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

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS & EXHIBITS 

Flashlight Nights

July 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.

Sunset Sound Meditation (Indoors)

Aug. 13, 27

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

Sonoran Sippin’

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.

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.

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.

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.

Flashlight Nights

July 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.

Sunset Sound Meditation (Indoors)

Aug. 13, 27

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

Sonoran Sippin’

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.

The Great Arizona Puppet Theater

Sept. 1

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​.

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.

Majestic Mariposas

Sept. 27 - Nov. 16

Witness more than 1,000 Southwestern butterflies, including the stunning monarch.

Dog Days at the Garden

Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25 | Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22

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.

Framerate: Desert Pulse

October 11, 2025 - May 10, 2026

Desert Pulse, a multi-sensory art exhibit, by ScanLAB Projects, immerses visitors in the visual and emotional energy of the Sonoran Desert. The thought-provoking exhibit celebrates the breathtaking complexity of nature and challenges you to see it through a different lens. Blending photography, motion and sound it awakens a deeper appreciation of the Sonoran Desert.

Cactus Clubhouse

Oct. 11-May 10

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.

Desert Pulse Kickoff Weekend

Oct. 11-12

Join us for the Desert Pulse Kickoff Weekend featuring hands-on art activities, exciting giveaways, interactive photo stations and the chance to meet the artists behind the exhibition. Celebrate creativity in the desert landscape with family-friendly fun and unique experiences for all ages. Don’t miss this vibrant start to our new season!

Fall Plant Sale

Oct. 16-19

Ready to give your green space a much-needed refresh? Reserve your spot for our Fall Plant Sale and discover more than 30,000 desert-adapted plants.

Nature Journaling: Sketching through Time

Oct. 16, 23, 30

Take a sketchbook out onto the Garden trails to do some deep observation, noticing change in the desert each week. This series focuses on the concept of change in desert plants over time, highlighted by the Desert Pulse exhibit.

Lotería Nights

Oct. 16, Nov. 13

Join us for an epic lotería experience. Soak in the vibrant environment and claim amazing rewards as we play several rounds of the iconic Mexican game of chance.

Desert Studio: Emerging Artists Series

Oct. 17, Nov. 14

Discover the next wave of talent with our new series—uncover emerging artists, never-before-heard music and album drops designed to spark excitement for Garden members and music lover alike!

Seeing Time Series: A Photographer’s Journey through Change in the Sonoran Desert

Oct. 20 | Nov. 3, 17

Experience the Sonoran Desert like never before: through the lens of time. This photography series invites you to observe and document the quiet transformations of the natural world, culminating in a personal photo story inspired by Desert Pulse.

Rooted: Voices of Our Community

Oct. 23, Nov. 20

In partnership with Bar Flies, each night storytellers will share impactful stories that build upon and reflect the messages of Desert Pulse.

Storytime

Oct. 24, 25 | Nov. 7, 8, 21, 22 | Dec. 5, 6, 19, 20

Spark your child’s love for nature with engaging stories, songs and hands-on activities. Designed for children five and under and their caregivers, each session offers a playful introduction to the wonders of the natural world.

Strange Garden

Oct. 24-25

Explore the boo-tanical wonders of our Garden at Strange Garden. Revel in live music, immersive experiences and meet intriguing creatures.

Día de Muertos

Altar On View Oct. 31 and Nov. 1-3 | Festival Nov. 1-2

Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning open-air community altar featuring the work of Oaxacan artisans in an authentic and moving display honoring lost loved ones. Visitor will enjoy face-painting, crafts, food and a moving sunset procession through the Garden.

Pulse Parties

Nov. 7

Themed parties in the Garden will get your pulse racing through movement, music, creativity and other engaging experiences.

Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Celebration

Nov. 10-16 | Festival Weekend Nov. 15-16

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

Timelapse Photography for Beginners

Nov. 10

This workshop introduces the art and technique of time-lapse photography in a desert setting.