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.
About this guide: Local Anchor is a South Bay community media platform covering local events, restaurants, and things to do since 2017. We update this list regularly based on firsthand experience and community input.
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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 and Shakira Night, 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 $18 for members and $21 for non-members (Kids 4 and under are free). For those looking to enhance their experience, VIP tickets are available for $38 for members and $42 for non-members. VIP tickets include early entry, premium seating, a free Hard Butterfly Palmer, 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
June 4 –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.
June 11 – Neil Diamond Night with Hot August Nights
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of music legend Neil Diamond. Sing along to favorites like “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Song Sung Blue,” brought to life by this incredible cover band.
June 18 – Dueling Piano Night with Pianomania!
This interactive show is forever a fan-favorite. You’ll want to sing and dance along as Pianomania! delivers a evening of musical battles and audience-requested hits. Two pianos and an endless amount of energy makes for an incredible night.
June 25 – Yacht Rock Night with Sea Breeze
Sail into summer with Sea Breeze’s mellow rhythms, tight harmonies, and breezy nostalgia. You’ll enjoy the soft rock classics of Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Toto, and more.
July 9 – Madonna and Blondie Night with Heart of Blonde and Material Girl
Blondie and Madonna Night is packed with high-energy, iconic hits from two pop legends. You’ll be singing along to all of your throwback favorites like “Heart of Glass,” “Call Me,” “Like a Virgin,” and “Material Girl.”
July 16 – 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 23 – ‘90s Pop Rewind Night with Radio Ready
Are you ready to rock the ’90s? Step back in time with a night of pure ’90s pop nostalgia with Radio Ready, playing the iconic hits of *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and more. This is one party you won’t want to miss!
July 30 – ABBA Night with The fABBA Show
Get ready to hit the dance floor to classics like Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, and so many other hit singles!
August 6 – Selena and Shakira Night with Tejano Queen Forever
Tejano Queen Forever will give spectacular performances of, not one, but two icons. From “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” to “Hips Don’t Lie,” you’ll be dancing the night away with Selena’s and Shakira’s hits.
August 13 – Prince Night with The Purple Generation
Celebrate the legendary sound of Prince with Purple Generation. Enjoy the classics of one of music’s most iconic artists, like “Purple Rain,” “1999,” and “Kiss.”
August 20 – Surf’s Up Night with The Royal Rats
Cowabunga! Come hang ten with this evening of surf sounds by the Royal Rats. The night will feature the music of the Beach Boys, Dick Dale, the Surfaris, and other retro beach bands.
August 27 – Modern Country Night with Zach Michael Band feat. Chelsea Sanchez
Throw on your cowboy boots and don’t miss this crowd-pleasing country party! Enjoy a night of ‘90s and modern country hits with Zach Michael Band featuring Chelsea Sanchez.
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, 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 4 through August 27. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the general public and 5 p.m. for VIP ticket holders.
Tickets: $18 for Members, $21 for non-members. VIP Tickets are $38 for Members and $42 for non-members.
Website: southcoastbotanicgarden.org/sunset-series
Instagram: instagram.com/scbgarden
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