Cape Fear Botanical Garden at 536 North Eastern Blvd. will open its gates after hours for a special adults-only event that blends nightlife, nature and interactive discovery in a setting rarely seen by visitors.
Garden After Dark invites guests aged 18 and older to explore the Garden from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Feb. 14, beneath the moonlight for one evening of music, movement and hands-on experiences. Designed for couples and singles alike, the event offers an alternative to traditional Valentine’s season outings by transforming the familiar landscape into a vibrant nighttime destination.
As daylight fades, a live DJ will provide music for an outdoor dance floor surrounded by illuminated pathways and glowing displays. Guests are encouraged to move throughout the Garden, where activity stations are spread across the property to create an immersive experience. Trivia under the stars will challenge participants with nature-themed questions, while oversized glowing yard games and illuminated bubbles add a playful element throughout the evening.
These features are intended to encourage interaction and exploration in a relaxed, social environment.
Live animal encounters will offer guests the opportunity to observe and learn about fascinating creatures up close. Interactive science stations will highlight the unexpected and curious side of nature, reinforcing the Garden’s educational mission while keeping the experience accessible and engaging for adult audiences.
A campfire lounge will provide a quieter gathering space, featuring softly glowing red and pink flames designed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Food and beverage options will be available throughout the grounds, including craft cocktails, coffee and light fare, allowing attendees to shape their own pace for the evening.
Garden After Dark represents the Garden’s ongoing effort to expand programming beyond daytime hours and traditional formats. The event is part of a broader strategy to attract new audiences while maintaining a balance between entertainment, education and environmental awareness. The Garden’s ability to host programs like this is rooted in a vision that began more than three decades ago.
In 1989, a small group of Fayetteville gardening enthusiasts united around the idea of creating a botanical garden that would inspire learning, preserve native plant life and serve as a community asset. That effort led to the formation of the Friends of the Botanical Garden organization, which helped mobilize volunteers and supporters.
The group secured a lease on 67 acres of city-owned land formerly known as Pope Park and developed an ambitious 20-year master plan to guide growth and development. Early milestones included identifying more than 450 native plant species, enrolling hundreds of legacy members and publishing the Garden’s first newsletter. These early efforts laid the foundation for the Garden’s long-term success.
Today, Cape Fear Botanical Garden functions as both a nature retreat and an educational resource, offering seasonal exhibits, youth programming, workshops and community events throughout the year. Special events such as Garden After Dark reflect the Garden’s commitment to continued evolution while remaining aligned with its original mission.
Membership support remains a key component of the Garden’s sustainability. Members receive unlimited daily admission, discounted event pricing and access to exclusive programs.
In addition, membership includes reciprocal admission to more than 300 botanical gardens across North America through the American Horticultural Society, extending opportunities for exploration and learning beyond the local area. Multiple membership levels are available to accommodate individuals, families and supporters.
Tickets for Garden After Dark are $30 for the general public and $25 for Garden members. Tickets are available online at https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000136.
As Fayetteville continues to grow, Cape Fear Botanical Garden remains a space where education, conservation and community intersect. Garden After Dark offers adults an opportunity to experience that legacy in a new way, revealing how the Garden transforms after sunset.
For one evening, familiar paths will glow, science will feel playful and nature will take on a more energetic character, reminding visitors that discovery does not end when the sun goes down.