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

RBG After Dark: Enchanted at Twilight (19+)

Date & Time:

July 10, 2025

Location:

Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard)

Get Directions
Woman posing with large, light up butterfly wings in the garden at night

Header image courtesy Meaghan Eady

  • A 19+ Event (I.D. required)
  • 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. (final entry: 9:30 p.m.)
  • Pre-purchased tickets required

Deep within the recesses of the historic Rock Garden, a hidden world reveals itself at twilight. For one evening, the garden transforms into the Enchanted Academy—a place of quiet discovery where curious apprentices are invited to wander, explore, and uncover the magic lingering just beneath the surface. Explore a series of whimsical subjects, uncover hidden moments, and follow your curiosity as the garden unfolds its secrets. With soft illumination, live music, and curated offerings throughout, the evening becomes a dreamlike experience of atmosphere, discovery, and subtle enchantment.

This is a 19+ event; for a family-friendly version, check out the Enchanted Garden

Costumes are delightfully encouraged to heighten the magic of the evening! Transform yourself into a twinkling fairy, a mischievous pixie, a gallant knight, or any other fantastical being that sparks your imagination. Let your creativity shine. Please ensure your attire is considerate and respectful to all our guests.

Three hands clinking glasses with purple drinks
three women dressed as fairies walking through rock garde
upper rock garden during RBG After dark: enchanted, visitors dressed as fairies or in whimsical summer attire taking photos as the garden lights up for the evening
woman in light-up fairy costume playing the electric fiddle in the garden

Tickets

Member Pre-sale: Tues May 19, 11 a.m.
Public: Wed May 20, 11 a.m.

Event tickets are required for access to Rock Garden during the event, including the Rock Garden Bistro. Food and beverage available for purchase.

Looking to join us at the Rock Garden Bistro for dinner? Instead of purchasing tickets below, make your reservation and purchase your ticket through OpenTable.

Ticket Type Price
Adult Admission $25 (+ HST & $2 Service Fee)
Add-On: Make Your Own Flower Crown* $20 (+ HST)

*Purchasable during ticket registration. See below for more details.

Member Presale 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 and registration will be available.

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

  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 tickets for Rock Garden; if you see free 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.

Event 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.
Person with long brown hair wearing a flower crown made from small, wildflower-like flowers and greenery

Add-On: Flower Crown Workshop

Pre-purchase required

Step into a dreamy, flower-filled experience where guests will design and create their own whimsical flower crowns using an abundant selection of fresh seasonal florals and lush greenery. Featuring delicate blooms like feverfew, spray roses, chrysanthemums, statice, and textured filler flowers woven with fresh greenery, this hands-on workshop invites everyone to play with color, texture, and natural beauty while crafting a one-of-a-kind crown to wear and take home.

Registered guests may participate at any point throughout the evening. Expect to spend 15 minutes crafting your crown.

Each flower crown is unique; final flowers and design may vary from the example shown. Workshop facilitated by Plantita & Co. Bloom Bar & Studio

Three glass containers filled with various botanicals, a visitor filling a small vial with their contents to make a whimsical take-away item

Your Academy Journey

Your journey as an apprentice begins with four Core Studies, alongside opportunities to explore Elective Studies and encounter magical extras throughout the garden. Each experience invites you to discover, create, and uncover the magic hidden all around you as you move through the Academy.

*You can take me home!
$Extra cost associated with these activities.

The Core Studies

  • Science Studies: Botanical Blends*
    Mix and match natural ingredients to create your own potpourri blend.
  • Art Studies: Pressed Petals*
    Preserve a piece of the garden by creating your own mini flower press.
  • Exploration Studies: Hidden Habitats
    Seek out four hidden habitats belonging to the magical creatures of the garden.
  • Creative Studies: Mechanical Masterpieces*
    Watch as a curious machine sketches your likeness in real time.

Elective Studies:

  • Wildlife Studies: Winged Wonders
    Encounter remarkable birds of prey and discover the beauty and power of these aerial hunters.
    7 p.m., 8:30 p.m.
  • Musical Studies: Moonlight Melodies
    Enjoy captivating instrumental performances from enchanting musicians throughout the evening.
  • Recreation Studies: Garden Games
    Enjoy playful moments and lighthearted challenges.

Academy Extras:

  • Whimsy Wanderers
    Keep an eye out for roaming Academy characters bringing unexpected moments of magic to life.
  • Celestial Crowning ($)
    Create an elegant wildflower crown using delicate blooms and botanical accents.
    Pre-registration required at the time of ticket purchase. Registered guests may participate at any point throughout the evening.
  • Tinker Treats ($)
    Stop by between studies to refuel with a delicious selection of food and beverages.
  • Treasure Trove Boutique ($)
    Browse a whimsical pop-up shop filled with enchanting treasures and magical keepsakes.
  • three wine glasses with white wine and bottles behind them in rock garden at night
  • Table full of various Bistro dishes including a vibrant salad, frittata, salmon, and pasta dish
  • Three hands clinking glasses with purple drinks
  • A burger wrapped in paper and a carton of onion rings

Food & Drink

Food and drink available for purchase. Menus subject to change and availability.

Looking to join us at the Rock Garden Bistro for dinner? Make your reservation and purchase your event ticket through OpenTable.

Rock Garden Bistro

Available to those purchasing tickets through OpenTable.

BBQ Menu

Purchasable on site. All items listed below are subject to HST. Menus subject to change.

Menu

Mains
  • Feature Sandwich $10
  • Loaded Baked Potato $10
    Butter | Crema | Cheddar | Cotija | Scallion | Bacon Bits | Chili Crisp
  • Jerk Chicken Leg $10
    Crema | Cotija | Scallion
  • Stuffed Zuchini $10
    Bruschetta | Feta | Balsamic Glaze
  • Burger $10
  • Veg Burger $10
  • All Beef Dog $7

Add a side and non-alcoholic beverage to any main for $7

Sides
  • Baked Potato $6
    Butter | Scallion | Crema
  • Pasta Salad $6
    Farfalle | Artichoke | Sundried Tomato | Olive | Roast Pepper | Mediterranean Vinaigrette
  • Eloté Corn Salad $6
    Charred Corn Kernels | Black Bean | Red Onion | Bell Pepper | Cilantro | Lime | Cotija | Crema
Beverages
  • Soft Drinks $3.50
  • Flow Water $3.50

Food Truck

Grab some eats from external food trucks! Details coming soon.

Seating is limited and first-come, first-served. Guests are welcome to use Muskoka chairs or picnic on the lawn. Outside food and drink are not permitted.

At RBG’s Rock Garden

1185 York Blvd. Hamilton ON

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

aerial photo of Rock Garden with a lively event below. On the left hand side, guests can be spotted relaxing in the grass and around firepits in the lower garden. On the right hand side there is a stage with rows of chairs filled with guests watching.

Part of the RBG After Dark Series

Celebrate with us all summer long with 19+ events in a one-of-a-kind garden setting.

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.

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.

Food and Beverage

Enjoy Food and Beverage offerings available for purchase. This is a 19+ event with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Guests may enjoy their food and beverage at various locations throughout the garden. Table seating in the garden is limited and available on first come first serve basis. We encourage guests to enjoy Muskoka chairs, or picnic on lawn areas.

Rock Garden Bistro Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Please note that RBG does not permit outside food and beverage to be brought into this event.

A valid I.D. is required for entry.

Weather

Enchanted at Twilight welcomes you rain or (moon)shine, because the magic of this place knows no bounds. 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.

Parking and Directions

This event is held at RBG Rock Garden, located at 1185 York Blvd.

Parking is included, available in the large lot across from Rock Garden Visitor Center or accessible spots on the same side as the building. Please do not drink and drive; organize a safe ride home.

This garden is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit, with stops a short distance from the entrance. See rbg.ca/directions for more details.

Accessibility

The Rock Garden Visitor Centre is fully accessible.

All outdoor paths are either paved or made of finely packed gravel. Rock Garden includes many original limestone staircases, as well as newer staircases outfitted with handrails. Two paved and sloped pathways around the outer edge of the garden provide access to the lower bowl for those unable to take the stairs.

The lower bowl of the garden includes flat pathways with some arched bridges. Some original exploratory pathways along the inside of the bowl are not accessible for those unable to climb stairs, though much of the garden can be seen from accessible paths and lookout points.

Accessible parking spaces are available outside Rock Garden Visitor Center.

If you have any further questions about accessibility at this event please contact us by phone (905-527-1158) or use the form at rbg.ca/contact-events.

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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