Desert Botanical Garden Family Events: Lights, Concerts, Tours & More

OPEN DAILY 8 A.M.|7 A.M. FOR MEMBERS WED. & SUN.

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Explore
  4.  » Events

UPCOMING EVENTS & EXHIBITS 

Saguaro Census 2025

May 1-31

Help us track the saguaros of our desert cities. The Saguaro Census is back for its fourth year, and we’re inviting the entire community to participate in one of the region’s most important community science efforts.

Dog Days at the Garden

May 10

Enjoy a weekend excursion with your four-legged friend through the Garden’s trails. A paw-fect place to enjoy the outdoors together with some great photo opps.

Mother's Day

May 11

Celebrate the moms in your life with a botanical good time! The Garden will offer a day to remember with complimentary photo opps, live entertainment, the Spring Butterfly Exhibit and more!

Ballet Arizona presents Eroica: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden

May 14-31 | Tues. - Sat.

Expect the unexpected as this ballet evolves, takes chances and challenges your emotional boundaries in the desert that we call our home.

Desert Sol

May 13

Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature through a variety of cultural and restoring traditions from around the world.

all experiences

The Leaf Connection

Now through Aug. 24

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.

Orchid Fever

Now - May 11

To celebrate the opening of The RAF Exhibit Gallery, the Garden presents its first-ever orchid exhibit, showcasing colorful blooms, delightful scents and wild textures that engage all the senses.

 

Toward 2050

Now - June 1

Explore an engaging exhibit led by textile-based artist Ann Morton, centered on social practice. TOWARD 2050 invites the public to craft handmade artworks that expresses their views on the environment.

Saguaro Census 2025

May 1-31

Help us track the saguaros of our desert cities. The Saguaro Census is back for its fourth year, and we’re inviting the entire community to participate in one of the region’s most important community science efforts.

Cactus Clubhouse

Oct. 3 - May 11 | Thursday - Sunday

Cactus Clubhouse is a fun and immersive nature play space for kids 12 and younger. Kids can engage in activities that spark their curiosity for nature and encourage exploration.

Majestic Mariposas

now - May 11

Flutter with 1000+ of butterflies this spring. Snap the perfect selfie with these winged wonders, discover fascinating facts about pollinators and immerse yourself into the beauty of the Garden.

Music in the Garden

May 9, 16, 23, 30

Enjoy a stunning Garden backdrop as you experience local bands during this Friday’s night series.

Dog Days at the Garden

May 10

Enjoy a weekend excursion with your four-legged friend through the Garden’s trails. A paw-fect place to enjoy the outdoors together with some great photo opps.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater

May 11

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater will be coming to the desert this year! Create a wonderful day at the Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy an award-winning puppet show and spend time exploring our trails and the Cactus Clubhouseour special play area for children and caregivers​.

Mother's Day

May 11

Celebrate the moms in your life with a botanical good time! The Garden will offer a day to remember with complimentary photo opps, live entertainment, the Spring Butterfly Exhibit and more!

Desert Sol

May 13

Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature through a variety of cultural and restoring traditions from around the world.

Sunset Yoga

May 14

Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga.

Sundown Sound Meditation

May 14

Experience sound meditation at the Garden in a peaceful sundown setting under twinkling lights.

Ballet Arizona presents Eroica: An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden

May 14-31 | Tues. - Sat.

Expect the unexpected as this ballet evolves, takes chances and challenges your emotional boundaries in the desert that we call our home.

Storytime

Join us again in the fall!

Introduce your child five and younger to the beauty and wonder of nature through engaging books, songs, activities and play.

Morning Sound Meditation

May 18, 25

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

Desert Discovery Camps 2025

June 2 - 27

Join us for Desert Discovery Camps, where campers explore nature and learn about the beauty of the desert.

Flashlight Nights

June 7, 14, 21, 28 | July 19, 26 | Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Sept. 6, 13

Beat the heat and experience the magic of the Garden after dark. Wander through the Garden’s trails by flashlight, come face-to-face with fascinating desert creatures and soak in the enchanting nighttime vibes.

Juneteenth 2025

June 10

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Juneteenth at the Garden! A day of reflection, fun and connection, where we honor the enduring legacy of freedom, culture and community.

Sunset Sound Meditation (Indoors)

June 11, 25 | July 9, 23 | Aug. 13, 27

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

Father's Day 2025

June 14

Celebrate the rad dads in your life at Flashlight Nights on June 14. Dads get in free with a paid child admission.

Gertrude’s Chef Series: Hands-On Cooking

June 17, July 15, Aug. 5

Learn how to make a Gertrude’s Restaurant meal at home with Gertrude’s chef Jason Lessing. In this hands-on cooking experience, learn how to cook a special dish from the seasonal menu and practice in the Gertrude’s prep kitchen.

Sonoran Sippin’

June 20, July 18, Aug. 15, Sept. 19

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

Seedlings

Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24

Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through hands-on lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts.

Framerate: Desert Pulse

October 11, 2025 - May 10, 2026

In October 2025, Desert Botanical Garden will premiere a monumental new art exhibit that is years in the making. Desert Pulse will take visitors on a journey through a year in the life of the Sonoran Desert.

Past Exhibits

See more.

ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR MEMBERS AND GENERAL PUBLIC