Events

Join us for the launch of “The Story of Camelback Mountain” by Estelle Cohen & Pam Hait, illustrated by Sebastien Millon. This new book tells the untold story about this iconic Arizona landmark.

Caregivers and children ages 6-30 months discover firsthand how sensory-based experiences in nature can guide early childhood development and can strengthen bonds with each other and with the Sonoran Desert.

Discover a selection of desert-adapted plants with pleasing aromas as well as colors, textures, and forms. Learn to create a sensory experience that lasts throughout the year. Instructed by Erin Hutton. Limit 20.

The region’s most anticipated culinary event returns to Desert Botanical Garden for its 11^th year. Devour Culinary Classic promises to present the very best that Arizona’s culinary scene has to offer. 100% of all proceeds from Devour Culinary Classic benefit the community efforts of Local First Arizona, Desert Botanical Garden and Arizona Business Committee for the Arts (AZBCA).

Growing plants for herbal teas can benefit your health while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Learn which herbs, including chamomile, hibiscus, rose hips and peppermint, are perfectly suited for tea and thrive in the desert. Instructed by Pam Perry. Limit 24.

Celebrate the happiest of hours at the Garden with special admission prices for you, friends and family to swing back, relax and enjoy the beauty of the desert.

Explore the art of the up-close and personal: macro photography. Discuss composition, proper equipment, focusing, lighting and how to steady the camera at close range. While this introductory class is open to all camera owners, it is best suited for those who are proficient in operating a DSLR camera. Instructed by Robert McBride. Limit 12.

Desert Botanical Garden presents a spectacular lineup of talent at the Music in the Garden Spring Concert Series. These popular events feature some of the best local and regional musicians. Ullman Terrace provides an unmatchable backdrop of mature saguaros and other desert plants, as audiences ages 21 and older enjoy the sounds of favorite bands and discover new talent. Food and drink, including a selection of boutique wines, are available for purchase.

We welcome you and your family to enjoy the Desert Botanical Garden with the opening of the new nature play space, Cactus Clubhouse, to experience nature play and join in Family Playtime.

Mix it up with your friends at Garden Mixtape, a new event series at the Garden. Enjoy danceable tunes from great local acts and surprise elements that will make your evening memorable. Sample seasonal craft beers with Arizona Wilderness Brewing Company.

Learn how to make a beautiful California poppy and how to use alcohol ink to create gradients in flowers. Step by step, students will learn how to make a crepe paper flower with two buds and leaves to decorate their home or share with their friends or family.  Also, students will learn a bit about this wildflower that grows here in Arizona during spring. Instructed by Sandra Villegas. Limit 10.

Inspired by Wild Rising by Cracking Art, listen to talks and discussions from experts, scholars and industry professionals, as they share their insight about topical issues. Afterward, mingle with friends over drinks, music and yard games.

Don’t let 30,000 plants intimidate you! Our on-site horticulture experts will help you find the perfect cactus, agave or ornamental to plant in your own garden. Specimen-sized plants and delivery services available. Volunteers and staff are available to offer advice, answer questions and assist in selections.

Celebrate tequila, food and music through the Garden’s desert trails. Sip a refreshing margarita in a glowing glass, while tasting culinary treats prepared by some of the Valley’s tastiest restaurants and caterers.

Sophisticated and stylish — Dinner on the Desert 2020 with Event Chair, Ann Stanton welcomes you to share the Garden with the 1,000 colorful animals of Wild Rising by Cracking Art. The evening begins with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and socializing with friends while you bid on distinctive plants, pots and garden art, plus unique and exciting experiences. The magical outdoor setting of the Garden is the stage for your evening of wild, inspired cuisine. After dinner, the farewell experience will bring the color of the desert and animal sculptures to life.

Fund the Farm is a festive party with a purpose, featuring a hosted bar, tequila tastings, field fresh hors d’oeuvres and lively music staged at Desert Botanical Garden’s beautiful outdoor setting.

Surrounded by the lush desert landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, Ib Andersen’s vision for dance in the desert continues in 2020 with The Four Seasons. Expect the unexpected as Ballet Arizona evolves, takes chances and challenges your emotional boundaries in the desert that we call our home.