San Diego Botanic Garden’s Summer Nights: Concerts, Food, and Family Fun

The San Diego Botanic Garden (SDBG) invites both locals and travelers with an exciting summer lineup of events. The highly anticipated Summer Nights (July 13 – August 17, 2023) will make a comeback on select Thursdays, offering extended hours until 8 p.m. This event will feature concerts, special events, and exclusive food and drink packages. 

Don’t miss the Savage Gardens traveling exhibition, running from July 1 to October 29, which showcases carnivorous plants in the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory, alongside captivating artistic installations. In addition to these attractions, SDBG presents a wide range of classes and activities in its 15 on-site gardens, representing various regions of the world. 

Visitors can also explore the 12 demonstration gardens for a hands-on learning experience and discover the largest public bamboo collection in North America. Mark your calendars for The Garden Party, SDBG’s annual fundraising event, happening on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Experience the best of nature and entertainment at the San Diego Botanic Garden this summer!

Experience a diverse range of performances at Summer Nights, featuring captivating acts for all ages. From the lively children’s group Hullabaloo to the soulful melodies of jazz guitarist Peter Sprague, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The highly anticipated Wine in the Garden event will make a comeback this year, offering wine tastings and informative presentations by Certified Sommelier Dane Kuta and SDBG Director of Gardens John Clements. Discover how climate, soil, and terrain influence the art of winemaking. For exclusive amphitheater concerts and special presentations, a separate “special event” ticket is required, with prices varying. 

This ticket also grants access to SDBG. Don’t miss out on the enchanting Concerts on the Lawn, which are free with a general admission ticket. However, due to limited capacity, it is strongly recommended to make reservations in advance. Secure your tickets now at www.sdbg.org/exhibitions-public-programs/summer-nights/ and prepare to be entertained by an incredible lineup of performances and special events.

• July 13 – Hullabaloo, Gazebo Lawn Garden Concert
• July 20 – Peter Sprague, Conservatory Amphitheater Concert
• July 27 – Billy Lee and the Swamp Critters, Gazebo Lawn Garden Concert
• August 3 – Euphoria Brass Band, Conservatory Amphitheater Concert
• August 10 – Jessica Fichot: From Paris to Shanghai, Conservatory Amphitheater Concert
• August 17 – Wine in the Garden: Comparing the Left and Right Banks of Bordeaux, Special Series Amphitheater

Indulge in a delightful array of sweet and savory treats during Summer Nights by pre-ordering from our curated selection. Feast on charcuterie platters featuring a variety of cheeses, crisps, sopressata salami, and fresh fruit. For dessert, savor the delectable samplers from local favorite Elizabethan Desserts, including apple pie bites, churro mini cupcakes, and caramel and pecan bar bites. Quench your thirst with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including a selection of wines, spritzers, and craft beers.

Following the success of World of Orchids, SDBG is proud to present “The Real and Imaginary World of Carnivorous Plants” in the exciting Savage Gardens exhibition, debuting on July 1, 2023. 

Presented in collaboration with Tork, a team of skilled artists specializing in unique sculptural installations, this touring exhibition will take you on a journey into the bizarre and captivating realm of carnivorous plants. Prepare to be amazed as you explore a collection of real carnivorous species on display. Step inside a towering 10-foot-tall Tropical Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes) and envision the fate of an unfortunate insect. Marvel at the seven striking sculptures of North American Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia), reaching impressive heights of 15 feet. Witness the hydraulic-powered replication of the “trap” closing in a remarkable 10-foot-tall Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) sculpture.

As a member of SDBG, you’ll enjoy free admission to the exhibition, allowing you to explore this captivating world at your leisure. Non-members can access the exhibition by purchasing tickets, with admission prices ranging from $10 to $18. It is important to note that reservations are required to ensure a seamless visit. Your entrance to the exhibition not only grants you access to the incredible installations but also includes entry to the vendor booths and the rest of the Garden, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the SDBG experience. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to discover the wonders of Savage Gardens.