses on accessible, beginner-friendly learning: no prior bonsai experience is required and guides teach practical techniques for styling, basic pruning, and repotting. Events are hosted at local partner venues and regional breweries, creating a casual atmosphere that combines craft beverages with creative activity. Typical locations listed for events include Great Heights Brewing Company, 5 Rights Brewing Company, Protector Brewery, Fruition Brewing and Kitchen, and other community bars and taprooms. Bonsai Bar offers workshops designed for groups, date nights, friends’ outings, and team-building nights, emphasizing social connection and a memorable evening. Booking information, schedules, and specific venue details are provided for each listed event so attendees know what to expect. The operation maintains simple, transparent offerings and relies on trained instructors to deliver consistent, safe workshops. Materials and live guidance are provided at every session, and the format supports small groups to ensure individual attention. For people seeking a creative, hands-on night out in a bar or brewery setting, Bonsai Bar provides an approachable way to learn bonsai basics while enjoying a social atmosphere. Participants leave with a planted tree and simple care instructions included.
Book with Bonsai Bar