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Dining Al Fresco: Peonies in Bloom – SOLD OUT

Special Event

Date & Time:

June 6, 2025, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location:

Laking Garden (1221 Spring Gardens Rd.)

Types:

Evenings, Food and Drink, Get Social, Special Event

Length:

2+ Hours

Admission:

Ticketed Event

Event Description

Dining Al Fresco: Peonies in Bloom

Friday June 6, 6 p.m.

Savor a carefully crafted meal in our nostalgic Laking Garden, surrounded by the soft petals of blooming peonies and the invigorating aroma of sun-ripened citrus. Every bite is a celebration of the season, blending bold, refreshing flavors with the enchanting fragrances of nature in full bloom.

  • peonies beginning to bloom at Laking Garden with the upper terrace lookout structure in the background
  • Lineup of wine bottles with a white peony on formal table, set up outdoors in Laking Garden
  • Peony collection in bloom in front of the Laking Garden gazebo
  • Two rows of peony plants in bloom at twilight

Tickets

This event SOLD OUT in the Member Pre-sale.
If you’re interested, please join the waitlist, or consider becoming a member to get presale access to future dining events (next up: Roses!)

Ticket Type Price
Adult
(This is a 19+ event)
$110
(+ HST and $2 service fee)
  • This is a 19+ event.
  • This event requires a specific event ticket (not included in Garden Admission or Membership)
  • Garden admission discounts and coupons are not applicable to this ticketed event.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and final sale. After a purchase is complete, the tickets are the property of the ticket holder.

Menu

A four-course meal with wine pairings or non-alcoholic selections will be served

Vegan/vegetarian options available (selection made at the time of ticket purchasing). Dietary restrictions and allergies will be accommodated based on information provided at ticket purchase.

Full menu and wine pairings to be announced soon!

About the Peony Collection

One of RBG’s earliest signature collections, the Peony Collection began at Laking Garden in 1949.

RBG’s collection offers a unique history of peonies, displaying a range of cultivars and hybridizer introductions from the 19th, 20th and 21st century. As a result, it is now one of the most diverse and unique peony collections in North America.

magenta peony

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets

  • Pre-registration is required. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by May 23, 2025.
  • All tickets are non-refundable and final sale. General admission discounts and coupons do not apply.
  • Once purchased, tickets are the property of the ticketholder. No changes to date or time can be accommodated after purchase.
  • Due to the nature of the event, no refunds will be issued. By purchasing a ticket, guests agree to all event terms and conditions.
  • Tickets may be transferred to another guest. The original purchaser is responsible for submitting all guest details—including names and dietary preferences—via the online form (link in confirmation email) no later than 48 hours before the event.
  • RBG is unable to accommodate same-day changes.

Schedule

  • Doors open at 6:00 PM, welcoming guests into the garden.
  • Dinner service will begin approximately 15–30 minutes later.
  • Guests will enjoy a 4 coursed meal and exclusive access to the garden
  • The event will conclude around 10:00 PM.

Seating

  • Seating will be located on or near turf terrain, with outdoor garden chairs provided. Guests are encouraged to consider their attire
  • Assigned seating will be in place and identified via a seating chart and table place cards.
  • Guests’ names must be submitted at the time of booking. If not provided, a generic label (e.g., “Guest of [Name]”) will be used.
  • RBG will make every effort to seat parties together, but due to group sizes and table arrangements, communal seating may occur.

Weather

This is a rain-or-shine event. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be relocated to an indoor or sheltered alternate venue within the RBG grounds to ensure the comfort and safety of guests.

  • No refunds will be issued due to weather-related changes.
  • Guests are encouraged to dress appropriately for the forecasted conditions, including footwear suitable for walking on grass or uneven surfaces.
  • Updates regarding weather-related changes will be communicated via email prior to the event, if applicable.

Dietary Restrictions

Please indicate any dietary restrictions and/or allergies upon registration. If you will be partaking in an alcohol-free evening, add the names (first and last) of each guest. For specific inquiries, get in touch at rbg.ca/specialevents.

When identifying allergies/restrictions please be sure to include the applicable guest’s name. RBG does its best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies; however, due to the nature of this event, not all restrictions and allergies may be accommodated, and RBG cannot guarantee that traces of such foods are not present during preparation.

Directions & Parking

This event is held at Laking Garden, 1221 Spring Garden Road in Burlington, Ontario. 

Parking available in the upper parking lot (off Plains Rd. W.) or in the lower lot (Spring Gardens Rd.). Please note that the upper parking lot requires walking across a bridge that crosses over train tracks and descending down a winding ramp. The lower lot is situated just outside the entrance to Laking Garden.

Before departing, have a close look at a map of the area to familiarize yourself with your parking options.

Laking Garden is not currently accessible by public transit. Bike racks are available on site. 

Accessibility

Laking Garden has three terraced levels. The pre-dinner area is located on the middle terrace area and the dinner will take place near the peony collection on the lower terrace. This is an open grass area.

If accessing with a wheelchair or walker, an outdoor model is suggested.

The primary path to the lower two terraces includes two sets of stairs with railings. An alternative, sloped path is available alongside the South-West border of the garden, though this slope may prove too steep for some patrons.

Accessible parking spaces are available in the Lower Parking Lot. 

If you have any further questions about accessibility at this event please contact us by phone (905-527-1158) or use the online form.

Washrooms

Washroom facilities are located near the entrance to the garden.

Pets & Service Animals

With the exception of service animals, personal pets are not permitted at this event.

Filming/Photography Release

Guests are welcome to capture the moment with photos or video. When sharing your experience, be sure to tag @rbgcanada on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or X (Twitter).

Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken by Royal Botanical Gardens staff at this event may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for RBG related promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. In consideration of your participation as a guest or attendee of this event, you authorize Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use such photos and images under their sole discretion. Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns are released without limitation of any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.

By purchasing tickets and participating in this tour on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.

Terms & Conditions

Tickets purchased to special events are final sale and non-refundable. Tickets can be transferred to someone else if you can no longer attend. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry into the event.

Liability: RBG assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant.

By purchasing tickets and participating in this tour on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.