Moonlight in the Garden

A Magical Lighting Exhibition with Our Friends from Southern Lights of Raleigh and the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc.

Limited Tickets Available – Purchase Now on Eventbrite

Advance ticket sales close at midnight prior to event date.

2025 Event Nights

Preview Night: Thursday, November 6 — SOLD OUT!

Get a sneak peek during our Preview Night. Only 600 tickets are available for this special night that offers an all-inclusive experience. Beer and wine are only served during Preview Night; all other nights are alcohol-free. For Preview Night tickets and more details, visit the Preview Night announcement.

Opening Weekend: Friday-Saturday, November 7–8

Second Weekend: Friday–Saturday, November 14–15

Third Weekend: Friday–Saturday, November 21–22

This isn't your typical lighting event. Moonlight in the Garden is meticulously designed to showcase our internationally acclaimed garden and all its splendor. You think our collection is spectacular by day? Wait until you see it under the cover of darkness artfully lit on a crisp November evening. It's a magical experience you don't want to miss.

Stroll through the garden, listen to a live band, grab a bite to eat from a food truck, roast a marshmallow or two at the fire pits, and sip a cup of hot apple cider. This year, we're mixing it up with fresh lighting designs and inviting guests to explore new areas of the gardens. The magic will extend through our Winter Garden, with some familiar spaces taking on a whole new look as we experiment with creative ways of lighting the garden. Each turn offers a different perspective, ensuring that both returning guests and first-time visitors will discover something new to delight in at every step.

Moonlight in the Garden isn't just magical–it's meaningful. As our largest annual fundraising event, it helps raise the funds necessary to keep our gates open and admission free 365 days a year. Bring a friend (or two!) and be part of a night that lights up both the garden and our mission.

Be inspired. Be delighted. Be in awe of the beauty of a nighttime garden.

Entertainment and Food Truck Lineup

Friday, November 7 – 2Digh4 with Hollywood Taco Shop, How ‘Bout Burger, NC Bulkogi, Shawerma Bowl, Ty's All Natural and YoYo FroYo

Saturday, November 8 – Peridot Sun with Crispy Gyoza, Queso Monster, goldenKdog, Moonrunners Saloon, Holy Mole and MunchiLove

Friday, November 14 – Sugar Snap Peas with Barone Italian Grille, Cousins Maine Lobster, Sister Liu's, Arepa Culture, Gussy's Food Truck and MunchiLove

Saturday, November 15 – Jamey Meeker with NC Bulkogi, Ty's All Natural, goldenKdog, Poblano's Tacos, Queso Monster and Donut NV

Friday, November 21 – Tea Cup Gin with American Cravings, Levy’s Jerkstand, Soul's Kitchen, The Corner Venezuelan, Gussy's Food Truck and Sweet Treats

Saturday, November 22 – The Mix Drift with Chirba Chirba, Barone Italian Grille, Hollywood Taco Shop, MexiArepa, Will and Pops and Mr. A's Beignets

More to be announced! Check back often for updates to the schedule.

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets on sale now!

Tickets are available for specific dates and timed entry slots. Each time slot has a limited number of tickets to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests.

We are anticipating another sold out event, so make plans to get your tickets early. JCRA Members get first access to purchase tickets, and Anytime Tickets are exclusively offered to JCRA Members. Join now.

Ticket links will appear here when tickets go on sale to the public.

Advance Tickets Options

Advance ticket sales close at midnight prior to event date.

• $20.00 for JCRA Members and college students
• $35.00 Anytime Tickets available to JCRA Members only
• $30.00 for nonmembers
• $5.00 for children 12 and under (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

Buy Moonlight Tickets

More Information on Anytime Tickets

• JCRA membership is required to purchase. Join today to get access.
• Anytime Tickets are a one-time, single-use ticket that can be used on one of the following nights: November 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 or 22.
• Anytime Tickets cannot be used for Preview Night.

More Information on Preview Night Tickets

• Preview Night is an all-inclusive night featuring Raleigh's top food trucks and staff favorites.
• Beer and wine will only be served during Preview Night; all other nights are alcohol-free.
• Only 600 tickets are available for this special evening and require a separate ticket.

More Details and Tickets for Preview Night

Gate tickets

Advance ticket sales close at midnight prior to event date. Gate Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the event.

• $40.00 for adults
• $5.00 for children 12 and under (Children must be accompanied by an adult.)

All ticket sales are final. Tickets cannot be changed to another date or time, but you are able to transfer your tickets to another person if you're not able to attend.

Timed Entries

Access to Moonlight in the Garden is based on timed entries. When you purchase a ticket, you will select the date and time you'd like to enter the event.

Make sure to note both the date and time during checkout as tickets cannot be changed to different date or time after purchase. Then mark your calendars and make plans to arrive on your scheduled date and designated time to enjoy the magic of Moonlight.

SOLD OUT TIME SLOTS

The below time slots have sold out. Tickets are available for other time slots.
Gate ticket sales will be available.

Friday, November 7 – Advance ticket sales have ended. Gate Tickets available at entrance.

Saturday, November 8 – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm — Advance ticket sales have ended. Gate Tickets available at entrance.

Friday, November 14 – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm — Advance ticket sales have ended. Gate Tickets available at entrance.

Saturday, November 15 – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:00 pm — Advance ticket sales have ended. Gate Tickets available at entrance.

Friday, November 21 – 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm — Advance ticket sales have ended. Gate Tickets available at entrance.

Saturday, November 22 – 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm

Funds supporting Moonlight in the Garden are collected by Eventbrite. Proceeds will be managed by The North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, tax id 56-6049304. Proceeds will benefit the JC Raulston Arboretum.

Cancellation

Moonlight in the Garden is a rain or shine event.

All ticket sales are final. No refunds or exchanges will be given for tickets not used on designated date and time. Timed entry tickets cannot be changed to another date or time, but you are able to transfer your tickets to another person if you're not able to attend.

Location

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC 27606.

Directions

Need directions? Click here.

Parking

Free parking is available along Beryl Road, and overflow parking is available at 4101 Beryl Road. Parking is limited, we recommend carpooling or using a ride share service.

Questions

Try our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the JCRA Events Team at jcra-events@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3132 for more information about this event.