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. With more than 25 years of history, immersive storytelling, atmospheric lighting, and original artistic scenes designed especially for our landscape, 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.
This year’s theme, Trouble in Oz, invites guests of all ages to embark on a glowing adventure down the yellow brick road to discover nature’s hidden ties to the people and places of a shadowed Land of Oz.
Trouble in Oz
The Wicked Witch of the West has secretly planted six Shadow Poppies across Oz. Each poppy drains the color and magic from the Great Rainbow. As their power grows, Oz is transforming into a haunted, Halloweenified version of itself. Glinda the Good Witch is summoning guests to help banish the Shadow Poppies and stop the curse. Can you help save Oz before it's too late?
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.
Call (801) 585-0556 to reschedule your Flex tickets.
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 2025 Supporting Sponsor is Bank of America.
Garden After Dark Performers
Special thanks to all the local performers joining us this year!
- Best DJ in Utah: October 16-30
- Snarlin’ Yarns Band: October 16-19, 25, 26
- Puppets in the City: October 16-30
- Ginger Parkinson, Storyteller: October 16-18, 20-25, 27-30
- Alex Buie, Scarycatures (caricature artist): October 16, 19, 22, 30
- Character Performers, U of U Theater Department Students, October 17, 18, 24, 25
Performers and performance times subject to change.
More things to do in Oz!
Up your nighttime fun by participating in games and contests!
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 11:59pm
Quest for the Midnight Poppy (escape room-style game)
- For guest ages 13+
- Solve complex challenges
- Find and banish the Midnight Poppy
- Win a special prize
- Pick up a guide when you arrive
Costume Guidelines
General Guidelines:
- Red Butte Garden reserves the right to deny admission to or remove any person wearing attire the Garden, in its sole discretion, considers to be inappropriate or that could detract from the experience of other guests.
- Costumes must be family-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, objectionable, or violent.
- Costumes may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon.
- Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects, or other materials that may accidentally strike another guest.
- Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused entry into or removed from the event, unless his or her costume/accessory can be modified to meet the above standards.
Additional Guidelines for guest ages 14 and older:
- Headwear, including hats, may be worn as long as it does not cover your eyes.
- Full or partial costume masks that cover your eyes may not be worn.
- Full coverage face paint of any kind is not permitted.
Interpretación de eventos Garden After Dark
Próximamente más información y la guía de interpretación del evento.
Traducción del sitio web
Para traducir el contenido de nuestro sitio web a otro idioma, haz clic AQUÍ y selecciona el idioma que prefieras.
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
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