Are Bonsai Bar workshops 21+?

Maybe—venues vary. Many locations allow underage guests with a parent or guardian; contact Novel Strand Brewing Company to confirm their under-21 policy.

What’s included with a ticket?

Each ticket includes one starter tree, a ceramic bonsai pot, two hours of instruction, tools to borrow, and access to the Tree-iage follow-up program.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No—drinks are not included; the brewery’s taps are available for purchase separately.

Can two people share one tree or ticket?

No—tickets are sold per person and each attendee must have a ticket and receives their own tree and pot.

When should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start to check in and get seated; workshops begin promptly.

What is the refund or cancellation policy?

Refunds are not offered unless the class is canceled or rescheduled by Bonsai Bar; check the event page for specific cancellation details.

Make a Tiny Bonsai at Bonsai Bar — Novel Strand Brewing Company, Denver

On a low-lit evening in Denver’s Historic Baker neighborhood, Bonsai Bar @ Novel Strand Brewing Company turns a taproom into a hands-on studio where first-time plant parents learn to shape tiny trees. Located at 305 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223, USA, the two-hour workshop pairs beginner-friendly bonsai instruction with the laid-back atmosphere of an independent brewery and taproom that focuses on hoppy, sour, and classic beers. The experience is straightforward: pick a tree, choose a ceramic pot, learn pruning and wiring basics, and leave with a finished miniature you can care for at home. Key features here are the hands-on potting station, the assortment of starter trees suited to indoor or temperate-climate care, and the convivial communal tables that make it easy to chat with instructors and fellow participants. While this isn’t a wild landscape, the class highlights living design—small-scale horticulture that translates greenhouse principles into an urban setting. The venue itself, Novel Strand Brewing Company, contributes textured character: exposed brick, well-tuned taps, and the gentle clink of glass as you pore soil into a pot. If you’re new to bonsai, the instructors focus on essential techniques: root pruning, soil compaction, trimming, and basic styling. Tools are provided—shears, chopsticks for soil work, and a sharing bin for substrate—so you only need to bring enthusiasm. The session also includes entry into the Tree-iage program for follow-up support, which makes this a rare workshop that extends beyond the two-hour class. Note the under-21 policy varies by venue; check with Novel Strand for specifics before booking. This workshop stands out in Denver’s outdoor-recreation-oriented scene because it translates outdoor stewardship into apartment-friendly practice. Instead of a trail or river, the project concentrates on live materials and slow care, offering urban dwellers a tangible way to engage with plant life and seasonal cycles. Paired with a local beer, it’s an inviting mix of craft and craft beer: hands-on learning paced to fit an evening out. Practicalities: arrive 15 minutes early to check in; tickets are sold per person and include one tree and one ceramic pot; drinks are not included. The event is ideal for date nights, small groups, and solo learners who want a creative, low-physical-intensity activity that reconnects city life with living plants. Booking is done through the event page and the provided referral link, so you can reserve seats for specific nights. Expect friendly guidance from staff who balance patience with clear direction, keeping groups moving without pressure. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little soil on, and bring a reusable tote if you want to protect your tree on the walk home. For visitors staying nearby, Denver’s Baker neighborhood offers walkable restaurants, coffee shops and public transit connections.