Wednesday, October 15 – Sunday, November 9, 2025
Opening Times Vary
(Closed Mondays, last entry at 9pm)
Entrance: The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive
Step into a glowing world of color at Garden Glow presented by Kroger — where light and a bit of magic take over Maymont after dark. Wander through mesmerizing light installations by international artists.
After a moderately hilly hike through the woods, enjoy a serene stroll through the Japanese Garden, and fun and refreshments in the Glow Village with your whole crew. Whether you're out for a fun family night or a date with your favorite plus-one, Garden Glow is the perfect way to light up your evening.
All proceeds help Maymont care for its historic mansion, sprawling gardens and resident animals.
The Experience
Kick off your night at The Robins Nature Center! Follow the paved Kinsale Glow Path past new light installations curated by Culture Creative, whose international artists will blanket the valley with Effervescence — a lawn of tiny lights that change color and dance with synchronized music. Find Tulip Poplar Hill in bloom with 22-foot-tall radiant Peonies lighting up the night, along with circular benches perfect for photo ops!
Stroll down the Woodland Trail to discover L’Envol, a flock of illuminated birds caught mid-flight among the trees. Wander through the Japanese Garden, where vibrant colors ripple from the treetops to the reflection in the pond. Loop back to the party in the Glow Village via the Woodland Trail.
Allow about 90 minutes to soak it all in — the entire pathway is a little over a mile long. Catch a trolley to the Japanese Garden if you prefer to skip the climb back up the rustic Woodland Trail.
TICKETS
Value Nights
- Adult: $20
- Child (16 & under): $16
- Member Adult: $18
- Member Child: $14
- Museums for All* (all ages): $3
Standard Pricing
- Adult: $25
- Child (16 & under): $21
- Member Adult: $20
- Member Child: $16
Notices:
- Purchase your tickets in advance, as the event has capacity limitations.
- The event is rain or shine.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another date.
* Museums for All: Must present SNAP/EBT card for discounted admission on Value Nights only for card-holder and up to 3 guests. Purchase tickets in advance at The Robins Nature Center, Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Value Nights: Discounted Rates, More Space
Weekends at Garden Glow can be quite popular, so consider the option of discounted admission and a more relaxed experience on one of 13 Value Nights, available during the earlier dates of the 23-night run, and selected weeknights toward the end. Click here to see the calendar. For everyone’s comfort, the event has timed-entry capacity limits. Popular time slots tend to sell out early, so advance purchase is recommended!
Fun in the Glow Village
The Glow Village, on the Carriage House Lawn, offers fun activities for all ages. Swing, spin and snap pictures on the Glow Swings, or strike a colorful pose by the Shadow Wall, then get your glow on at the Big Bright Mega Light board.
Cozy up around a fire pit or kick back on some glow furniture while you sip and snack on food and drink from the Glow Bar and a rotating lineup of food vendors. Why not treat yourself and family to a s’mores kit from Glowin’ Hot Coco or sip something fun from a souvenir Glow Cup!
Additional Information
Enter and exit at The Robins Nature Center, 2201 Shields Lake Drive. The last entry to the event is 9pm, last entry to the Japanese Garden is 9:30pm, and the event closes at 10pm each night.
Free parking is available at The Robins Nature Center, in the Hampton Street lot and by Maymont Farm on busier nights. Some limited parking is available around Byrd Park. Please allow an extra 20 minutes to find parking on weekends. Ride-sharing and public transit is recommended. Directions to parking lots can be found here.
Allow ample time to locate parking and walk to The Robins Nature Center, especially on weekends. The Hampton Street gate will serve as an exit, but not as an entrance.
Helpful Hints
For a speedy check-in, save an image of your ticket barcodes to your phone in advance.
Temporary restrooms are available in the Glow Village and directly outside the Japanese Garden.
A trolley will make regular trips to and from the Japanese Garden for those unable to walk the Woodland Trail. Please note, boarding the trolley requires climbing a few steps and it will not accommodate strollers or wheelchairs.
Within the Japanese Garden, wheelchairs, scooters and strollers will not properly function on the historic garden paths. Stroller parking will be available near the Glow Village.
WHAT TO BRING
- Sneakers or closed-toe shoes. Garden Glow is a self-guided walking event that takes about 90 minutes to explore, including hilly terrain and some wood-chip covered paths.
- Warm layers. The event takes place 100% outdoors and the temperature will drop throughout the evening.
- Valid ID. Alcohol will be served only to those age 21 and older.
- A refillable water bottle.
WHAT NOT TO BRING
- For the safety of our farm and wildlife animals, pets are not permitted on the Maymont grounds, with the exception of trained service dogs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Please leave behind:
- Outside food and drinks
- Bikes, scooters or hoverboards
- Balloons
Assumption of Risk: Please note that attendees voluntarily assume all risks and dangers incidental to the event, including any injuries or damages that may occur, and waive all claims against the event organizer, venue, and any associated parties, whether known or unknown, arising from event attendance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you to our event partners:
