Saturdays
Now – Sept. 26 | 7-9:30 p.m.
discover the magic of flashlight nights
As the sun sets, the desert transforms—revealing new sights, sounds and surprises after dark. Wander the trails with a flashlight in hand, gaze at the stars through telescopes and get up close with fascinating desert animals. Each visit offers something new, with themed activities that change weekly. See the full event program.
summer theme nights
Aug. 29
Desert Lit at the Garden
- Join Not Your Average Book Club for a Garden-wide celebration of stories, creativity and community.
- Enjoy author signings and meet and greets.
- Browse three mobile independent bookstores.
- Make and take book marks
- Shop a curated market featuring bookish accessories, handcrafted jewelry, candles, apothecary goods and other literary-inspired finds.
- Join the Scavenger Hunt for great prizes.
Sept. 5
Carnival in the Garden
- Think you know the saguaro? Play carnival-style games and uncover surprising secrets about this iconic cactus that you never knew!
- Play carnival-style games and uncover surprising secrets about this iconic cactus.
- Get your face painted and transform into a desert inspired work of art.
- Discover a larger-than-life stilt walker and LED light performers
- Catch a bite at Chilligans Eatz ‘n Treatz food truck.
Sept. 12
Grandparents Night
- Bring the grandkids to experience Flashlight Nights together and one grandparent gets in FREE with a paid ticket with code GRAND26.
- Share the night with a loved one and make memories that glow long after the evening ends.
- Create a card for your special person.
- Plant a baby agave to take home.
Sept. 19
Critter Crawl
- Meet the amazing animals of the Sonoran Desert and get up close with the people who care for them: Liberty Wildlife, Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary and Maricopa County Parks & Recreation Department.
- Arizona Opera brings the drama with a wild twist! Enjoy dazzling arias with surprising links to the animal world.
- Cast your line and see what you catch! Discover the fish that live in our Arizona waterways.
- Discover how mosquitoes grow, where they thrive and what you can do to protect yourself to “Fight the Bite”.
Sept. 26
Desert Survivor
- See how you stack up against the heat as we celebrate everyone who made it through another scorching summer: Desert Survivor style!
- Choose your colored bandana and claim your “tribe”.
- Follow the map, complete the challenge and discover essential skills and resources you need to survive in the Sonoran Desert.
- Create your own Survivor-style “immunity idol” using mesquite pitch paint.
more to explore
Cactus Cantina
Ready for a chill escape? Swing by the new Cactus Cantina at the SRP Visitor Center and treat yourself to frozen cocktails, refreshing mocktails or an ice‑cold beer. Our full service bar is open from 5-9:30 p.m. daily. Grab a drink to sip while you stroll through the Garden.
Desert Oasis Garden After Dark
Enjoy a made-for-summer Garden After Dark experience as more than 12 light installations take over the trails. This shimmering display creates a playful break from the heat with cooling colors and designs inspired by the monsoon season.
Sunset Snacks
Beat the desert heat with an ice-cold breezy pop, then gather around for gooey s’mores under the stars. Available for purchase (credit and debit cards only).
Bubble Cart
Grab a bubble wand and create fun bubbles and playful shapes as you explore. Available for purchase (credit and debit card only).
