| 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 |
RBG After Dark: ANCHORBALL (19+)
- 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
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)
- Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
- Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
- Check your email for a link to reset your password
- Log in with your new credentials and check your account information. Ensure your updated membership is showing.
- 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.
Event Features
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.
Creative 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.
August 8: Tile-Making Workshop
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
Entertainment & Schedule
Check back for more updates!
Floral Arrangement Workshop
Plantita & Co.
7:00pm | 8:00pm | 9:00 pm
30-minute workshop | 15 guest limit per timeslot
Offering a thoughtfully designed flower arranging workshops that bring people together through creativity, connection, and hands on learning, providing everything needed for a seamless and memorable floral experience. Our team will guide you through the fundamentals of floral design and provide all the materials needed to create a beautiful arrangement. Our team will support you every step of the way, from preparing your stems to putting the finishing touches on your design.
What You Get:
- A vase to keep
- Fresh seasonal florals to create your arrangement
- Professional tools to use during the workshop
- Step by step guidance from Plantita and Co. Team
DJ Rosé
Bio
DJ Rosé is a Hamilton-born, music-obsessed DJ known for her infectious energy, crowd-reading skills, and genre-blending style. From pop throwbacks and disco classics to R&B, hip-hop, and house, she creates dynamic sets that keep dance floors moving and audiences engaged. Over the past decade, DJ Rosé has performed throughout Hamilton’s vibrant club and bar scene, becoming a familiar and respected presence in the city’s nightlife community. In addition to her DJ career, she has helped shape Hamilton’s entertainment landscape by producing unique events and unforgettable parties that bring people together through music.
Music: Cynthia Tauro
Bio
Cynthia Tauro is a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter who has been performing throughout Ontario’s music scene for over a decade. With experience playing festivals around the country, she brings a warm and engaging musical presence to every performance. Cynthia is also the founder and frontwoman of the indie-pop band TAURO (created with Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene), which recently released its debut album, Act I. Drawing from a blend of contemporary pop, jazz, and singer-songwriter influences, her performances create an inviting atmosphere that complements any occasion.
Music: Kat Steeves
Bio
Kat Steeves is an emerging singer-songwriter from Guelph, Ontario, known for their soulful yet uplifting vocals and captivating stage presence.
With a unique blend of folk, jazz, and pop influences ranging from Noah Kahan and Donovan Woods to Fleetwood Mac and Norah Jones, Kat’s sound is welcoming, warm, and highly engaging.
Kat began their musical journey busking in downtown Guelph in 2019 and has since performed more than 400 gigs throughout Southern Ontario. Their performance history includes the 10th Annual Gain Fest, Blue Mountain Guitar Trail, and several Exhibitionist Magazine events.
Cartoonist: David Beresford
Bio
Art is always been one of my main focused interests, because I found it was one of the best ways to express my thoughts and feelings.
My creative artistic and musical skills maintain an active and diverse artistic practice that includes, caricatures, illustration and painting, mural work, and live events.
Poetry: Jonny Types
Bio
Jonny Types is a typewriter technician and poet for hire. In 2026 he founded the Hamilton Typewriter Company to meet the growing need of hobbyists, collectors and wordsmiths to access experienced typewriter expertise.
A lifelong poet, he has spent the last few years honing his craft by doing live typewriter poetry at festivals, markets and special events. Recently he has begun creating art using only vintage typewriters, bringing new life to these traditional writing machines.
Tile-Making Workshop
One-hour sessions (beginning 7 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.)
For the tile – making workshop, guests will be inspired by the imaginative sculptures of Ken Kelleher at Royal Botanical Gardens a nd
create their own ceramic tile using hand – building and surface decoration techniques. Participants will explore texture, form, and
creative expression while creating a unique artwork. Whether new to clay or an experienced maker, this workshop is a fun way to
celebrate art, creativity, and the beauty of the gardens.
Max 25 guests per session
Kiln Required offsite, workshop pick up at Beyond Pottery Studio, 3228 S Service Rd Unit 116, Burlington (available for pick up August 18)
About Beyond Pottery
Beyond Pottery is a multidisciplinary art and pottery studio in Burlington, Ontario, founded by artists Shahrzad Amin, Yvette Ga rcia –
Mier, and Lauren Sinett. We offer pottery classes, workshops, private events, memberships and creative studio experiences for all skill
levels in a welcoming space that encourages connection and self – expression, mainly through clay.
Meet the Artists
Shahrzad Amin is an award – winning interdisciplinary artist, educator, and co – founder of Beyond Pottery. She holds a Master of Fine
Arts (MFA) from OCAD University (2020) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Tehran University of Art (2010). With over 17 y ear s of experience in sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, and installation, her practice explores themes of identity, cultural memory, mig ration, and human connection through material exploration and artistic expression.
Yvette Garcia – Mier is a ceramic artist and instructor for the past 10 years and has a background in interior design, project
management, and marketing. Her ceramic practice is inspired by textiles, patterns from different cultures, and the organic be aut y of
nature. Through wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques, she creates mostly functional pieces that celebrate colour, form, and
tactile surfaces.
Lauren Sinett is an artist and educator with over 13 years of experience teaching art in public schools and community organizations.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art with minors in Psychology and Interdisciplinary Studies from FGCU (2013). Her artistic p rac tice
focuses on ceramics and contemporary jewelry metalsmithing, exploring social issues, identity, mental health, environmental
sustainability, and the healing power of art – making
Live Music: Taylor Cook
Bio
Toronto-based saxophonist Taylor Cook blends a jazz background with
modern influences, delivering everything from jazz cocktail sets to highenergy, sax-with-DJ performances at events all across the GTA.
Live Music: Sean Bienhaus
Bio
Sean is an independent singer/songwriter & indie rock artist based out of Hamilton. As an artist his focus is on honesty, simplicity, and storytelling, with a passionate and dynamic sound based in folk, rock, and pop music. He plays all across Southern Ontario, playing originals and covering classic songs in his own one-man acoustic style.
DJ Better Love
Bio
Behind the turntables, DJ Better Love makes sure you can expect nothing but good vibes. Spinning 100% vinyl, every set blends disco, R&B, boogie, and yacht rock into a feel-good soundtrack that’s perfect for dancing, relaxing, and soaking in the summer. Just timeless records, smooth mixes, and music you’ll love from the first song to the last.
Cartoonist: David Beresford
Bio
Art is always been one of my main focused interests, because I found it was one of the best ways to express my thoughts and feelings.
My creative artistic and musical skills maintain an active and diverse artistic practice that includes, caricatures, illustration and painting, mural work, and live events.
Poetry: Jonny Types
Bio
Jonny Types is a typewriter technician and poet for hire. In 2026 he founded the Hamilton Typewriter Company to meet the growing need of hobbyists, collectors and wordsmiths to access experienced typewriter expertise.
A lifelong poet, he has spent the last few years honing his craft by doing live typewriter poetry at festivals, markets and special events. Recently he has begun creating art using only vintage typewriters, bringing new life to these traditional writing machines.
Picture Us Photography
Workshop details to come!
Jesse Maxwell
Workshop details to come!
Jeff Eager
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.
