EXPERIENCES

The bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures of Rotraut will enliven the Garden t​rails while a selection of her paintings and small sculpture fill the Ottosen Gallery. Known around the world, and based in Arizona, Rotraut’s artwork explores the energy of the seasons and the relationship of nature with the sky, sun and universe.

Paws up for Dog Days at the Garden! Explore the trails with your pup, smell the spring wildflowers and pose for photos on Saturday mornings.

Desert Botanical Garden invites kids to engage with the outdoors around them at Cactus Clubhouse–a nature play space. The play area provides unstructured, child-led activities for kids under 12 to discover the fun of the natural world.

Families can get an up-close and unforgettable experience when more than 2,000 native Southwestern butterflies return for the Spring Butterfly Exhibit. Get acquainted with thousands of butterflies, observe each stage of their life cycle and learn what actions we can take to protect them.

Let’s grow with books! Join our children education associates as they guide children ages 0-5 and their caregivers through weekly themed stories, songs, and playtime surrounding the garden and desert.

Awaken your senses and sooth your soul with the healing power of nature. Experience and connect with a variety of cultural and healing traditions from around the world.

The Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Annual Show and Sale at the Desert Botanical Garden.  Don’t miss seeing beautifully grown, amazingly spectacular, and just plain weird cactus and succulent plants grown by Society members.

Spring into the season with an exciting lineup of artists at Music in the Garden. Join us Fridays for a night filled with music, memories and a full Sonoran Desert experience.

Don’t miss the exclusive opportunity to play the iconic Mexican lotería game on a Desert Botanical Board tabla created by Garden graphic designers!

Dinner on the Desert 2023 blends the exquisite beauty of the Garden with the bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures of  international artist, Rotraut, to create a memorable evening.

Celebrate the moms in your life with a botanical good time! The Garden will offer a day to remember with complimentary photo opps, live entertainment, the Spring Butterfly Exhibit and more!

Surrounded by the matchless Desert Botanical Garden landscape with the setting sun as a backdrop, join us for a world premiere performance that promises to capture the beauty and complexity of dance in an artistic performance that is uniquely Arizonan at An Evening at Desert Botanical Garden.

Make summer shine at Flashlight Nights. Bring a flashlight and enjoy the Garden after dark with performances, cool treats, hands-on activities and creature features.

Heat up a summer full of fun at the Garden. Gather your family and friends on the second Friday of each month for refreshing welcome drinks, live music, pop-up activities, Garden strolls and more!

Celebrate the rad dads in your life at Flashlight Nights on June 17. Dads get in free with a paid child admission. Cool off with free popsicles for the dads and a discount on beers at Garden bars!