Our Sunset Series is back for a second season! We are very excited to take what we learned from last year to create the best possible experience for ALL every Thursday night this summer. Here, we will try to answer all the burning questions we’re sure you have regarding this year’s Sunset Series, which begins May 25 and will continue every Thursday through Labor Day. If you already have tickets or you are still toying with the idea of purchasing tickets, make sure to read this guide so you’re best prepared to make the nights yours!
Please remember, while Sunset Series does feature a musical act every week, you’re free to explore our entire 87 acres as the sun begins to set on our beautiful collections and indulge in a little food and beverage. All of the funds from the event – including your food and beverage purchases – go back into the Garden to help fund programming and collections like our new Marilyn and John Long Children and Family Garden.
So, let’s start!
- Food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase Dottie’s (located near the Living Wall)
- Live entertainment (Upper Meadow)
- Kids’ Zone activities with Ms. Allison (Lower Meadow)
- Lawn games (Lower Meadow)
When does the Sunset Series take place? The Sunset Series is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. every Thursday starting in May 25 through Labor Day.
Do I need tickets for the Sunset Series? Yes! Tickets are limited, so advance reservations are highly recommended. Last year’s events sold out, so please plan in advance if you hope to attend a specific evening.
How much are tickets? Members are $15 per person and non-members are $18 per person. Children 4 and younger are FREE! This year we are introducing a new VIP ticket as well, which you can learn about below.
What does the VIP ticket get you? A VIP ticket allows you access to a premium seating area on the Upper Meadow (still bring a blanket or lawn chair), access to the VIP bar, one free non-alcoholic Butterfly Palmer per ticketholder, unlimited access to SOAR – Tropical Butterflies throughout the night and early entry into the Garden (5 p.m. rather than 5:30 p.m.).
How much does the VIP ticket cost? Members are $35 per person and non-members are $39 per person. Children 4 and younger are FREE!
What food and beverage will you be serving? Our Sunset Series menu is:
Food
- Brats
- Vegan Dogs
- Turkey Pesto Panini
- Pesto Cheese Panini
- A Vegan and Vegetarian Option
- Charcuterie Box
- Beer
- Wine
- Butterfly Palmer
- Lemonade
Can I bring outside food and drink? No, outside food and drink is not permitted during the Sunset Series.
Will there be seating? There is a limited amount of seating available at Dottie’s and various areas throughout the Garden. It is recommended you bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs for seating.
Will SOAR be open? SOAR will only accessible for those with a VIP ticket.
Who is this event for? Everyone! We truly want to open the Garden for ALL and allow you to make the night yours!
Who is Ms. Allison and what kids activities will there be? Ms. Allison taught our very popular Movin’ and Groovin’ children’s class during the pandemic. She will be back in the Garden providing free entertainment with various kids activities – think lawn bowling, parachute play, bubbles and more – from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Do I need to watch my child while they play with Ms. Allison? Yes! Parents are asked to chaperone their child at all times. Children under 3 must be accompanied inside the play area at all times.
Where will I find Ms. Allison? Ms. Allison will be set up on the Lower Meadow. The music from Upper Meadow will be playing on speakers so that parents can still enjoy the musical acts.
So, what about the music…? Each night of the series there will be live music. The lineup for the season is listed on the Sunset Series website. The performers will do two 45-minute sets with a 30-minute break in-between, so they’ll perform 6-6:45 p.m. and 7:15-8 p.m.
I plan to order food, where can I eat it? There will be limited seating available at Dottie’s to enjoy food and beverage. You may also take the food to picnic in the Upper Meadow to enjoy the music, or elsewhere in the Garden.
What should I bring? The most important thing to bring is your ticket! To purchase food and drink, you’ll need a credit or debit card as cash is not accepted. If you need guaranteed seating, a picnic blanket or lawn chair is recommended. Members should also bring their digital membership cards to take advantage of their 10% off food and beverage.
What time can I come? Guests will not be allowed in the Garden until 5:30 p.m. unless they have a VIP ticket. VIP entry is 5 p.m.
Still need a ticket? Grab one here.
The Garden relies on generous donations from our Members, visitors and community to keep access to our 87 acres open for all and to provide unique horticultural experiences that help people find connections with nature. Please help us continue this mission for years to come by considering a gift to the Garden. You can do so here.
