Events

Grains are known as the building blocks of breads and other baked goods, but you might be surprised by their many other uses throughout history. Watch, taste and learn as Chef Larry Canepa creates appetizers made from quinoa, millet, amaranth, teff, freekeh and his famous nine-grain dish. Limit 12.

Interested in volunteering at Desert Botanical Garden? Volunteers are needed for Guest Guides, Discovery Guides and Docents this fall season and beyond.

Desert Botanical Garden presents a spectacular lineup of talent at the Music in the Garden Fall Concert Series. Ullman Terrace provides an unmatchable backdrop of mature saguaros and other desert plants as audiences ages 21 and up enjoy the sounds of beloved favorites and discover new talent.

Mix it up with your friends at GARDEN MIXTAPE, a new event series at Desert Botanical Garden. Enjoy danceable tunes from great local acts and surprise elements that will make your evening memorable.

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 answer questions, assist in selections and offer advice.

Strange Garden is creeping back into the Garden, so join us to encounter weird sights, fun tricks and enchanting creatures.

Celebrate the tradition of Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, with a two-day festival filled with music, dance and storytelling. Children will love the crafts and face painting, and the whole family will enjoy the Mercado filled with art, jewelry and other wares. Each day ends with La Procesión, a procession through the Garden by all the performers and audience members, concluding with a traditional burning of troubles.

Chiles & Chocolate Festival is the ideal recipe for a sweet and spicy weekend. Sample and shop your way through Arizona’s top chile and chocolate vendors. Indulge in gourmet chocolates, zesty sauces, fresh, fire-roasted chiles and other handcrafted delights. Listen to catchy musical mixes and enjoy fiery live performances of Latin, Brazilian and Caribbean dance on Boppart Courtyard.

Bring the whole family—dogs included—for a walk on Garden trails. Meet other dog lovers, heel for family photos, learn about local dog-related nonprofits, shop and enjoy samples with your pup.

Please join Desert Botanical Garden at the 3rd Annual Conservation Celebration luncheon to benefit the Central Arizona Conservation Alliance (CAZCA) initiative.

Celebrate the spirit of the season with Las Noches de las Luminarias. Stroll the Garden’s trails lined with 8,000 flickering luminaria bags, gaze at twinkling lights and admire the enchanting glow of Wild Rising creatures. Happen upon tunes from eclectic entertainment groups and cherish the time spent with friends and family during the holiday season.

Founder and chair of 80 Cities and the first Ambassador for World Urban Parks, Guillermo “Gil” Penalosa comes to the Garden to deliver his innovative vision to create vibrant cities and healthy communities for all.