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Dining Al Fresco: Rock Garden

Date & Time:

September 11, 2026, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Location:

Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard)

Get Directions
three wine glasses with white wine and bottles behind them in rock garden at night
  • Curated dinner in the garden
  • 6 to 10 p.m.
  • 19+ Event

RBG invites you dine with us as the season begins to shift, and the air carries that first hint of fall. Settle in at our Rock Garden for cozy conversations and enjoy the rich flavours of the season.

Fall display of grasses, black-eyed susans, and mums outside the Rock Garden visitor centre
chefs plating a large table of meals indoors at Rock Garden
Japanese Maple tree with bright red and orange leaves

Tickets

Member Presale: Wednesday April 22, 11 a.m.
Public Sale: Thursday April 23, 11 a.m.

Ticket Type Price
Adult
(This is a 19+ event)
$127
(+ 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.

About Rock Garden

Opened to visitors in 1932, the historic Rock Garden is considered the birthplace of Royal Botanical Gardens. Following a significant rejuvenation, the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden reopened in 2016 to embrace sustainable trends in garden design and management while respecting the integrity of its heritage setting.

Footbridge over Rock Garden water feature with brilliant fall leaves on the surrounding trees

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 at least 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 6:00 PM, welcoming guests into the garden.
  • Dinner service will begin approximately 15–30 minutes later.
  • 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 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.

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 at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Directions & Parking

  • This event is held in the historic Rock Garden, at 1185 York Blvd. Hamilton ON.
  • Complimentary parking is available in the large lot across the road, with accessible parking spaces available directly outside the Rock Garden Visitor Centre.

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

Rock Garden Washroom facilities are located inside the Rock Garden Visitor Center.

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.

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