EXPERIENCES

Escape the heat and explore the Garden after dark with family and friends! Discover the Garden’s five thematic trails, encounter desert creatures, and immerse yourself in the captivating nighttime ambiance with cool drinks and treats.

Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation.

Learn to prepare and capture Arizona’s dramatic skies, rainbows, haboobs and lightning.

Whether you are a beginner, an old pro, or somewhere in-between, beat the heat and pamper your creative side: Come watercolor paint indoors at the Garden! We will paint cactus and other desert plants still-life.

Enjoy a complimentary cool drink, included with ticket, and soak up the summer sunset at the Garden with pop-up experiences and desert views.

The Leaf Connection showcases the vibrant plant diversity of the Phoenix metro area through an intricate display of hand-made, ceramic leaves at Webster Center. With more than 1,000 ceramic pieces, each leaf’s design is influenced by observations community scientists record on iNaturalist, an established online platform where nature lovers share information on biodiversity.

Learn how to make a Gertrude’s Restaurant meal at home with Gertrude’s chef Jason Lessing.

Not all bugs are causing trouble in your garden! Get to know the good-guy insects that will help you manage pest problems.

The Arizona Natural History course will introduce students to the geology, flora, fauna and human history of Arizona. Using information and theories from biology, ecology, geology and archaeology, the class will explore the adaptations of desert animals, plants and other life forms, the landscape that set the stage for their evolution and the human cultures that have called this desert home.

Welcome fall with a burst of colors at the Garden’s butterfly pavilion. Come and be dazzled by thousands of monarch and Southwestern butterflies fluttering around our pavilion, filled with lush plants, bright blooms and our most popular pollinators. Fun for all ages.

Grab your pup and a leash and hit the trails Saturday mornings. Expect a day of nature-filled adventure and irresistible photo moments. 

Cactus Clubhouse will return this fall on Thursday, October 3, 2024.During the summer, please join us for Storytime on select dates. Or, sign up for  Summer Camp in June and July. Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Kids can engage in activities that spark independent play and encourage growth and exploration.

Let the rhythms of the season take hold at Music in the Garden. Our concert series is set against the backdrop of our vibrant Garden on select Friday evenings. Be it jazz, blues or contemporary, every concert promises an unforgettable evening.

Join us as we revel in Oaxaca’s rich tradition of Guelaguetza. Delight in an explosion of music, dance, culinary wonders and more.

The Garden is excited for the second season of Read Between the Spines book club. A botanical twist to the traditional book club, featuring books highlighting the world of plants, horticulture and conservation.

Call your crew and shout ‘LOTERÍA!’ Immerse yourself in an experience that’s more than just a game. Get ready to play rounds of lotería amidst the serene beauty of the Garden and win amazing prizes. Presented in partnership with Arizona Lottery.  

Tickets on sale Sept. 6

Join Desert Botanical Garden for Storytime. Introduce your child five and younger to the beauty and wonder of nature through engaging books, songs, activities and play.

LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO is a limited-time exhibit where nature and light converge. This mesmerizing display invites you to explore the Garden transformed by stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, LIGHT BLOOM comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the Garden. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.

Bring the magic of the desert into your garden or green space. Explore our expansive collection of 30,000 desert-adapted plants at the Fall Plant Sale. Expert advice and a picturesque outdoor shopping experience await. Give your landscape a dreamy makeover this fall.

Reservations open Sept. 3 for Garden Members and Sept.17 General Public

Explore eerie and enchanting boo-tanical offerings. Enjoy live music, interactive experiences and encounter fascinating creatures. It’s a Halloween experience perfect for all ages, Don’t forget, each kid leaves with a free pumpkin while supplies last.

Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning community altar, vibrant procession, food, music and more.

Come explore The Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert trail with hands-on discovery stations, engage with Indigenous makers and vendors and more!

Awaken your senses and soothe your soul with the healing power of nature.  Experience and connect with a variety of cultural and healing traditions from around the world.

Desert Botanical Garden is embarking on a new partnership with London-based pioneering artist studio ScanLAB Projects, bringing its groundbreaking visual and technical artwork here in 2025. The exhibit will be a first-of-its-kind in the Valley to connect science and nature at this scale in both indoor and outdoor environments.