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. 15
Sunlight to Starlight
- Experience the Sonoran Desert’s amazing day-to-night transformation!
- Look up to observe a sky filled with sparkling stars, discover familiar constellations and hear the fascinating stories people have told about them for generations.
- Explore the night sky as you enter Arizona Science Center’s portable planetarium.
Aug. 22
Critter Crawl
- Meet the animals of the Sonoran Desert and talk to experts from Liberty Wildlife and Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary.
- Stop by Critter Corner to see more desert wildlife. Search for toads and frogs and discover spiders’ snack strategies.
- Discover how mosquitoes grow, where they thrive and what you can do to protect yourself and your community so together we can Fight the Bite.
- The Great Arizona Puppet Theater is back with their production of “Old McDonald’s Ranch”.
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!
Sept. 12
Grandparents Night
- Share the magic of the night with a grandparent, family member, or someone special and make memories that glow long after the evening ends.
Sept. 19
Critter Crawl
- Meet the amazing animals of the Sonoran Desert and get up close with the people who care for them, learning the stories, adaptations and connections that make each one unique.
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!
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).
