Events

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.

Purchase Calligraphy: An Introduction and Advanced Calligraphy as a package by Jan. 2 and receive a discount. Offer expires Jan. 3. Programs may be purchased separately, subject to availablity.
Instructed by Devon Meyer. Limit 15.

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.

A deep dive into the world of craft chocolate! Experience a demonstration & discussion of micro-batch “bean-to-bar” craft chocolate making. Learn how cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate and discover the world of natural flavors that can be found in craft chocolate. Learn about the differences between “Industrial Chocolate” and Ethically-Sourced craft chocolate. Includes sampling of freshly roasted cocoa nibs, chocolate liquor (100% cacao; no sugar) & a guided tasting of single-origin dark chocolates.

Provoked 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.

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

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.

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.

Sample, sip and savor your way through the splendor of the Garden at Corks & Cactus, where boutique wines and desert beauty blend into a delightful event. Sample from 40 wines each day, enjoy music and purchase delicious fare. 21 and older.

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.

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).

Learn the traditional, meditative principles of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Watch a demonstration by instructor Ping Wei, then make your own original, winter-inspired ikebana arrangements. Additional required materials list available with online listing. Limit 10.

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.