Flashlight Nights
DATE: Aug. 23, 30 | Sept. 6, 13
TIME: 7-9:30 p.m.
PRICE: Included in Membership or General admission
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. Discover a whole new side of the Garden and make it a night to remember with family and friends.
Know Before You Go
Please bring a refillable water bottle and a flashlight to enjoy this experience. Ideally, 90 minutes is needed to enjoy all the activities at Flashlight Nights.
Food and Beverage
S’mores, Breezy Pops and packaged snacks available during Flashlight Nights. Or, grab a bite to eat before you explore the Garden with fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks and more from Atlasta Catering. Open until 7 p.m.
View our full program here
Aug. 23 – Research in our Backyard
Dig in and learn what the Garden’s researchers do behind-the-scenes! Learn what drives scientific curiosity of Valley teens and take advantage of opportunities to go on tours hosted by the Garden’s scientists and docents. Discover how researchers of all ages are working to protect our desert and the plants and animals that live here.
🌿 Behind the Scenes Mini-Tours: Peep the Herbarium, Seed Lab and our high-tech greenhouse.
💦 Hear from young researchers turning moisture in the air into drinking water, exploring how solar panels and farming are the future. Learn about the impact of climate on malaria, fast fashion waste, and how we can live more sustainably.
Learn how Garden scientists support the future of monarchs with research about milkweed, and talk with scientists who care for the Garden’s living collection.
🏞️ Discover how local experts are building green spaces that protect nature and support healthier, more connected communities.
Aug. 30 – Critter Crawl
Join our second installment of Critter Crawl—a nighttime adventure packed with desert creatures, hands-on activities and surprises around every corner!
🐸 Head to the pond to spot frogs and toads on the move!
🕷️ Meet our desert spiders and discover how their behaviors help them thrive at night.
🐍 Say hello to friendly snakes and learn how they fit into the desert ecosystem.
🦉 Explore the world of critters that fly —from those you’ll see before sunset to the mysterious ones that come out after dark.
🎭 Plus, The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is back with “Old McDonald’s Ranch”—a fun twist on the classic show where desert animals take the spotlight instead of barnyard friends!
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Sunset Sound Meditation
Aug. 27 | Sept 3, 17 | Oct. 22, 29 | Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26
Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation.
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 Clubhouse—our special play area for children and caregivers.
