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 

Desert Studio: Emerging Artists Series

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!

Dog Days at the Garden

Nov. 15, 22

Kickstart your weekend with a paw-fect day out! Enjoy a scenic stroll with your furry friend Saturday mornings at the Garden and capture those adorable moments together.  

Majestic Mariposas

Now - Nov. 16

Step into a world of enchantment and beauty this fall at our Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion.

Storytime

Nov. 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.

Arizona Opera Presents Rusalka, the Littlest Mermaid

Feb. 16, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable underwater adventure! Experience Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid is a magical, child-friendly opera about courage, transformation and following your dreams.

all experiences

Framerate: Desert Pulse

Now - 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.

Cactus Clubhouse

Thursdays – Sundays | 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.

Majestic Mariposas

Now - Nov. 16

Step into a world of enchantment and beauty this fall at our Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion.

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!

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

Nov. 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.

Chair Yoga

Nov. 19

Unwind and connect with nature during a supportive asana chair yoga class.

Sunset Sound Meditation

Nov. 19, 26

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

Bar Flies: Live at Desert Pulse

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

Nov. 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.

Dog Days at the Garden

Nov. 15, 22

Kickstart your weekend with a paw-fect day out! Enjoy a scenic stroll with your furry friend Saturday mornings at the Garden and capture those adorable moments together.  

Sonoran Desert Cornucopia Centerpiece

Nov. 22, 23

Create a cornucopia arrangement from scratch out of a woven palm leaf.

Morning Sound Meditation

Nov. 23

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

Gentle Yoga

Nov. 26

Start your day slowly with gentle yoga in the Garden led by Metta Yoga. Try to go slow through this traditional vinyasa flow class, focused on basic postures and sun salutations.

Las Noches De Las Luminarias

Nov. 28-30 | Dec. 5-6, 12-14, 18-23, 26-30

Join us for glowing luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holiday lights, musical performances, entertainment and festive food and drinks. Gather your loved ones and make unforgettable holiday memories at the Garden.

Succulent Wreath Workshop

Nov. 29, Dec. 7

Celebrate the season with a hands-on workshop where you’ll craft a lush, 16″ holiday wreath using fresh winter greens, festive accents and beautiful succulents native to the valley.

Succulent Garland Workshop

Nov. 29, Dec. 7

Learn the art of crafting a sustainable holiday garland showcasing succulents native to the valley.

Sunset Yoga

Dec. 2, 16; Jan. 20, 27; Feb. 3, 17, 24

Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga.

Chair Yoga (spring)

Dec. 3, Jan. 14, Feb. 4

Unwind and connect with nature during a supportive asana chair yoga class.

Night Photography: Photographing Holiday Lights

Dec. 3, 10

Learn all about night photography and how to create long exposures of unique light sources.

Botanic Briefings

Dec. 4, Jan. 13, Feb. 11

Join us for these informative presentations from Garden staff.

Desert Pulse: Drying Flowers with Desiccants

Dec. 10; Feb. 17

This class draws inspiration from Desert Pulse as you learn to capture the beauty of nature in bloom and make it last.

Gentle Yoga (spring)

Dec. 17, Jan. 28, Feb. 18

Seedlings

Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28

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.

Desert Studio: Emerging Artists Series

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!

Arizona Opera Presents Rusalka, the Littlest Mermaid

Feb. 16, 2026

Join us for an unforgettable underwater adventure! Experience Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid is a magical, child-friendly opera about courage, transformation and following your dreams.

Devour Culinary Classic

Feb. 21 & 22

Local First Arizona’s 18th annual Devour Culinary Classic, the most anticipated tasting event of the year, will impress even the most skeptical of diners with its luscious eclectic fare. 

40th Annual Dinner on the Desert

April 25, 2026

Dinner on the Desert 2026 blends the exquisite beauty of the Garden to create a memorable evening.