Twilight picnics are back at the University of Alberta’s botanical garden this summer

Sit down, take a bite, and listen to live music at the University of Alberta’s twilight picnic experience this summer.

The University’s botanical gardens reopened this May for the season, and with it comes a load of events. This includes the popular Twilight Picnic series. It’s designed for two people, whether it be family, friends, or a loved one close to your heart, to experience a blissful evening.

With a curated picnic basket full of eats, you’re sure to have an incredible time at this night relaxing in the gardens.

What to expect

Bring a blanket, folks. You’ll be sitting down at the University’s botanical gardens to enjoy an evening with someone close.

Keep in mind, this picnic experience is designed for two people. The $104 ticket includes admission for two, live musical entertainment, and a gourmet picnic box specifically made for the two of you. On select picnic evenings, there’s even Guided Forest Therapy walks available as an add-on activity.

First, you’ll receive a picnic box full of beautiful food. Your box will contain a beautiful assortment of locally sourced savoury and sweet goodies (proteins, breads, dips, fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, desserts, and more), but offerings may differ depending on the season’s availability.

Once you open your picnic box, you’ll be invited to nibble and sip to live music. Here, you’ll be rediscovering the pleasure of eating with someone close to your heart. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect, or even just get closer than you were before.

Dates range from Friday, June 19, to Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. Each experience lands on a Friday; for exact dates, check out the University’s website.

If you aren’t particularly interested in the picnic experience, but are intrigued by the gardens, they’re officially open for the season. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, as well as 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, you can take a gentle walk through the stunning natural scenery.

No matter what you decide to do, these gardens are something absolutely extraordinary. It’ll be more than worth it to visit, and during the twilight experience? It’ll be nothing short of magical.

The Twilight Picnic Experience

When: Various dates
Time: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: University of Alberta Botanic Garden — 51227 AB-60, Parkland County, Alta.
Cost: $104 for two people

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