Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden opens after dark Friday, Sept. 25, for Moonlight Garden, a candlelit walk under a nearly full Harvest Moon.

Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and close at 10:30 p.m. at the 83-acre garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road in Coral Gables. General admission is $35, or $30 for members.

The evening revives what Fairchild has described as a decades-old tradition of walking the garden beneath a full moon, first reported by the Gables Gazette. The Harvest Moon reaches peak illumination at 12:49 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, but the moon will rise over Miami around 6:36 p.m. Friday at roughly 97% illumination.

What the ticket includes

A general admission ticket includes candlelit and lantern-lit walking paths, guided nighttime walking tours, an after-dark tram ride, access to the astronomy field on Bailey Palm Glade where astronomers will set up telescopes for first-come viewing, and the Star Bar Lounge. Food, cocktails and mocktails will be sold separately at the lounge.

Fairchild's Growing Beyond Earth program, its partnership with NASA, will also open its Innovation Studio for nighttime exploration.

According to Flamingo Magazine's September events guide, visitors may spot night-blooming plants such as the powder puff tree and hear nocturnal creatures including the great horned owl.

Premium add-ons cost extra

Three ticketed experiences are available on top of general admission and must be purchased separately, according to Fairchild's event page.

  • Breathwork & sound bath ceremony: Led by wellness practitioner Federica Donato at the Allee Overlook. Sessions at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $25. Participants should bring a yoga mat and mosquito repellent.
  • Sketching and painting nocturnes by moonlight: Led by Carlos Gallostra, a visual arts educator at Fairchild who also teaches at the University of Miami and Florida International University. Begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Lower Cycad Vista. Cost: $25. Watercolor pencil supplies are included.
  • Garden pairing experience: A three-course guided tasting inspired by garden botanicals, limited to guests 21 and older. Sessions at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Cost: $50 alone or $75 bundled with general admission, a $10 savings. The bundle must be purchased in advance.

Charcuterie boards for two are also available: $95 with water or $125 with Prosecco, for guests 21 and older.

What to know before you go

The event is rain or shine. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Most tickets can be purchased at the door if space remains, but Fairchild recommends buying in advance.

Upcoming in Coral Gables

Friday, Sept. 25 — Take 6 performs at the Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ. Details in our earlier preview.