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 |
Dining Al Fresco: Autumn Aura
Event Description
Dining Al Fresco: Autumn Aura
Friday September 5, 6 p.m.
Gather around a candlelit table as the air begins to cool and early September casts its mellow glow. Autumn Aura is an open-air evening steeped in warmth, texture, and the slow pleasures of the season ahead. Inspired by the deep, earthy richness of coffee and cacao, the menu features layered, soulful flavors—bittersweet, spiced, and unexpected. Surrounded by raw wood, soft linens, and flickering light, every detail invites you to pause, savor, and settle into the rhythm of the evening. It’s a moment of transition—unhurried, grounded, and quietly enchanting.
This is a 19+ event.
Tickets
Member Presale: Tuesday May 13, 11 a.m.
Public Sale: Wednesday May 14, 11 a.m.
Note: This event typically sells out in the member presale. Learn more about becoming an RBG member at rbg.ca/membership.
Ticket Type | Price |
---|---|
Adult (This is a 19+ event) |
$110 (+ HST and $2 service fee) |
- 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.
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.

Frequently Asked Questions
Tickets
- Pre-registration is required. Tickets are limited and must be purchased by August 22nd, 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 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
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.