Friday night floral festivities at ‘Gardens by Twilight’

Melbourne’s CBD is renowned for its thriving nightlife, inventive bars and unique pop ups, but for one night only a truly exclusive experience will be offered to the city’s locals. As the sun sets, Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building will transform into a dusky wonderland as the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show presented by Lawn Solutions Australia extends its hours for a floral-inspired night party.

On Friday March 29, city workers are encouraged to dodge the peak hour traffic and instead explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event in an all new light with an evening of craft beers, prosecco, wine and gourmet catering.

Tickets for the one-off floral festivities are included within the price of a Friday pass ($29.90) with a vast range of food and beverages available for purchase on the night. Visitors can throw an impromptu picnic in the grounds with bubbles, beers and bites, followed by a wander through the award-winning Show Gardens and floral installations that attract more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The perfect backdrop to kick off after-work drinks, or a romantic setting for the most memorable date night of the year; visitors will be spoilt by the evening’s offerings. Goodman Wines will serve glasses of locally produced rosé, red and white wine, while Woodend’s own Holgate Brewhouse will cover all craft beer needs with a selection of ales, IPAs, lager and more, and Melbourne’s favourite bubbles truck, The Prosseco Van, will be satiating visitors with freshly poured prosecco and spritzes. Those teetotalling their way through March will be delighted to discover Seedlip – the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit – slinging deceptively delicious alcohol-free G&Ts and other cocktails.

In addition to witnessing the best gardens and floral designs the country has to offer (illuminated by lighting specialists Gardens at Night), show-goers will revel in the local live music sets, roving entertainment, and impressive lighting displays – running until 9pm.

Tickets are now on sale here.

Dates:    Gardens by Twilight – Friday March 29 until 9pm

Venue:   Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens