The Twilight Picnic Experience

Two people enjoying a chef-created meal before the bridge in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden

Twilight Picnics – a beautiful way to enjoy summer.

Last picnic day for the 2022 season is September 30.

Is it time to mark an anniversary, celebrate a friendship, surprise someone you care about, or reconnect on a much-needed date night? Our twilight picnics are designed to make lasting memories while enjoying the beauty of nature in our botanic garden.

Slow down, relax and enjoy a chef-created meal before meandering through the peaceful grounds with a glass of wine or local craft beer. As the frogs begin their chorus, the sun sets over the bridge in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and lights reflect on the Aga Khan Garden fountains.

Personalize your experience with thoughtful add-ons like blankets, flowers and handwritten cards.

Order your Twilight Picnic Experience

Your Twilight Picnic Experience includes admission to the Garden for two people, garden activities and a gourmet picnic box. Individual boxes and admissions can also be ordered.

$125 + tax / for two people

Bookings:

Bookings for 2023 picnics start in the spring. If you would like to be notified when bookings open, please sign up using our 2023 Twilight Picnic Notification List form.

Looking for a great gift?

A gift certificate for a Twilight Picnic Experience for two is a fabulous way to celebrate someone special!

Order Gift Certificate

For more information, contact uabg.dining@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-3152.

Twilight Picnic FAQs

Do you offer vegetarian / gluten-friendly / halal / child-friendly choices?

Yes! You will be able to select vegetarian, gluten-friendly and halal choices when you order. You can also add a child-friendly portion to your picnic box.

What about allergies?

We cannot guarantee food is allergen-free, as cross-contamination may exist in the facilities where some of the picnic foods are prepared. Please reach out to the Food Services team for dietary restrictions outside of our vegetarian, halal and gluten-friendly boxes at uabg.dining@ualberta.ca

What’s in the box?

Your box will contain a beautiful assortment of savory and sweet goodies (proteins, breads, dips, fresh seasonal fruit, vegetables, dessert and more). Offerings will change slightly with the seasons and are subject to availability. Boxes, plates and utensils are made of sustainable, compostable materials.

How long can we stay?

Picnic guests can arrive at the Garden anytime after 5 p.m. Picnic box pickup is anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. Picnic guests can stay and enjoy the Garden until it closes at 10 p.m.

Where can I picnic?

You can picnic anywhere in the Garden. Bar carts will only be available in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and the Aga Khan Garden.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Outside alcohol is not permitted. The Garden is licensed. We include bottled water with your picnic, and you can purchase wine, beer, cider or non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your picnic from our bar carts.

Can I bring my own food and have a picnic?

During the Twilight Picnic offering, outside food is not permitted at the Garden, with the exception of bottled water and small snacks (eg. granola bar, apple). Bringing your own picnic is not permitted.

I want to celebrate a special occasion. Can you help?

We sure can! We can help you customize your picnic experience with special touches like personalized cards and flowers.

Is there anything I should bring?

To enjoy the Garden before or after your picnic, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Because it’s summer in Alberta, mosquito repellent is a good idea, as well as outerwear to be prepared for any kind of weather. You can bring your own picnic blanket or folding chairs, or purchase a UABG picnic blanket with your order.

What is the cancellation policy?

Up to 24 hours before your picnic, if you need to cancel:

  • You can either reschedule to another date, or
  • arrange curbside pickup of your box the same day (includes admission passes for a future visit to the Garden), or
  • Request a full refund

Within 24 hours of the date of your picnic:

  • You can arrange for curbside pickup of your box on the same day (includes admission passes for a future visit to the Garden)
  • If, at 5 p.m., there is a severe weather warning issued by Environment Canada, the Garden may cancel picnics. We will notify you by phone and you can get curbside pickup (with admission passes for a future visit), or reschedule to another date
  • If the weather becomes suddenly inclement during your picnic and you wish to leave, you can take your box home and we will give you admission passes for a future visit

There are no refunds for picnics.

Any rules I should know about?

You can help to keep the Garden a beautiful, special place by leaving your picnic area clean. Please check our Visitor Guidelines before you come. Important to remember: no pets, no smoking (of any kind), and no sports equipment.