Moonlight in the Garden

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

Preview Night: Friday, November 3, 2023

Get a sneak peek on Friday, November 3, during our Preview Night and enjoy seasonal eats with a glass of beer or wine strolling the garden listening to a live band. Beer and wine are only served during Preview Night, all other nights are alcohol free. Come and enjoy this magical evening. Members enjoy early access starting at 6:30 pm. Advance tickets are required. For more details visit the Preview Night announcement

Event Nights:

Thursday–Saturday, November 9–11, 2023

Thursday–Saturday, November 16–18, 2023

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.

Bring your family and friends to 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, all while showing your support for the JC Raulston Arboretum. Moonlight in the Garden helps us raise the funds necessary to keep our gates open and our admission free 365 days a year. This is your only chance to see the garden at night. Come join us.

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

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets on sale now. We are anticipating another sold out event; get your tickets early. JCRA Members get first access to purchase tickets and Anytime tickets are exclusively offered to JCRA members.

Join today and receive Member rate for tickets bought in advance.

Timed Entries

Timed entries each event night at 5:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm and 8:00 pm.

Ticketing Questions and FAQ

Entertainment and Food Truck Lineup

Band and Food Truck lineups are subject to change without notice.

November 3 (Preview Night) – Tea Cup Gin

November 9 – Mysti Mayhem with Finca Burger, Island Coconut Kitchen, Empanadas RD, How Bout Burger, The Paddy Wagon, and Sweet Treats NC

November 10 – New Orleans Masquerade with Cousins Maine Lobster, Barone Italian Grille, Qspresso, Hollywood Taco, Sister Liu's Kitchen, and Dusty Donuts

November 11 – Tea Cup Gin with Crispy Gyoza, Poblanos Tacos, Arepa Culture, Gussy's Greek Street Food, NC Bulkogi, and MunchiLove

November 16 – 2Digh4 with Finca Burger, Moonrunners Saloon, Mr. Cheesesteak, Umami On Wheels, MexiArepa Grill, and Belgian Waffle Crafters

November 17 – Peridot Sun with Island Coconut Kitchen, Qspresso, Gussy's Greek Street Food, The Corner Venezuelan, Holy Mole, and MunchiLove

November 18 – Loos Change with Arepa Culture, Barone Italian Grille, Hollywood Taco, Golden K Dog, Sister Liu's Kitchen, and Sweet Treats NC

Proceeds from the Moonlight in the Garden will benefit daily operations of the JC Raulston Arboretum. Funds supporting Moonlight in the Garden and the JC Raulston Arboretum are collected and managed by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit (tax ID 56-6049304).

Cost

Tickets on Sale Now. We anticipate another sold out event; buy your tickets in advance.

Advance tickets:

$20.00 for members and students

$30.00 Anytime tickets (members only) SOLD OUT

$30.00 for nonmembers

$5.00 for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Gate tickets (if available)

$40.00 adults

$5.00 for children 12 and under. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Anytime Tickets - SOLD OUT (Membership required to purchase.)

One of the many perks of membership at the JCRA: $30 Anytime Tickets—these tickets can be used once any time slot during our six event nights. Note: Preview Night is a catered evening and requires a Preview Night ticket.

Registration

Tickets on Sale Now. We anticipate another sold out event; buy your tickets in advance.

To minimize issues when registering, we recommend using an internet browser other than Safari. iPhone and iPad users may be directed to Safari by default and will need to select a different internet browser.

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. Tickets are transferable

Location

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

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

Please write jcra-events@ncsu.edu for more information about this event.