Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Garden with our brand-new event, Spiked: A Celebration of Agave! This lively, festival-style celebration is perfect for all ages and will immerse you in the world of agave like never before. Watch an agave roasting demonstration, sip on specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, grub on tacos and tortas, and groove to live music throughout the day. Dive into the hands-on fun with a Papel Picado demonstration and crafting station; interactive games and stunning photo ops!
GO VIP: Spiked goes beyond the party vibe, offering an exciting exploration into the agave plant’s unique characteristics, its cultural roots and rich history. Your VIP Ticket will get you:
• Exclusive Sip, Sip Hooray Agave and Chocolate Tasting Experience
(You can choose the tasting to feature either tequila and mezcal or agave-sweetened soda)
• A FREE limited-edition enamel Spiked collector’s pin (not available for purchase)
• Access to the VIP Spiked Lounge with lawn games, seating and shade
• Free chips to enhance your experience
What is an Agave?
Agaves are hardy, spiky plants that thrive in dry climates and store water in their thick leaves. They grow in a rosette shape and can take years—even decades—to bloom, sending up a tall flower stalk before completing their life cycle. Besides their striking appearance, agaves are also useful, providing materials for fiber, sweeteners, and even spirits like tequila and mezcal.
Want to learn more? Head to Spiked: A Celebration of Agave!
Spiked Highlights:
Agave Roasting Demonstration
Join us for an immersive agave roasting demonstration, where you’ll learn about the ancient art of agave pit roasting. Our expert will guide you through the process, explaining the cultural and historical significance of agave, its many uses—from food to fiber to spirits—and the intricate roasting techniques that bring out its rich flavors. You may even be able to taste a roasted agave!
Papel Picado Demonstration and Craft Station
Agave is deeply woven into Mexico’s history, traditions and identity. The plant has been used for centuries by Indigenous civilizations for food, textiles and rituals, and it remains central to iconic Mexican spirits like tequila mezcal, pulque and raicilla. Another Mexican tradition and art form we will lean into during Spiked is papel picado. This traditional art form, known for its intricate cut-paper designs, adds color and meaning to cultural celebrations. During Spiked, watch a skilled artisan bring delicate patterns to life while sharing the history and significance of papel picado in Mexican traditions. In a nearby craft station, you can then try your hand at cutting your own design.
Music and Entertainment
Spiked will feature live music from 9 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. The musicians will play for 30 minutes at the top of the hour in the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden. There will also be other forms of entertainment like carnival-style games and a Yay or Nay Agave Competition that will lead guests through our Desert Garden and nearby area to learn how to identify the various agaves we have planted throughout. Each day, the group that identifies the most agaves correctly in the fastest time will win a prize! These games will make for a perfect family outing!
Sip Sip Hooray, A VIP Agave and Chocolate Tasting Experience
As mentioned above, VIP ticketholders are invited to discover the nuances between tequila and mezcal during our exclusive Sip Sip Hooray, A VIP Agave and Chocolate Tasting Experience. This is a 20-minute guided experience that also includes chocolate and an agave soda-tasting option for those under 21 or non-tequila drinkers. VIP ticket holders will also receive a limited-edition collector’s pin and access our VIP area, complete with yard games and free chips to keep you energized while you sip and socialize.
(For VIP Ticketholders Only)
Spiked With Spike
Spiked will be taking place during our March dog walking hours on March 30, so come enjoy the event with your pup in tow! You’ll have access to our entire 87 acres with your pup (on leash!) except the Dorothy and John Bohannon Rose Garden and the Koi Pond. General Admission and VIP tickets will be the same price on this day, however, dogs are $5 each.
When Purchasing Your VIP Ticket: VIP tickets are available every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The time you purchase your VIP ticket into the Garden is your time to do the Sip, Sip Hooray Agave and Chocolate Tasting. You may arrive 30 minutes before your timed ticket to ensure you’re ready for your tasting. After your tasting, you can enjoy the rest of our Spiked offerings.
Want to take advantage of the discounted tickets, food and drink? Become a Member!
Please remember to sign in to get your Member discount.