Moonlight in the Garden

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

2025 Event Nights

Preview Night: Thursday, November 6

Get a sneak peek during our Preview Night. Only 500 tickets are available for this special night that offers a catered fall menu. 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.

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. Don’t miss this chance to see the garden at night!

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

Entertainment and Food Truck Lineup

Check back for updates.

Limited Tickets Available

Tickets will go on sale in September.

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.

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. Tickets are transferable.

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

Contact the JCRA Events Team at jcra-events@ncsu.edu or 919-515-3132 for more information about this event.