Garden After Dark: Trouble in Oz
Garden After Dark Is Back!
This fall, we’re excited to reintroduce Garden After Dark, the original name of our beloved fall festival at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum. While BOOtanical brought years of Halloween fun and playful charm, returning to the original name lets us honor our roots and open the door to new creative possibilities. With more than 25 years of history, Garden After Dark holds a special place in the hearts of many. This revival invites us to rediscover the magic of fall nights in the Garden and to shape a new tradition, rooted in nature and lit by imagination.
While Halloween remains at the heart of Garden After Dark, the event has evolved into a one-of-a-kind experience only Red Butte Garden and Arboretum could create, featuring immersive storytelling, atmospheric lighting, and original artistic scenes designed especially for our landscape.
This year’s theme, Trouble in Oz, invites guests of all ages on a glowing adventure down the yellow brick road to discover nature's hidden ties to nature in a shadowed Land of Oz. It’s a return to our roots and a leap into a tradition where wonder, imagination, and the spirit of the season come alive after dark.
Garden After Dark 2025 Supporting Sponsor is Bank of America.
October 16-30 | 6-9 pm | Last entry 8 pm
Timed-admission tickets are required for everyone over age two (2).
Garden members: Create an account or sign in to your Membership Account before purchasing tickets.
Weeknight (non-flex) Monday-Thursday & Sunday
Members $13 | Public $15 | Not refundable or exchangeable.
Weekend nights (non-flex) Friday & Saturday
Members $18 | Public $20 | Not refundable or exchangeable.
University of Utah students, staff, and faculty receive $1 off the ticket price. To redeem your discount, please fill out this survey to receive a promo code before purchasing tickets.
Weeknight & Weekend Flex Tickets
Members $20 | Public $23
Non-refundable
Exchangeable: Date/time can be changed up to 2x per ticket.
Hocus Crocus Hour | 5-6pm* Saturdays, October 18 & 25
Members $18 | Public $20 | Not refundable or exchangeable.
Step into the magic of Garden After Dark a little early during this gentler hour, created to be more accessible and welcoming for everyone of all abilities. Enjoy whimsical displays, vibrant fall foliage, and hands-on activities while the sun is still shining and the Garden is quieter and easier to navigate.
This early hour offers a calmer experience for families with young children, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and anyone with mobility, sensory, or processing needs. Explore at your own pace in a peaceful setting before the lights, music, and crowds arrive from 5-6pm.
*Regular Garden admission hours 9am-4pm.
Garden After Dark Performers
Special thanks to all the local performers joining us this year!
Check back soon for a schedule of local performers.
Performers and performance times subject to change.
FAQ Garden After Dark
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
Website Translation
To translate our website content into another language, click HERE and choose the language you'd like.
How can I become a Garden After Dark sponsor?
Please contact Janet Frasier, Director of Philanthropy at janet.frasier@redbutte.utah.edu for sponsorship opportunities
Interpretación de eventos Garden After Dark
Garden After Dark en Español
Próximamente más información y la guía de interpretación del evento.
(More information and event interpretation guide coming soon.)
Traducción del sitio web
Para traducir el contenido de nuestro sitio web a otro idioma, haz clic AQUÍ y selecciona el idioma que prefieras.
Enter the Flying Monkey Contest
How many Flying Monkeys did you count along the Yellow Brick Road? Enter to win a free Red Butte Garden membership HERE.
- Registration is free and open to anyone.
- Limited to one entry per person
- Entries must be submitted by November 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Directions & Parking
The main entrance to Garden After Dark will be through the Visitor Center front doors.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum Visitor Center address:
300 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Additional parking is available in the Williams Building parking garage at 295 Chipeta Way.
How do I get to Garden After Dark?
You can find driving directions HERE
And a more specific parking map HERE