If you grew up in the wrong decade, or missed your high school prom, or jump at the chance to flaunt your fashion and fancy footwork on the dance floor, here’s an event for you: the Cape Fear Botanical Garden is hosting a prom party for grownups, and the “Dance Through the Decades” theme is bound to keep visitors jiving long past curfew.
A first-time event designed for adults 21+, the event could become annual if popular. CFBG regularly hosts school proms and the idea came to fruition after staff started noticing a trend.
“We hear from many adults that they either didn’t get to attend their own prom, or want to ‘relive’ their glory days. So this is their opportunity—with ‘spiked’ punch,” said a CFBG spokesperson.
Held Friday, June 20, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the prom party will feature music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s; beer, wine and the aforementioned vodka punch at a cash bar; a 360 degree photo booth; food trucks; vendors; a “Best Dressed” contest; a “Best Dancer” contest; and some undisclosed “surprises,” that visitors will discover as the evening wears on.
CFBG staff have exerted a massive team effort to bring the event to fruition, and they can’t wait to see visitors' outfits.
“We can’t wait to see what people wear—whether you’re bringing back your 70s bell bottoms or repping your 90s glow-up. The best part? This whole thing is meant to be playful. So no matter your dance skills or fashion sense, just show up ready to have a good time. We’ll be out there dancing right along with you.”
It has even sparked some friendly debate between team members, who are having a blast pulling the event together, according to a spokesperson.
“We were swapping prom stories, digging out old photos, and debating which decade had the best dance jams (spoiler: the team is divided). It’s been one of those projects that reminds you how much fun it is to create something just for the joy of it.”
Whether you’re a professional dancer or an amateur, CFBG says the event is for everyone, regardless of skill level.
“The worst to the best—it’s all fun!” So grab a friend or two, channel your favorite era, and get ready to groove to the DJ's best picks.
Between dancing, take a stroll in the garden grounds and enjoy the fresh air or check out the gift shop and snag a memento to remember the evening by. In addition to food trucks, Lucia’s Cafe will be open. Lucia’s Cafe offers bakery treats, coffee, lemonade, and other goodies.
Tickets are $30 ($20 for members) and available for purchase at capefearbg.org. The events team recommends buying a ticket early due to limited availability. Cape Fear Botanical Garden is located at 563 N Eastern Blvd and parking is available onsite.

(Photo: The Cape Fear Botanical Garden has hosted several proms and dances throughout the years and will now hold a grown up prom for the adults of Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of Cape Fear Botanical Garden)