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Open Today: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All Hours

RBG After Dark: ANCHORBALL (19+)

Date & Time:

Jul 3, Aug 8, 22, Sept 5

Location:

RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd W)

Get Directions
2026_Events_Anchorball_SocialPosts for Anchorball After Darks V21080
  • 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. (final entry: 9 p.m.)
  • Age 19+
  • Pre-purchased tickets required

RBG After Dark transforms ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey into a vibrant evening experience for adults. Explore the gardens after hours surrounded by 18 large-scale pop art sculptures, illuminated pathways, live entertainment, food, drinks, and interactive experiences throughout the night.

Discover the playful and imaginative world of internationally recognized artist Ken Kelleher, known as Anchorball, where bold characters, contemporary sculpture, nature, and augmented reality come together across the garden landscape. Guests can also uncover hidden digital Cloudwalkers and unlock an AR Masterpiece as part of the experience.

Gather with friends, enjoy a summer night in the gardens, and experience a unique fusion of art, music, nightlife, and exploration.

This is a 19+ event; for an all-ages experience purchase daytime admission tickets during standard opening hours.

Tickets

Member Pre-Sale: Wednesday June 3
Public Sale: Thursday June 4, 11 a.m.

Tickets required for access; space is limited.

Ticket Type Price
Adult $27 (+ HST & $2 Service Fee)

Member Pre-Sale Instructions

To access the member presale, simply log in to your RBG online account using the email address associated with your membership. Once your account is set up, visit the registration page during the pre-sale time.

Do NOT make a new account; any new account created will not have access to your member benefits, and will not permit you access to the pre-sale.

New Members: How To Activate Your Account (do this prior to the sale date to avoid disappointment)

  1. Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
  2. Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
  3. Check your email for a link to reset your password
  4. Log in with your new credentials and check your account information. Ensure your updated membership is showing.
  5. Optional but recommended: test your member benefits by checking admission tickets; if you see member tickets, this account will have access to the pre-sale.

Once your member account is set up, visit the registration page and your tickets will be available!

If you do not receive a password reset email within 10 minutes, or if you log into and your membership is not showing in your account information, it is possible that email address is not the primary contact on your RBG Membership. Get in touch with the memberships team for more information.

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.
view of oak alee in hendrie park in the early evening in summer, flower beds full of annual blooms with the teahouse in the distance

Event Features

Anchorball art exhibit promotional graphic. Whimsical garden scene with a giant head sculpture with flowers, blowing a pink bubblegum bubble. In the foreground and midground, two cartoon-like bunny characters with blue ears and colorful patterns stand among vibrant flower beds along a curved pathway. The setting is an open grassy landscape under a bright sky with soft clouds. Text reads: Anchorball A Curious Art Journey June 20 to September 20. RBG logo in bottom left corner

ANCHORBALL: A Curious Art Journey

Explore the vibrant sculptural universe of artist and contemporary sculptor Ken Kelleher, internationally known as Anchorball. This massive outdoor exhibition transforms the garden into a vivid sculptural landscape where bold characters, imaginative narratives, and contemporary form merge with nature and blooms to create a world that feels full of wonder, yet deeply recognizable.

Art Workshops

Discover an evening of creativity and artistic exploration in a hands-on workshop experience. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or simply looking to try something new, this drop-in workshop offers the opportunity to create, connect, and unwind. Limited seats are available and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Standing room available for spectators.

Entertainment

Enjoy live music and DJ entertainment throughout the evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere and the perfect soundtrack for your experience.

Artistic Discovery

Excitement lies in what you’ll discover along the way. Throughout the evening, guests may encounter artists, creators, photographers, and other engaging experiences woven throughout the event, offering spontaneous moments of wonder, creativity, and connection.

Food and Beverage

for purchase onsite

Food and beverage will be available throughout the evening for guests to enjoy at their leisure as they explore the event. More information to come

three wine glasses with white wine and bottles behind them in rock garden at night
group in jean jackets waking through Rock Garden
hands cheersing colourful mixed beverages in cups
Scented garden fountain area lit up with colourful lights in the evening

Event Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about RBG After Dark? Click the topics below for more information. If you have a question that is not answered, send us a message, or give us a call at 905-527-1158.

Tickets

Pre-purchased tickets are required for this special event. Tickets are final sale.

Your tickets will be emailed to you as a pdf attachment shortly after online payment. You will be required to present these tickets upon arrival, either printed out or digitally on your personal device.

Arrival and Entry Time

Doors will open at 6:30pm and last entry will be at 9:30pm. This event concludes at 10:30 p.m. 

Age and I.D.

Attendees must be 19 years of age or older to attend. Please ensure you have a government-issued ID on your person during the event; anyone who does not present a valid ID upon request will be asked to leave. 

Parking and Directions

This event is held outdoors in Hendrie Park. Enter via RBG Centre, located at 680 Plains Road W. Burlington Ontario. Parking is included.

RBG Centre is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit, with stops a short distance from the entrance. See Parking & Directions for more details.

Please do not drink and drive.

Food and Beverage

Outside food and drink is not be permitted.

This is a licensed event; alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Please note: Food and drinks cannot be consumed in the Auditorium.

Accessibility

RBG Centre is accessible, with a ramp and elevators. Accessible parking spaces are available outside RBG Centre.

RBG welcomes the use of personal assistive devices that allow visitors to enjoy our facilities and services. RBG has a limited number of wheelchairs available for loan at the RBG Centre. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis and may not be reserved in advance. It is recommended that guests bring their own wheelchairs.

Learn more about Accessibility at RBG. If you have any further questions about accessibility at this event please contact us by phone (905-527-1158) or by email at info@rbg.ca.

Pets and Service Animals

With the exception of service animals, personal dogs/cats/animals are not permitted at this event.

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.

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