As the sun sets and the evening light softens, Philly’s gardens come alive in a whole new way. Whether you’re planning a dreamy date night or just looking to soak up summer vibes with your crew, evening hours in the garden are pure magic. Think twinkling fireflies, golden light, and the soothing soundtrack of nature—or maybe even a live concert under the stars. Here are nine gardens just a short drive from the city where you can catch the glow and make some summer memories.
Open until 10PM on Friday, Saturday, Sunday (through August 30, 2025)
Enjoy extended weekend hours during the summer months (open until 10pm) Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Catch an illuminated fountain show, live music in the beer garden, or theater performance. Round out the evening by grabbing dinner or snacks at their on-site restaurant, cafe, or beer garden. Timed tickets required.
Open until 8pm on Third Thursdays, July – August (July 17 & August 21)
Starting at 5:00pm, enjoy live music in the gardens with beer, wine, food trucks, and half-price admission. Paid admission, members free.
Open until 8PM on Fridays & Saturdays through the summer. Paid admission or event fees, see website for more information.
Take a twilight stroll through this 60-acre garden designed by Henry Francis du Pont or beat the heat with a tour of the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects displayed throughout a 175 room estate.
Summer Nights: Open until 8PM Wednesdays through August. Admission on Wednesday evenings is $5 per person, free for Hagley Members and children under six. Tickets are available at the gate.
Relax and enjoy an after-work stroll along the Brandywine’s most beautiful mile on summer Wednesday evenings from June through August. Bring a picnic or sample local food trucks. Dogfish Head craft beer and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream are also available for purchase. Dogs welcome!
Admission on Wednesday evenings is $5 per person, free for Hagley Members and children under six. Tickets are available at the gate. Learn more
Twilight on the Terrace: Open until 8pm on Fridays, July 18 & August 15 & 29
Unwind from the week with a bite to eat while enjoying live music on the terrace and evening access to the gardens. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Included with admission, members free. Learn more
Open until 8pm on Fridays through Labor Day.
Pack a picnic and enjoy golden hour anywhere in the garden (typically picnicking is only allowed in designated areas). afterwards, stroll the 35-acre pleasure garden as the sun sets and the fireflies start to twinkle. Paid admission, members free. Parking reservations required.
Summer-sational Nights: Open until 8PM on select Fridays, July 11, 18, 25, August 15, 22.
Pack a picnic and your favorite beverage and head to Stoneleigh for a sunset stroll. The garden unfolds throughout summer with colorful blooms, entrancing wildlife, towering trees, and inspiring vistas. Bring a chair or blanket to relax on the Great Lawn. Free, registration required.
BONUS: Stoneleigh is host to a wide variety of after-hours programming! Search events here.
Open until 9PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through Labor Day.
Enjoy the beautiful and expansive grounds with a Picnic in the Park from Rat’s Restaurant (on-site). Afterwards, stroll the 42-acre living library of native and exotic trees and flowers. Marvel at the impressive outdoor sculpture collection as the sun goes down and stars begin to twinkle. Paid admission (free for Members). Discounted rates available after 5PM.
Open until 8PM daily through August 30.
Pack a picnic dinner to enjoy on the Tree Canopy Deck or in the picnic grove. Then take a golden hour walk through 48 acres of natural woodlands and gardens to end your day in the most perfect way.
Night time events are weather dependent. Be sure to check each garden’s website or contact them directly for current hours and admission fees. Have you been to one of these gardens? Share your photos on social media with hashtag #AmericasGardenCapital!
