EXPERIENCE DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT THIS FALL
July 18, 2024Desert Botanical Garden welcomes the fall with a multitude of new events and exhibits. Visitors will experience the Garden in a whole new light with the premier of the limited-time exhibition LIGHT BLOOM. Guests also will enjoy the return of some fan-favorites, like the Fall Butterfly Exhibit, Día de Muertos and Music in the Garden. Wander through the Garden’s trails and enjoy the perfect weather paired with experiences for all ages to enjoy. Tickets for the fall season will be available July 19 at dbg.org.
Exhibits
Included with membership or Garden admission
The Leaf Connection
Aug. 24, 2024 – Aug. 24, 2025 | 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
The Leaf Connection showcases the vibrant plant diversity of metro Phoenix through an intricate display of hand-made, ceramic leaves at Webster Center. With more than 1,000 ceramic pieces, each leaf’s design is influenced by observations community scientists record on iNaturalist, an established online platform where nature lovers share information on biodiversity. During the course of the exhibit, local artist Mary Meyer will periodically add new ceramic leaves as more people contribute observations on iNaturalist. The Garden invites guests to engage with this distinctive art installation, offering a captivating opportunity to reconnect with nature. Exhibition unavailable during private events.
Majestic Mariposas
Sept. 21 –Nov. 10, 2024 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Welcome fall with a burst of colors at the Cohn Family Butterfly Pavilion. Come and be dazzled by thousands of monarchs and Southwestern butterflies fluttering inside the pavilion, filled with lush plants, bright blooms and popular pollinators. Fun for all ages.
Cactus Clubhouse
Oct. 3, 2024- May 11, 2025 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays | Included with membership or Garden admission
Explore, play and discover at the Cactus Clubhouse, located in the Weisz Learning Center. Children up to 12 and their caregivers will enjoy many activities while playing and connecting with nature.
LIGHT BLOOM
Oct. 12, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 | 8 a.m.- 8 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO is a limited-time exhibit where nature and light converge. This mesmerizing display invites you to explore the Garden transformed by stunning geometric light installations that illuminate the beauty of the desert landscape in a new way. As the sun sets, LIGHT BLOOM comes to life, casting intricate shadows and vibrant hues across the Garden. Wander the trails and let the enchanting installations transport you to a magical realm where the natural world meets the abstract.
Events
Sonoran Sippin’
Sept. 20 | 6-9 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Join us for the launch of Arizona Lottery’s Lotería-themed scratchers featuring Desert Botanical Garden’s Lotería images. Enjoy a cool welcome drink, included with ticket, and soak up the summer sunset with pop-up experiences, entertainment and desert views. Presented in partnership with Arizona Lottery.
Music in the Garden
Oct. 4, 11, 18 & Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22 | Doors at 6 p.m. | Concert 7-9 p.m. | This event is 21+. No infants or children permitted | Members $32.95 General admission $36.95
Tickets on sale Sept. 6
Let the rhythms of the season take hold at Music in the Garden. Our concert series is set against the backdrop of our vibrant Garden on select Friday evenings. Be it jazz, blues or contemporary, every concert promises an unforgettable evening.
Guelaguetza
Oct. 5-6 | | Saturday 4-9 p.m. and Sunday 4-8 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Join us as we revel in Oaxaca’s rich tradition of Guelaguetza. Delight in an explosion of music, dance, culinary wonders and more.
Dog Days at the Garden
Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23 | 8-11 a.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Grab your pup and a leash and hit the trails Saturday mornings. Expect a day of nature-filled adventure and irresistible photo moments.
Desert Sol
Oct. 8, November 12 | Included with membership or Garden admission
Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature through a variety of cultural and restoring traditions from around the world.
Lotería Nights
Oct. 10 & Nov. 14 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Doors at 7 p.m. | This event is 21+. No infants or children permitted. Tickets on sale Sept. 6
Call your crew and shout ‘LOTERÍA!’ Immerse yourself in an experience that’s more than just a game. Get ready to play rounds of lotería amidst the serene beauty of the Garden and win amazing prizes.
Presented in partnership with Arizona Lottery.
Read Between the Spines Author Series
Oct. 10 | 10 a.m. | Members $14.95 General Admission $29.95
Tickets on sale Sept. 6
The Garden is excited for the second season of Read Between the Spines book club. A botanical twist to the traditional book club, featuring books that highlight the world of plants, horticulture and conservation. Photographer Claire Takacs and landscape architect and planting design expert Giacomo Guzzon will present and discuss their new book, “Visionary: Gardens and Landscapes for our Future.”
Fall Plant Sale
Oct. 17-20 | 7 a.m.-3 p.m., last entry at 2 p.m. | Free Admission. Reservations required. Reservations open Sept. 3 for Garden Members and Sept.17 General Public
Bring the magic of the desert into your garden or green space. Explore our expansive collection of 30,000 desert-adapted plants at the Fall Plant Sale. Expert advice and a picturesque outdoor shopping experience await. Give your landscape a dreamy makeover this fall.
Strange Garden
Oct. 25-26 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission. Tickets on sale July 19.
Explore eerie and enchanting boo-tanical activities. Enjoy live music, interactive experiences and encounter fascinating creatures. It’s a Halloween experience perfect for all ages. Don’t forget, each kid leaves with a free pumpkin, while supplies last.
Día de Muertos
Nov. 2-3 | 12-6 p.m. | Procession 5-6 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Día de Muertos returns to the Garden with a stunning community altar, vibrant procession, food, music and more. Starting Nov. 1, a community altar centered on the legend of the Cempasúchil flower (marigold) and the story of Xóchitl and Huitzilin will be on display in Ottosen Gallery.
It is believed, on Día de Muertos, the scent of the Cempasúchil flower guides the souls of the deceased to the offering waiting for them in the world of the living. The romantic tale of Xóchitl and Huitzilin unfolds in this ofrenda exhibit through dramatic visuals, including monumental flower sculptures and handcrafted silver hummingbirds made by artisans from Taxco de Alarcón. The deconstructed altar design will also feature the ceramic artwork of Oaxacan artist Rufina Ruiz Lopez. Visitors are invited to place memories and wishes for loved ones on the ofrenda.
Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Week-Long Celebration
Nov. 11-17 | 10-4 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Come explore The Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert trail with hands-on discovery stations, engage with Indigenous makers and vendors and experience a special activities for the whole family to enjoy
Festival Weekend
Nov. 16-17
Celebrate Arizona’s Native American communities at the Garden with storytelling, music, dance and culture. Visit with artisans from local tribes as they demonstrate basketweaving, pottery, etching and more. Some artists will have their artworks for sale during this special weekend.
Adult Education Classes
Fall classes on sale now
Take learning into your own hands and enjoy specialized one-time classes located at Desert Botanical Garden. Get inspired and learn new skills through one of our programs in landscape and gardening, photography, art, cooking and wellness. See classes here
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Select Nights Nov. 29- Dec. 30 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Members $36.95 General Admission $41.95 | Tickets on sale Oct. 4 for Members and Oct. 18 for General Public
Step into the magic of a sparkling wonderland at the Garden, where holiday tradition meets modern illumination. Join us for glowing luminaria-lit trails, twinkling holidays lights, musical performances, entertainment, and festive food and drinks. This year, the Garden is thrilled to offer an even brighter spectacle with LIGHT BLOOM by HYBYCOZO, where nature and light unite in stunning, geometric brilliance. Gather your loved ones and make unforgettable holiday memories at the Garden.
WHERE: Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
INFO: For more information, call 480.941.1225 or visit dbg.org
About Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden has five thematic trails filled with 50,000 plants that connects visitors to the wonders of desert plants of the world, with an emphasis on the Sonoran Desert. For 85 years, the Garden has been a pioneer in conservation and research, as well as world-class exhibitions, vibrant events and festivals, learning experiences for all ages, and so much more. For more information, visit us online at dbg.org.
