With fall on the horizon, the desert will soon be a lovely place to explore thanks to cooler temperatures and vibrant colors. Desert Botanical Garden is welcoming the upcoming fall season with a line-up of experiences perfect for all ages, including fan-favorite events such as the Fall Butterfly Exhibit, Día de Muertos and Music in the Garden.
Fall season at Desert Botanical Garden will kick off on October 7 with the colorful and voluminous works of world-renowned Colombian artist Fernadno Botero, which will be on display through spring. Get ready to wander through garden trails and enjoy perfect weather as you discover the beauty of fall in the desert with Desert Botanical Garden’s fall season experiences below.
Exhibitions
Majestic Mariposas
Don’t miss this living exhibit that features more than a thousand free-flying Southwestern butterflies. Get an up-close and personal experience with these winged beauties, learn about each stage of their life cycle and discover what actions we can take to protect them.
Details: Sept. 23–Nov. 12 | 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Fernando Botero: The Master
Harmony of color and beauty of form come together in this exhibition of paintings, drawings and monumental sculpture celebrating the visionary Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. As a poet of daily life in Latin America and a pioneer of figurative art, Botero has been creating art for more than 60 years in a unique, sumptuous style known as “Boterismo” that is immediately recognizable. Experience the Maestro’s artistic creations in the Garden and in Dorrance Hall, with an expanded gallery space that takes an intimate look at his influences, motivations and working methods.
Details: Oct. 7, 203–March 31, 2024 | 8 a.m.–8 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Cactus Clubhouse
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.
Details: October and November | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Events
Music in the Garden
Enjoy a stunning Garden backdrop as you experience local bands during this Friday-night concert series. This 35-year-old tradition returns with six concerts in October through November. This event is 21+.
Details: Oct. 6, 13, 20 & Nov. 3, 10, 17 | 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Members $32.95; General admission $36.95.
Guelaguetza
¡Viva la Guelaguetza! The lively festivities of a traditional Mexican indigenous holiday come alive at the Garden. Celebrate Oaxacan culture through music, dance, art, food and more.
Guelaguetza is a celebration of Oaxaca’s indigenous cultures. It originates from a Zapotec word that roughly translates to “reciprocal exchange of gifts and services.”
Details: Oct. 7–8 | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Dog Days at the Garden
Enjoy a weekend excursion with your four-legged friend through the Garden’s trails- a paw-fect place to enjoy the outdoors together with some great photo ops.
Details: Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28 & Nov. 18 | 8 a.m.–11 a.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Desert Sol
Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature through a variety of cultural and restoring traditions from around the world. Enjoy yoga, cooking demos, educational talks, world music and more.
Details: Oct. 10 & Nov. 18 | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Lotería Nights
Gather your amigos and join Desert Botanical Garden this October and November for rounds of Lotería and a chance to win fun prizes. Enjoy tasty food, drinks, música y más. This event is 21+.
Details: Oct. 18 & Nov. 15 | 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Members $29.95; General Admission $34.95
Fall Plant Sale
Find the perfect desert plant and houseplant at the Fall Plant Sale. Choose from aromatic herbs and vegetables to flowering perennials, as well as a selection of cactus, succulents and agaves. Garden experts will be available to help you select the ideal plants for your home.
Details: Oct. 19–22 | 7 a.m.–3 p.m., last entry at 2 p.m. | Free Admission. Reservations open Aug. 25 and are required.
Strange Garden
Get spooky at the Garden with more treats than tricks! Dress up in your Halloween best and enjoy a night filled with mad botanists, peculiar plants and photo ops. All kids get to take home a free pumpkin from the patch, while supplies last.
Details: Oct. 27–28 | 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos returns to the Garden this fall featuring an immersive experience that includes a mega community altar centered on the history and symbolism of the elegant skeleton figure La Catrina, a decorative and floral archway along with a two-day celebration and festive processions. Enjoy delicious food, hands-on activities, dance, music and so much more during this weekend celebration.
Details: Nov. 4–5 | 12 p.m.–6 p.m. | Included with membership or Garden admission.
Adult Education Classes
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. Fall classes will be announced and go on sale on August 25.
Las Noches de las Luminarias
Garden lights on winter nights are a must this holiday season at Desert Botanical Garden’s Las Noches de las Luminarias. Enjoy an evening filled with sparkling luminaria-lit trails and twinkling holiday lights. Musical performances, entertainment and festive food and drinks will be available for a picture-perfect night.
Details: Nov. 24 & 25; Dec. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16,19–23, 26–30 | 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m. | Members $34.95; General Admission $39.95 | Tickets on sale Oct. 2 for Members and Oct. 16 for General Public.
La Posada
The Mexican holiday tradition of La Posada returns to Desert Botanical Garden this December to add an extra layer of magic to your holidays. Guests can expect singing processions, traditional Mexican food and beverages, as well as a piñata breaking experience for little kids.
Details: Dec. 17 | 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.| Members $34.95; General Admission $39.95 | Tickets on sale Oct. 2 for Members and Oct. 16 for General Public.
Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, Ariz. 85008. Tickets for the fall season are now available, while ticketed events will go on sale on August 25. Purchase tickets and learn more at dbg.org.
Photos courtesy Desert Botanical Garden
