GLOW is a completely new experience this year, and we want to make sure you’re fully prepared to have the best time possible. Below is our brand-new guide on how to best experience this unique lighting event, as well as some fun facts and important information you should know before you go. Make sure you not only read it before you visit GLOW, but maybe pull it up as you’re walking through the exhibit so you don’t miss a thing!


GLOW’S SOUNDTRACK

Bubble Lane (The Promenade and Palm Circle)
Hepcat – “The Ronnie”
Israel Kamakawiwo’ole – “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

The Watering Hole (Bohannon Rose Garden)
Michael Franti – “The Sound of Sunshine”
Kenny Chesney – “When the Sun Goes Down”
Robert Earl Keen – “Waves on the Ocean”
Hepcat – “You and I”
UB40 – “Red Red Wine”

The Beach (Fuller Sculpture)
DNCE – “Cake by the Ocean”
The Beach Boys – “Wouldn’t it be Nice”
Weezer – “Island in the Sun”

Banyan Falls (The Banyan Grove)
Yenne Lee – “Autumn Leaves”
Bach – “Air on G String”
Heitor Villa-Lobos – “Prelude No. 1”

The Bayou (Creek Lane)
Clarence “Frogman” Henry – “Ain’t Got No Home”
Jo El Sonnier – “Tear Stained Letter”
Big Bill Broonzy – “Key to the Highway”
Muddy Waters – “I Feel Like Going Home”
Buckwheat Zydeco – “When the Levee Breaks”
The Meters – “Fire on the Bayou”
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band – “It’s All Over Now”

Electric Desert (Desert Garden)`
Pink Floyd – “Welcome to the Machine”
Santana – “Corazon Espinado”
Manestar – “Beggin”

Lakeside Meadow (Lower Meadow)
Nature sounds

Staghorn Fern Collection
Panama Wedding – “All of the People”
Greyboy – “Panacea”
Delayde – “Settled”

Kelp Forest (Courtyard)
Santpoort – “Rolling Down this Lazy Wave”
Philanthrope x Deyle – “Ocean Patio”


 FUN FACTS ABOUT THE EXHIBIT:

    • We’ve said this year’s GLOW would be better and brighter and we weren’t kidding. We are using two and a half times as many lights as we did last year!

    • Our GLOW photo opportunity on the Upper Meadow began as a Valentine’s Day installation. With a swap of a G and a W our LOVE letters became GLOW. Who knows what programmatic creativity awaits – so far we’ve come up with the hair-brained idea of hosting a “MOLE” day, “OWL” day and “GLOVE” day.

    • We’ve created the Garden’s first enamel collector’s pin in honor of GLOW! We have TWO new pins, in fact! One features our signature hummingbird logo and glows in the dark, while the other is more plant-focused. Come by and check them out at our GLOW retail kiosks!

    • Did you know it takes 25 volunteers each night to help us GLOW? Come be a part of the magic by joining the Volunteer Team here.


    KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

    • There will be both food and beverage available for purchase (menu subject to change). No outside food or beverage will be allowed in the Garden during GLOW.

    • All merchandise, food and beverage point of sales will only accept credit/debit cards – no cash will be accepted.

    • There are themed nights this year. If you’re uncertain whether you purchased a ticket on a themed night, a list of our themed nights is below. If you did, make sure you participate!

    • Some areas of the GLOW experience might be impassable for wheelchairs or those with mobility issues. We have a select amount of accessibility tickets available on Monday nights from 5:30-8:30 pm. Accessibility tickets should be booked in advance by calling Guest Services at 424-452-0920. If these tickets have not been booked in advance, we may not be able to accommodate you due to limited availability.


    PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO:

    • Different plant materials absorb and reflect light differently.

    • The mixing of colors as the light opens up higher in tree canopies.

    • As you walk down the Promenade, make sure you look around as there’s a special surprise that is non-light related!

    • There are MANY Instagrammable moments, especially on the Bayou.

    • The lights will change depending on your angle.

    • Take your time and look in front, behind and above you. The scene changes all around!

    • Our one way paths from last year are no longer! Feel free to walk GLOW from different directions and explore previously closed off pathways.

    FOOD AND BEVERAGE AVAILABLE:

    On most nights, snack-type food and beverages will be available at three locations. Concessions can typically be found at the new Staghorn Fern Collection, the Rose Garden and on the lawn right before you head into the Banyan Falls. Please note, our food and beverage areas will be cashless and the menu and locations are subject to change.

    THEMED NIGHTS:

    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto Nights
    November 21, 22 and 23
    Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto Nights at GLOW will feature a special pop-up experience to introduce you to Casa Madrigal, where all are magical, except Mirabel. Enjoy hands-on activities and a picture-perfect installation inspired by Disney’s upcoming movie, Encanto, while you see the Garden in a whole new light through our all-new nighttime experience.

    Mardi Gras Night
    December 1, 2021
    This year’s GLOW features an all new design that culminates in The Bayou. To celebrate this amazing section of the exhibit, we’re hosting a Mardi Gras Night! Come dressed up in your favorite Mardi Gras gear and ready to have some fun!

    Ugly Christmas Sweater Night
    December 8, 2021
    GLOW may not be holiday themed, but we can still celebrate the season. Wear your ugly Christmas sweaters or other festive attire to show your holiday spirit. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the Garden on the Upper Meadow and available to take a picture with your group in your festive attire!

    Neon Night
    December 15, 2021
    We’re GLOWing throughout our run, but on Neon Night, we invite you to join in! Wear neon colors or light yourself up like a neon sign for this night that celebrates our Electric Desert portion of the exhibit.

    Kids’ Beach Night
    January 5, 2022
    The weather may not allow for a beach day right now, but with our imaginations, we can have a beach night! This kid-centric night will encourage kids, and those young at heart, to come experience GLOW.

    Garden Lights and Ocean Waters Conservation Night
    January 12, 2022
    GLOW is unique in that we focus our exhibit on water. Plants need water to survive, and so do we! We’ll be partnering with the Aquarium of the Pacific for this special night to raise awareness of our collective conservation efforts.

    PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

    • If your phone’s camera has a night vision setting, use it!
    • Don’t try to walk and take pictures. With the lights, you’ll need to be very still while photographing them.
    • Clean your camera lens beforehand as smudges refract light.
    • Turn off the flash.
    • If you want to take selfies, the light-up toys help illuminate little faces, or bring a flashlight to light up people’s faces while still allowing the camera to pick up the ambient lighting.

    Have you been to GLOW? Let us know what tips and tricks you have for experiencing it by emailing info@southcoastbotanicgarden.org. Haven’t been yet? Purchase your tickets here!