Step into a world where nightlife meets nature at The Garden After Dark. This adults-only event is designed to let garden goers explore the wild side of the night in a unique and thrilling setting at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.

“We wanted to create a space where adults could let loose, try new things, and just have fun, whether you’re out with friends, on a date, or flying solo,” said Adam Premo, CFBG’s director of Horticulture and Education. “The Garden sets the vibe with its gorgeous outdoor setting, and Garden After Dark flips the script on the usual kids-only learning experience. This one’s just for the grown-ups, packed with hands-on activities, live entertainment, and unexpected ways to play, explore, and connect.”

Under the glow of the moonlight, guests can immerse themselves in a night filled with surprises and fun. From spooky science stations to haunted garden hikes, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the night buzzing with excitement.

Get ready to hit the dance floor with a live DJ spinning beats all night long. The music will set the perfect vibe under the stars, making it impossible not to get up and move. But that's not all—this year, the Garden is turning up the fun with a full-on foam fest under blacklights. Come prepared to dance, glow, and get soaked in an unforgettable experience.

The atmosphere is electric, and the energy is contagious. This is the place to let loose and have a blast under the night sky.

For those who love a good brain teaser, the spooky science-themed trivia sessions are a must. Test knowledge in rounds of fun and challenging questions, with prizes that include a membership to the garden. Novices and advanced trivia masters will be able to find a session for their skill level.

In addition to trivia, their spooky science stations offer hands-on experiences that are equal parts creepy and cool. From ectoplasmic slime to pumpkin lava lamps, attendees can unleash their inner mad scientist and get messy with a variety of wild experiments.

The Garden truly comes alive after dark, and the haunted garden hikes are the perfect way to experience its eerie beauty. Guided by CFBG reenactors, these hikes offer a spine-tingling adventure through the haunted trails. For those feeling bold, this is an experience not to miss.

But the thrills don't stop there. Ghost story guided hikes and mini-escape rooms will add an extra layer of excitement to the night. These activities are designed to keep everyone on their toes and make their heart race with anticipation.

No night out is complete without delicious drinks, and The Garden After Dark has this covered. Enjoy craft cocktails like the Sparkling Garden Glow drink and a Holographic Beer Shandy, specially crafted to enhance the night. Sip on a drink and stroll through the moonlit garden or take a break from dancing to relax with friends.

And because grown-ups should play too, the Garden will have a variety of giant glowing games and bubble activities to keep guests entertained. From glowing games to creepy petunia planters, there's no shortage of fun to be had. Additionally, the Garden Gift Shop will be open late to meet all Halloween shopping needs.

Premo invites all kinds of “night owls” out for this event.

“Garden After Dark is all vibes. Fun, playful, a little spooky, and totally unexpected. There’s something for every kind of night owl. You can geek out with trivia and wild experiments, hit the dance floor, get lost in the foam party, play with glow-in-the-dark games and giant bubbles, chill with a craft cocktail on a moonlit Garden stroll, or brave the haunted trail if you’re feeling bold,” he said.

The Garden After Dark: An Adult-Only Spooky Science Adventure will take place on Sept. 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, located at 536 N. Eastern Blvd. 

Tickets are $30 for General Admission and $25 for Garden Members.  It is recommended to purchase tickets before the event online at https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000080. Tickets, if they are not sold out, will also be available at the door.  In the case of rain, a make-up date will be offered.