Desert Oasis Summer at the Garden Kickoff Weekend

DATE: June 5-7
TIME: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.
PRICE: Included with Garden admission or membership

Three nights. Music. Lights. Desert vibes done right. At the Garden we don’t run from summer. We celebrate it. After sunset, enjoy a made-for-summer Desert Oasis Garden After Dark experience as more than 12 light installations take over the trails. This shimmering display creates a playful break from the summer heat with cooling colors and designs inspired by the monsoon season.

New Music to Guide After Dark Experiences

• Friday: Latin Music Night
• Saturday: Today’s Hits
• Sunday: Soundless Socials (Quiet Night)

Don’t Miss the Coolest New Spot in the Garden

Cool down in The RAF Exhibit Gallery and discover interactive and colorful light projections and activities in this new indoor experience from 6 a.m – 10 p.m. daily.

Weekend Signature Events:

• Sonoran Sippin’ | Friday, 6-9 p.m., 21+
  Celebrate Fri-YAY at the Garden. Kick start your weekend with a Sip-and-Swing themed Friday night. Tee up for a fun evening of mini golf and sip on a refreshing welcome drink as you navigate three different, 9-hole LED courses with exciting and challenging obstacles while listening to beats from DJ Flawlyss. Adult putters, scorecards and golf pencils will be provided. Food will be available for purchase.
  
• Dog Days of Summer | Saturday, 6-10 a.m.
  Beat the heat from 6-10 a.m. with your four-legged best friend. Early mornings are made for wagging tails and cool trails, and the Garden opens its paths for pups and their people to explore the desert together. Enjoy refreshing hydration stations, shady rest stops and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
• Flashlight Nights | Saturday, 7-9:30 p.m.
  Theme: Desert Night & Nature Lights
  Whether you’re planning a date night or a family adventure, discover the magic of Flashlight Nights. As the sun sets, the desert transforms—revealing new sights, sounds and surprises after dark.  View nebula and Jupiter’s moons through telescopes, learn about space exploration at the portable planetarium and discover plants and animals that make the Sonoran Desert unique

Food and Beverage

• Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s: Savor the night at Gertrude’s for a dining experience for every guest. Try our new menu!
• Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s is now opening bright and early at 6 a.m., giving guests a chance to enjoy the Garden mornings with something delicious to start the day.
  • 6-7 a.m: Fresh Pastries & Drinks
  • 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Botanical Brunch
    Our new brunch window brings a mix of fresh, local and Garden‑inspired favorites.
• Cactus Cantina: Ready for a chill escape? Swing by the new Cactus Cantina at the Garden’s SRP Visitor Center and treat yourself to frozen cocktails, refreshing mocktails or an ice‑cold beer. Come grab a drink to sip while you stroll through the Garden.
• Grab a signature lychee martini from Gertrude’s by Tarbell’s with glowing ice cubes.

Garden Shop

Browse apparel, soaps, artwork from Will Beger and more! It’s the perfect place to find a keepsake that captures the glow and wonder of your visit.