With the fall season upon us, it is time to plan how to spend those glorious days outdoors. Desert Botanical Garden is blooming with a variety of fall events–from pet-friendly experiences to live music to its famed Chiles & Chocolate.
Majestic Mariposas
Sept. 24 – Nov. 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Families can get an up-close and unforgettable experience when Monarchs and other native Southwestern butterflies return for our Fall Butterfly Exhibit.
Music in the Garden
Sept. 30 – Nov. 18 | Doors open at 6 p.m., concert starts at 7 p.m.
Members $32.95 | General Admission $36.95
Join in for a diverse lineup of concerts with musicians hailing from North America, Central America and South America at Music in the Garden. The fall event at Desert Botanical Garden is only for guests 21-plus except for Sept. 30, which is an all ages show.
Guelaguetza
Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 | 12 – 6 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission
Guelaguetza is an annual indigenous cultural event in Mexico that takes place in the city of Oaxaca. Join a colorful Oaxacan Calenda (parade), try some spicy and sweet mole, visit the mercado and sample some mezcal.
Dog Days at the Garden
Oct. 1 – Nov. 19 | 8 – 11 a.m. | Included with Garden admission or membership. (Last dog admissions: 10:30-11 a.m. timeslot.)
Bring your furry friend to Dog Days at the Garden for the “ultimutt” nature experience. Explore the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and stroll the Garden’s five thematic trails Saturday mornings.
Lotería Nights
Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 | 7 – 9:30 p.m. | $24.95 Members $29.95 General Admission
Join in once a month at the Garden with rounds of Lotería — a Mexican card game similar to bingo. Play for a chance to win cool prizes, including a Garden membership, plants and so much more. (21-and-older event)
Playing with Stars: Rotraut at Desert Botanical Garden
Oct. 7 – May 14 | Included with membership or Garden admission
The bold and lyrical large-scale sculptures of Rotraut will enliven the Garden trails while a selection of her paintings and small sculpture fill the Ottosen Gallery.
Desert Sol
Oct. 11 and Nov. 9 | Hours vary | Included with Garden admission or membership
Surround yourself with the beauty of nature as you enjoy a variety of cultural, wellness and healing traditions from around the world to invigorate your mind, body and soul.
Fall Plant Sale
Oct. 19 – Oct. 23, hours vary | Free admission. Reservations required and open in September
Fall in love with an extensive selection of desert plants, including cactus, agaves, succulents, trees and shrubs, at the Fall Plant Sale event at Desert Botanical Garden.
Strange Garden
Oct. 21 and Oct. 22 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Included with Garden admission or membership
Experience jaw-dropping performances, encounter mad botanists, peculiar plants and creepy-crawlies of the desert. Stop for a photo-op and take home a free pumpkin from the patch!
Día de Muertos
Oct. 29 – Oct. 30 | Oct. 29, 12-8 p.m., Oct. 30, 12-6 p.m., Procession from 5 to 6 p.m. each day | Included with Garden admission or membership
The two-day festival will be filled with Mexican music, dance, storytelling and more. Honor a loved one at the Community Altar by artist Rufina Ruiz López. At day’s end, Garden guests are invited to join performers in La Procesión, a procession honoring passed loved ones, through the Garden.
Chiles & Chocolate
Nov. 11 – Nov. 13 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Included with Garden admission and membership
Treat yourself to gourmet chocolates, flavorful sauces, fresh and fire-roasted chiles, and a variety of homemade goodies.
Viva las Americas
Nov. 19 and Nov. 20 | 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.| Included with Garden admission or membership
This two-day festival will feature music and dance from a variety of regions of the Americas. Experience hip-hop beats, bachata music, capoeira and samba. Savor a variety of culinary flavors that celebrates the cultural diversity of North and South American countries.
Purchase tickets and learn more about the fall events at Desert Botanical Garden, visit dbg.org
1201 N. Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008