Summer Evenings Just Got Better South Coast Botanic Garden’s Sunset Series Returns
Summer is here, and so is an event that promises to make your Thursday nights unforgettable. Local community members, mark your calendars because the South Coast Botanic Garden’s Sunset Series is back, bringing with it a vibrant blend of nature, music, and fun. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this guide will give you all the details you need to make the most of this enchanting series.
What is the Sunset Series?
The Sunset Series is a weekly after-hours event held at the South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the Garden’s beauty during the golden hours of dusk. The event features live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a host of activities for kids, making it perfect for families, friends, and couples alike.
Why Attend the Sunset Series?
Experience Nature at Dusk
One of the most magical aspects of the Sunset Series is experiencing the Garden as the sun sets. The changing light casts a golden glow over the 87 acres of lush land, creating a serene and picturesque environment. Visitors can stroll through the Garden’s various sections, each home to a diverse range of plants and wildlife.
Live Music and Themed Nights
This year, the Sunset Series introduces themed nights to add a special touch to your experience. From Jimmy Buffett Night featuring Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band to Selena Night with Amor Prohibido, there’s something for everyone. Each theme will be reflected in the music, food, and drinks, offering a unique experience every week.
Tantalizing Food and Drinks
No evening out is complete without good food and drinks. The Sunset Series ensures that your taste buds are as entertained as your ears. With specialty items on the menu each week, you can expect a delightful culinary experience that complements the night’s theme. You can check out the full series menu here.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Get Your Tickets Early
Tickets for the Sunset Series are already on sale. General admission tickets are $15 for members and $18 for non-members. For those looking to enhance their experience, VIP tickets are available for $35 for members and $39 for non-members. VIP tickets include early entry, premium seating, a free Hard Butterfly Palmer, a souvenir light-up cup, and more.
Plan Your Evening
Doors open at 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and 5:30 p.m. for the general public. Arrive early to make the most of your evening. Whether you want to explore the Garden, relax with a drink, or get a good spot for the live music, planning ahead will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Each act will play two 45-minute sets.
Bring the Kids
The Sunset Series is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities for kids. The Kids Zone, entertained by Allison Schmitz (Ms. Allison), offers parachutes, beach balls, yard games, bubbles, and more. It’s a great way for kids to have fun while parents enjoy the music and atmosphere.
Meet the Performers
July 10 – Disco Night with Modern Highway
Bust out your bell bottoms and get ready to boogie! Modern Highway brings the glitter and grooves of the disco era with classic hits from Donna Summer, the Bee Gees and more in this high-energy, dance-all-night party.
July 17 – Blues Night with The Chester Martin Blues Band
The Chester Martin Blues Band will take you on a soulful journey. Enjoy gritty guitar riffs, smoky melodies and an easygoing night of classic American music under the stars.
July 24 – Santana Night with Smooth Sounds of Santana
Get ready to groove to the sultry sounds of Carlos Santana with Smooth Sounds of Santana. Move your body to Latin rhythms and timeless rock hits like “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va.”
July 31 –Sitar Meets Pop Night with Ronobir Lahiri
Ronobir Lahiri blends the timeless tones of the Indian sitar with classic American pop. He will enchant the audience with a unique fusion of pop music, expertly rendered on the classical Indian sitar. Anticipate the unexpected as he weaves together melodies from iconic artists such as BeeGees, Justin Bieber, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Beyoncé, and Marvin Gaye.
August 7 –Jimmy Buffett Night with Mark Wood & the Parrot Head Band
Escape to Margaritaville as the Sunset Series welcomes back Mark Wood and the Parrot Head Band who promise to deliver an evening filled with Buffett’s greatest hits. It’s a wonderful way to come together, sing along, and relive some of your favorite memories through music.
August 14 – Selena Night with Amor Prohibido
Celebrate the Queen of Tejano with Amor Prohibido, LA’s premier Selena tribute band. From “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” to “Dreaming of You,” dance the night away to her most beloved hits in this vibrant, heartfelt tribute.
August 21 – Throwback Thursday Night with The 80’z All Stars
Flash back to the ’80s with The 80’z All Stars, a high-energy band delivering the decade’s biggest hits. From synth-pop to glam rock, relive the neon nights and unforgettable sounds of your favorite era.
August 28 – High Tide Night with Yacht Rocker
Sail into summer’s end with Yacht Rocker, serving up the soft rock classics of Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Toto, and more. With mellow rhythms, tight harmonies, and breezy nostalgia, it’s the perfect way to drift into the final notes of summer.
Exclusive VIP Experience
For those looking to elevate their Sunset Series experience, the enhanced VIP ticket offers several perks. VIP ticket holders gain early entry at 5 p.m., access to a premium seating area with a VIP bar, a free Hard Butterfly Palmer per ticket holder, a souvenir light-up cup, 30 minutes of VIP time in the Kids’ Zone, and unlimited access to SOAR – Tropical Butterflies throughout the night.
Connect with Nature and Community
The Sunset Series is not just about music and food; it’s also about connecting with nature and the community. It’s an opportunity to see the Garden’s plant collection at dusk, visit the butterfly pavilion, or simply enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music. Whether you’re coming with a date, friends, or family, the Sunset Series offers something for everyone.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Sunset Series
The return of the South Coast Botanic Garden’s Sunset Series promises to make this summer unforgettable. With an array of themed nights, live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the area, the Sunset Series offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature, music, and your community.
What: Sunset Series
When: Every Thursday night, June 5 through August 28. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the general public and 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders.
Tickets: $15 for Members, $18 for non-members. VIP Tickets are $35 for Members and $39 for non-members.
Website: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series
Instagram: instagram.com/scbgarden
