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Holiday Hours: Please note RBG's hours vary during the holiday season, and on Winter Wonders dates. See rbg.ca/hours for full details.

RBG After Dark: Enchanted at Twilight

Special Event

Date & Time:

July 11, 2024

Location:

Rock Garden (1185 York Boulevard)

Types:

Evenings, Special Event

Length:

1 to 2 Hours

Admission:

Ticketed Event

Event Description

6 to 10 p.m. (final entry 9 p.m.); Rock Garden

Deep within the recesses of the historic Rock Garden lies an enchanted garden, a tranquil, dreamy, magical place where mystical creatures come to life. Stroll amidst the twilight glow while celebrating fantasy, myth and a touch of magic. Enjoy whimsical music, delightful bites and spirits, and discover the secrets of our Enchanted Garden.     

  • This is a 19+ event; for a family-friendly version, check out the Enchanted Garden
  • Event tickets required. 
  • 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.
  • OVERFLOW PARKING / SHUTTLE: due to the popularity of this event, overflow parking will be available 2km down the road at RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd.W. Burlington). A complimentary shuttle will be running to this location throughout the evening.
  • Group of 4 friends enjoying a night out in a dark natural space
  • View of rock garden from the lower bowl at night, all lit in pastel colours
  • person in a fantasy outfit with mushroom hat walking through rock garden
  • group of young people walking through the rock garden at night
  • guests laughing and enjoying drinks on the patio of the Rock Garden Bistro

Image 3: Atheeni Makes Stuff (IG)

Tickets & Dinner Reservations

Event tickets are required for access to Rock Garden during the event, including the Rock Garden Bistro. Tickets and dinner reservations  are available online.

Member Pre-Sale: Wednesday June 5, 11 a.m.
Public Sale: Friday June 7, 11 a.m.

Tickets Only

  • Adults: $20 (+ HST & $1 Service Fee)
  • Students: $18 (+ HST & $1 Service Fee)
  • Add-On a Picnic Box for 2: $50 (+ HST)

Provides access to Rock Garden for the duration of the event. Food and beverage available for purchase.

Tickets + Dinner Reservations

  • $18 + HST & $1 Service Fee
  • Plated Dinner Menu with table seating in the Rock Garden Bistro
  • Includes access to the remainder of the event before / after your seating
  • Note: diners may be seated indoors; limited patio space available

Guests wishing to make dinner reservations will do so through OpenTable, paying event cover through that service.

Ticketing Details & Terms

  • Your ticket is for this event only, and does not include access to other garden areas.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and final sale.
  • General admission discounts and coupons are not applicable to this ticketed event.
  • Members do not receive a discount but have access to a presale.
  • RBG Gift Certificates are not redeemable on OpenTable.
  • *A valid student card from a post-secondary institution is required for entry with a student ticket.

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.

By purchasing tickets and participating in this event on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.

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 tickets for the Nature’s Superheroes exhibit; 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.

  • Table full of various Bistro dishes including a vibrant salad, frittata, salmon, and pasta dish
  • three bottles of white on ice
  • take-out picnic box containing sandwiches, salad, desserts, veggies, and more
  • espresso martini, lavender cocktail and glass of rose wine on a bistro table
  • A burger wrapped in paper and a carton of onion rings

Food & Drink

Dinner in the Bistro

Reservations made through Open Table. Last table seating is 8 p.m.

The Rock Garden Bistro features a French-inspired menu with a garden flair that boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Picnic Box for 2

$50 (+HST). Pre-order a picnic box to share! Box includes:

  • Enchanted Garden: Hummus, pita and veggies
  • Woodland Medley: Orzo Salad, lemon shallot vinaigrette
  • Elf’s Cresent Moon: Coronation Chicken Croissant x 2 (or chickpea)
  • Toadstools: Dessert box
  • Nymph’s Nectar: 16oz Strawberry Basil Lemonade

(Cannot be made gluten free, can be made vegan/nut free)

$10 Event Menu

Mix and match with one simple price for all items available for purchase on-site! All items listed below are available for up to $10 (+ HST)

Concession Menu

  • Enchanted Garden: Hummus Box
  • Rainbow Delight: Fruit and Cheese box
  • Toadstools: Dessert box
  • Elf’s Cresent Moon: Coronation Chicken Croissant
  • Troll’s Twist: Coronation Chickpea Croissant
  • Side Combo (choose 2) or 1 for $5 –
  • Pixie Potato Salad: Potato Salad
  • Leapin’ Leprechaun Coleslaw: Coleslaw,
  • Pot o’ Gold Kettle Chips: Kettle Chips
  • Nymph’s Nectar: Strawberry Basil Lemonade – 16oz
  • Mermaid Essence – $3.50 (FLOW Water Box)
  • Faerie Fizz – $3 (Canned Soft Drinks)

BBQ Menu

  • Ogre’s Delight Burger: Hamburgers (beef)
  • Gnome’s Garden Burger: Veggie Burger
  • Beastly Dragon Dogs: Footlong Hotdog
  • Wizard Sticks: BBQ Chicken Skewers
  • Smokey Goblin Supreme: Pulled pork Sandwich, coleslaw
  • Sorcerers Scepter: Tofu Kabobs – marinated tofu, peppers, onions
  • Uni-corn: Grilled street corn (mayo, sour cream, lime juice cilantro, parm)
  • Side Combo (choose 2) or 1 for $5 –
    • Pixie Potato Salad: Potato Salad
    • Leapin’ Leprechaun Coleslaw: Coleslaw,
    • Pot o’ Gold Kettle Chips: Kettle Chips
  • Fairy wands – $4 (Rice Krispies)
  • Frosty Faire Freezies – $7 (Freezies)
  • Cosmic Chill Delight – $3 (Ice cream bars)

**add pulled pork to burger or hotdog $5

Bar Menu

Enjoy beverages from stations throughout the garden!

Bar Menu

Wine
  • Good Natured Wine – Crisp Chardonnay | Merlot/Gamay
    6oz $8 + tax | Bottle $25 + tax
Craft Beers
  • Great Lakes Brewery – Octopus Wants to Fight IPA | Canuck Pale Ale
    473mL $10 + tax
  • Collective Arts – Collective Lager | Ransack the Universe IPA | Life in the Clouds NEIPA
    473mL $10 + tax
Cocktail on the Rocks
  • Signature cocktail
    $10 + tax | Non-alcoholic option $6 + tax

House Rail

  • 1oz $8 + tax
    Vodka, Rum, Rye, Gin, Scotch

Performers & Vendors

Kat steeves on dark stage singing and playing guitar

Kat Steeves

Bio

Kat Steeves is an emerging queer singer-songwriter from Guelph, Ontario. They are 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 can only be described as welcoming and warm.

They draw inspiration in their writing from personal experiences and the world around them, they infuse each song with honesty and vulnerability, allowing listeners to connect on a truly personal level.

Kat’s journey as a musician began with busking in 2019 in downtown Guelph, playing gigs at local bars and open mic nights. They have since performed over 400 gigs all over Southern Ontario. Some of those include 10th Annual Gain Fest 2022, Blue Mountain Guitar Trail 2022 & 2023, as well as several Exhibitionist Magazine events.

They are currently working on recording music and is hoping to release some in the upcoming future.

The Fitzgeralds fiddle group playing on stage

The Fitzgeralds

Bio

The Fitzgeralds are a family group consisting of 3-time Canadian Grandmaster Fiddle and Open Step Dance champions – Tom, Kerry & Julie Fitzgerald. With roots in Canada’s renowned Ottawa Valley, The Fitzgeralds have evolved to include a wide variety of material in their performances, including Celtic fiddle pieces, high-energy step dancing, and original compositions and arrangements. They tour extensively across North America, Germany, and the UK, and have 3 albums to their name. In 2017, The Fitzgeralds went “viral” on Facebook with over 10 million views of their original choreographed dance routine! They were also nominated for the Canadian Folk Music Awards for ‘Instrumental Group of the Year’ in 2020.

stilt walker dressed as jack frost with light-up juggling pins

INCIRQUE

Magician with deck of cards

Ashtar the Magician

well-dressed group posing for a photo booth

Picture Us Photo Booth

At RBG’s Rock Garden

1185 York Blvd. Hamilton ON
Overflow parking and shuttle available at RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington)

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.

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, 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 6:00pm and last entry will be at 9:00pm. This event concludes at 10 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

njoy RBG food and Beverage offerings available for purchase. This is a 19+ event with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available. Reservation opportunity at RBG. 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. 

Pre-order picnic boxes available at $50 +HST and include a light snack for 2 and a beverage. Picnic boxes must be ordered ahead of time with the cut off 4 days prior to the event. RBG does our best to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, however due to the nature of the box RBG is unable to accommodate Gluten free or celiac allergies with this option. Should guests require options without gluten, we encourage visiting out food truck/BBQ or concession areas. If you have pre-ordered this item, it will be available for pickup via your event ticket. Please have your tickets ready at the time of pick up. 

A valid I.D. is required for entry. Outside food and drink is not be permitted.  

Weather

This event is held rain or shine and is 100% outdoors, so come prepared for the weather! RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to inclement weather. If the event is canceled participants will receive a full refund. 

Parking and Directions

This event is held at the Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. Hamilton. Parking is included, available in the lot across the street. Overflow parking is available at RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd. W. Burlington) with a complimentary shuttle to Rock Garden (approx. 2km down the road).

Please do not drink and drive; organize a safe ride home. 

This garden is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit and Hamilton 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. 

Pets are welcome in RBG’s outdoor spaces during normal daytime operating hours so long as they remain leashed, and cleaned up after. 

Terms and Conditions

Tickets purchased to special events are final sale and non-refundable. Tickets for this event can be transferred to someone else if you can no longer attend. If RBG cancels a special event, ticketholders will be fully refunded. 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.  

Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this tour 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 event on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests. 

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