Press Release: Garden Glow presented by Kroger

6^th Annual Garden Glow presented by Kroger Returns to Maymont, October 19 – November 12, With Expanded Hours

Richmond, Virginia – The community is invited to experience Maymont with a new glow during the 6^th annual Garden Glow presented by Kroger, October 19 to November 12. After dark, dramatic lighting effects will transform the familiar gardens and architecture into an unforgettable sensory adventure. Wednesday through Sunday evenings, the Glow Village springs to life on the Carriage House Lawn, featuring cozy fire pits, a rotating selection of local food trucks, a Glow Bar, and fun activities like the life-size Big Bright Mega Light and the Shadow Wall presented by Juno Financial Services. Guests can get their glow on at the Glow Shop with an array of brightly lit accessories and, for those 21 and up, a Glow Cup presented by Davenport with a drink token included.

The highlight of the evening is an immersive, self-paced stroll through Maymont’s famous landscaped gardens. The journey begins beside the Stone Barn, where interactive effects and sweeping views invite guests to the Woodland Trail. A moderate hike leads down to the Japanese Garden presented by Colesville Nursery, where rich colors envelop the space from the tops of the trees to the depths of the reflective pond. Guests can pause for some stunning photo ops with ultraviolet-lit sculptures in the new Glow Grove presented by Fulton Bank, a lounge area tucked among the cypress trees. Return to the Glow Village by climbing the Cascade Stairs up to the Italian Garden. Guests can meander through the Italian Garden to the Via Florum, where the view from above the waterfall can’t be beat! The experience takes about an hour, with seating available along the way.

“Maymont is one of Richmond’s favorite outdoor spaces because it’s full of surprises. For 19 special evenings during Garden Glow it becomes a completely novel experience for all ages,” said Parke Richeson, Maymont President and CEO. “We hope everyone has a chance to come out and experience Maymont in a whole new light.”

This year, Maymont has commissioned a new art installation, Positiva, by local artist Alfonso Pérez Acosta, who is engaging members of the community in a participatory project to paint lightbulbs with messages addressed to someone who could use the positive thoughts. These bulbs will light up the interior of the arborvitae grove alongside the artist’s own hand-painted bulbs. Guests can take a selfie with the artwork and share their own positive messages via social media.

Advance ticket purchase is recommended as capacity limits apply for each half-hour time slot entry, and popular time slots can fill up quickly. Tickets are $16 per person; $12 for children ages 3 – 16; and free for children ages 2 and under. Maymont members enjoy a discounted $12 admission for adults; $8 for children ages 3 – 16. Participants in the Museums for All program can purchase adult tickets for $3 and children’s admission for free when they present a SNAP/EBT card (on-site only; advance purchase available at The Robins Nature Center and the Stone Barn Welcome Center on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.). All proceeds benefit Maymont.

Dedicated hospitality areas in the CoStar Group Builds Glow Row are available for reservation. From alumni groups to corporate hospitality, family nights to team-building outings, the CoStar Group Builds Glow Row provides the perfect meeting point and home-base for any group to toast a special occasion and share the glow.

Garden Glow presented by Kroger takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine, except in the case of severe weather. Guests are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suited for walking rustic paths. For guests who are unable to walk the hilly terrain, a trolley service will provide access to the Japanese Garden level.

Guests attending the event will enter through the Magnolia Gates at the north (lower) end of the parking lot on Hampton Street. Directions and parking information are available at Maymont.org. The Farm entrance is closed for the event.

Volunteers are needed throughout the event; details can be found here.

For more details on these and other events at Maymont, please visit the events calendar.

Maymont is a well-preserved 100-acre historic estate overlooking the James River that was given to the public by James and Sallie Dooley, who lived there from 1893 to 1925. Today, Maymont is a welcoming community gathering place, with many unique experiences for all to enjoy, including the historic Maymont Mansion, The Robins Nature Center, an arboretum, formal gardens, and habitats for native Virginia wildlife and farm animals. Consistently ranked one of Central Virginia’s top attractions by travelers and locals alike, Maymont serves over 700,000 guests annually, with free admission to the grounds, plus guided and self-guided tours, seasonal events, programs and rental spaces. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the nonprofit Maymont Foundation, committed to creating programs and experiences that delight, educate and inspire its guests.

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