| Membership | Price (+HST) |
|---|---|
| Single | $85/year |
| Single Plus | $120/year |
| Family | $130/year |
| Family Plus | $175/year |
| Contributing | $300/year |
| Supporting | $600/year |
| Sustaining | $1,000/year |
| Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
| Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
| President's Circle | $10,000/year |
Celebrity Chef Dinner: Erica Karbelnik – SOLD OUT
Date & Time:
August 14, 2026, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
- Exclusive Dining Experience with a Top Chef Canada Winner
- 5 to 10 p.m.
- 19+ Event
A one-of-a-kind, unforgettable evening of open-air dining awaits. This dinner features a specially curated menu and table side explanations by Top Chef Canada Season 9 winner (2021), Erica Karbelnik. Celebrated for her ingredient-driven approach and refined, thoughtful cooking style, Karbelnik brings a distinctive culinary perspective to this exclusive one-night-only experience—transforming the season’s finest ingredients into an inspired multi-course menu.
Erica joins us table-side, presenting each course as this series achieves its most indulgent expression yet. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of elegance with a guided Art and Sculpture Tour in Hendrie Park.
Tickets – SOLD OUT
Member Presale: Wednesday April 22, 1 p.m.
Public Sale: Thursday April 23, 11 a.m.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (This is a 19+ event) |
$225 (+ HST and $2 service fee) |
Ticketing Terms and Conditions
- Tickets purchased to RBG events are final sale and non-refundable. Full price tickets may be transferred to another person without restriction should you be unable to attend. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry into the experience.
- Cancellation: RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to extreme inclement weather with little to no notice (ticket purchasers will be contacted by email).
- 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.
- Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this experience 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 experience, 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.
- Weather Policy: This event is held outdoors in a non-covered area and is subject to weather conditions. RBG reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel the event due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, or other conditions that may impact the safety of guests, staff, or performers. Ticket holders will be notified of any changes via email, which may occur without prior notice. RBG is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by ticket holders.
- By purchasing tickets and participating in this experience on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.
What to Expect
- 1 hour exclusive Art and Sculpture Tour in Hendrie Park
- Coursed dinner presented tableside by Top Chef Canada winner Chef Erica Karbelnik
- Wine pairings with each course + welcome beverage (alcohol-free options available)
- Live musical entertainment
- Exclusive garden access from 5 to 10 p.m.
“We’re so excited to be collaborating with the Royal Botanical Gardens on this dinner. It’s a chance for us to create something that truly mirrors the setting, where the lush blooms and greenery inspire every element of the menu and the overall experience.”
– Erica & Josh
About Erica Karbelnik
Chefs Erica & Josh Karbelnik have both been in the industry for about 20 years, working for some of the best chefs throughout Canada, including Chef Mark Mcewan and Chef Scott Jaegger. They started their culinary journey at the age of 17, where they honed in each individually on their craft. As they grew together, so did their passion for food and for the hospitality industry.
They have both competed in some prestigious culinary competitions. Erica was the winner of Top Chef Canada Season 9 and Chopped Canada Season 3. She also represented Canada in the 6th World Tapas Competition in Valladolid, Spain, in 2022 as well as 2025, where she placed gold in the North American & South American competition. She is the chef ambassador for the NBA and has been labelled the top 30 most inspirational women of 2021 by Marquee magazine. Josh has also won Chopped Canada season 3, was a finalist alongside Erica in Top Chef Canada season 9, and has also represented Canada in the 7th World Tapas competition in Spain. Erica & Josh made Food Network history, being the first couple to ever compete against each other in Top Chef Canada.
Together, they co-own Karbs Catering & Private Events, a company that prides itself in bringing Michelin-style dining into the comfort of your own home. Offering customized tasting menus, as well as full restaurant set-ups, with the highest quality of ingredients. Classically French trained, the couple brings a lot of Middle Eastern flavours into their food, with Erica being part Moroccan, and the couple’s global travels, their food brings bold, rambunctious flavours with elegance and poise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn’t answered by the topics below? Get in touch online.
Tickets
- Pre-registration is required. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by 2 weeks prior to the dinner event date
- 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 5:00 p.m., welcoming guests into the garden.
- Garden tour begins at approximately 5:15 p.m. (1 hour)
- Dinner service will follow. Guests will enjoy a 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 and contracted partners do their 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.
Guest Changes
Have your guest details (attendees, dietary needs, etc.) changed since purchase? Please let us know using the form linked in your confirmation email no later than 2 weeks before the event date, July 31, 2026.
Directions & Parking
- Please enter through the main doors of RBG Centre (680 Plains Road W. Burlington ON, parking on-site), where a tunnel is available under Plains Road to Hendrie Park.PLEASE NOTE: though a parking lot does exist by the Cherry Hill Trailhead (beside Hendrie Park), this lot is dedicated for trail use and access to Hendrie Park NOT available.
Accessibility
Please indicate any accessibility needs during the registration process. If accessing with a wheelchair or walker, an outdoor model is suggested. Accessible parking spaces are available.
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, and at the teahouse.
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 RBG events are final sale and non-refundable. Full price tickets may be transferred to another person without restriction should you be unable to attend. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry into the experience.
- Cancellation: RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to extreme inclement weather with little to no notice (ticket purchasers will be contacted by email).
- 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.
- Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this experience 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 experience, 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.
- Weather Policy: This event is held outdoors in a non-covered area and is subject to weather conditions. RBG reserves the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel the event due to inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, or other conditions that may impact the safety of guests, staff, or performers. Ticket holders will be notified of any changes via email, which may occur without prior notice. RBG is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by ticket holders.
- By purchasing tickets and participating in this experience on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.