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 through a shadowed Land of Oz, filled with color, mystery, and imaginative twists. 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.
October 16-30 | 6-9 pm | Last entry 8 pm
Timed-admission tickets are required for everyone over age two (2). Last entry 8pm.
Garden Members - Learn How to Buy and get your discount.
Create an account or sign in to the Member Portal before purchasing tickets.
Weeknight (non-flex) Mon-Thurs & Sun
Members $13 | Public $15
Not refundable or exchangeable.
Weekend nights (non-flex) Fri & Sat
Members $18 | Public $20
Not refundable or exchangeable.
Weeknight & Weekend Flex Tickets
Members $20 | Public $23
Non-refundable
Exchangeable: Date/time can be changed up to 2x per ticket.
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
When is Garden After Dark and how much are tickets?
October 16-30, 2025
Time: 6-9pm (last entry 8pm):
- Timed-entry tickets are required for everyone over age two (2).
- Weeknight tickets (Mon-Thurs & Sun)
- Members $13 | Public $15
- Weekend night tickets (Fri & Sat)
- Members $18 | Public $20
- FLEX Tickets (all nights)
- Members $20 | Public $23
Please explain timed-entry admission
Tickets are sold via timed admission to assist with a spaced and continuous flow of guests through the front doors and Garden areas. If you purchase a 6-6:30pm time-slot, please plan to arrive between 6-6:30pm. If you purchase a 6:30-7pm time-slot, please plan to arrive between 6:30-7pm, and so on. Last entry is 8pm.
Weather
Garden After Dark takes place rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather. Please note that in hazardous weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, the event might experience delays, pauses, or even be shortened for safety reasons. Refunds will only be granted if the entire event or a specific time slot is canceled.
Can I exchange my ticket or get a refund?
Standard tickets are not refundable or exchangeable.
FLEX Tickets
Flex tickets are not refundable but may be exchanged for another available time slot. Rescheduling is subject to the availability of another equivalently priced time slot and date. Flex Ticket holders must provide 24-hour notice before rescheduling their tickets. FLEX Ticket Terms & Conditions
Flex Ticket exchanges may take place over the phone (801.585.0556) or in person at the Red Butte Garden Visitor Center from 9am-5pm daily.
Can I wear a costume?
Yes! Costumes are encouraged. Check out our Costume Guidelines for more information.
I'm a Garden member. Do I receive a discount?
Yes! Garden members receive a $2 discount on non-flex tickets and $3 discount on Flex tickets. Simply log in to the member portal prior to purchasing tickets to receive your discount.
How long will it take to experience Garden After Dark?
We recommend on planning on at least an hour to an an hour and a half to experience Garden After Dark.
What should I bring to Garden After Dark?
This event takes place outside, please dress for the weather. Garden paths will be lit at night but you may want to bring a flashlight to help guide your way.
Will the entire Garden be open during Garden After Dark?
The entire Garden will be open during the day from 9am-5pm. Starting at 6pm, certain spaces will be closed each day to ensure the safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff during the event.
Where should I park?
Please park in the Red Butte Garden parking lot directly in front of the main Visitor Center. Guests are welcome to drop off passengers at the front doors before parking. Additional parking is available in the Williams Building Parking Garage at 295 Chipeta Way. View parking map HERE.
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
Más información y guía de interpretación del evento.
More information and event interpretation guide.
Garden Members: How To Buy
Garden Members - Learn How to Buy and get your discount.
Create an account or sign in to the member portal before purchasing tickets.
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