Moonlight in the Garden

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

2024 Event Nights

Opening Night: Saturday, November 2

(Additional Saturday Night!)

Second Weekend: Friday–Saturday, November 8–9

Third Weekend: Thursday–Saturday, November 14–16

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preview Night: Friday, November 1, 2024

Get a sneak peek on Friday, November 1, during our Preview Night. Be the first to experience Moonlight in the Garden! Only 500 tickets are available for this special night that offers a catered fall menu from Rocky Top Catering. Beer and wine are only served during Preview Night, all other nights are alcohol free. Your senses will be delighted when the gates open on this crisp November evening.

JCRA Members enjoy early access starting at 6:30 pm. Advance tickets are required. For more details visit the Preview Night announcement.

Entertainment and Food Truck Lineup

November 2 – Mysti Mayhem with Arepa Culture (GF), Barone Italian Grille, Hot Chix, Ty's All Natural, Qspresso, and MunchiLove

November 8 – Sugar Snap Peas with Barone Italian Grille, The Corner Venezuelan, goldenKdog, Gussy's, Queso Monster, and Sweet Treats

November 9 – Peridot Sun with Cousins Maine, Crispy Gyoza, Hollywood Taco, MexiArepa, Soul's Kitchen (V), and Magnificent Concessions

November 14 – 2Digh4 with Cousins Maine, Qspresso, Poblano's Tacos, Ty's All Natural, Umami on Wheels, and Mr. A's Beignets

November 15 – Galloway Music with Arepa Culture (GF), Gussy's, Moonrunners Saloon, NC Bulkogi, Poblano's Tacos, and MunchiLove

November 16 – Loud Music Company with Empanadas RD, goldenKdog, Hollywood Taco, Sister Liu's, Soul's Kitchen (V), and Belgian Waffle Crafters

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets are 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 JCRA Member rate for tickets bought in advance.

Timed Entries

November 2, Opening Night
Timed entries 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm, and 8:00 pm.

November 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16
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.

ONLY GATE SALES AVAILABLE

Cost

Gate tickets

$40.00 adults

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

Tickets on sale for JCRA Members September 4! Tickets go on sale to everyone September 23 at noon. We anticipate another sold out event; buy your tickets in advance.

Advance tickets options:
Advance ticket sales close at midnight prior to event date.

$20.00 for JCRA Members and students

$30.00 Anytime Tickets available to JCRA Members only SOLD OUT

$30.00 for nonmembers

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

$95.00 for Preview Night SOLD OUT

More Information on Anytime Tickets:

JCRA membership is required to purchase. Join today to get early access in 2025.

Anytime Tickets are a one-time, single-use ticket that can be used on any one of the following nights: November 2, 8, 9, 14, 15, or 16. Anytime Tickets cannot be used for Preview Night.

More Information on Preview Night tickets:

Preview Night features a catered fall menu from Rocky Top Catering.

Beer and wine will only be served during Preview Night, all other nights are alcohol free.

All tickets are transferable. Your e-ticket will arrive in your inbox the week of your ticket date. Once you receive them, simply forward them to the person of your choosing.

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).

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.

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.