Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
EThis same year, Foster’s Botanical Garden lights up and transforms into a fantastical wonderland that combines the lush vegetation of Hawaii’s unique ecosystem with thousands of artistic displays of light and glittering luminaries in Midsummer Night’s Gleam. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the oldest of the Honolulu Botanical Gardens in a completely different and quite magical light. Stroll the ethereal gardens, enjoy live music and cultural performances, learn about native plants or contribute to a community art project – there’s something for everyone at this event.
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Image: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
When and Where
Midsummer Night’s Gleam takes place at Foster Botanical Garden, 180 N. Vineyard Blvd. This year’s event will be on Saturday, July 18 from 3 to 9 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 5,000 people at a time. The last entry will be at 8pm
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Where to park
Please note that an event ticket or reservation does not guarantee parking. The garden lot will be reserved for handicapped and ADA parking only.
Free and limited off-site parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Kauluwela Elementary School (1486 Aala St.). Street parking is available in the surrounding area, but will not be available on Vineyard Blvd. There will also be paid parking in the nearby municipal and private lots, but pay attention to the signs for closing times and fees.
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
cost
This is a ticketed event.
- $5 for adults 18 and older
- $1 for children ages 6-17
- Free for Keiki under 5 years old
Tickets can be purchased onlineor limited presale tickets are available at the Foster Botanic Garden Box Office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. until July 16. A physical or electronic copy of your booking or ticket must be presented for entry.
Although advance ticket purchase is recommended, a small number of tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the cashier’s booth on July 18 from 3pm.
Foster Garden annual passes and Friends of HBG membership cards will not replace a ticket to this event.
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
Activities
From 3 to 6 p.m., before sunset, attendees can enjoy a variety of keiki-friendly activities. Blow giant bubbles, check out weaving and kapa demonstrations, make butterflies, press flowers, pick up a plant to take home, try archery with the Golden Horde and more.
New this year are all art installations by local artists Ania Modzelewski, Felicia Yang, Terri de Asis, and Christian Berg (marked with an “a” on the map), as well as community-built lanterns.
In addition, the Mālama Learning Center, the Water Supply Board, the Division of Stormwater Quality, and the Community Forestry Program of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife will have conservation booths to educate the community.
Food vendors:
- Basil Thai: starters and desserts
- Brewtiful – Coffee and Tea
- Onoz Hawai’i Corn: Street Corn
- Kalo and Cream: artisan soft drinks with local flavors
- Ho’opili Tribal Council: Indian Fry Bread and Tacos
- Island Craves: Local Filipino Favorites
- Mixed by Mother – sweets
- Reecie B’s – local favourites
- Simply ‘Ono – local favourites
Image: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
entertainment
Upper Stage (Hula Mound) Entertainment Lineup:
3:30 p.m Taiko drumming Dragon Beat Hawai’i
5 in the afternoon Instrumental fun with Allegro boy
6:30 p.m Dance of Nā Alo or Hawai’i
8 p.m Live music from Kailua Moon
Lower Stage Entertainment Program (Daibutsu Area):
3:45 p.m Live music with recycled instruments by Ben Fairfield
4:45 p.m Live music from Nalani Kaio
6 in the afternoon Mendoza Philippine Dance Troupe dance show
viewpoint
From 17:30 in the afternoon: Storytelling by Jeff Gere
Economic Garden
Throughout the afternoon: Belly dancing by The Middle Eastern Dance Artists of Hawai’i
Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks and Recreation
Tips
- Arrive early to enjoy the activities and games before sunset.
- Bring low-back chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to sit on the lawn near both stages.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and bug spray to stay protected while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Cash and credit card are accepted forms of payment, but please note that there will be no ATM, so plan accordingly.
- Please leave your pets, folding tables and alcohol at home as they will not be allowed inside the garden.
- Keep the phones on top and designate a meeting place so the keiki doesn’t get lost.
Midsummer Night’s Gleam, Saturday, July 18, 3 to 9 p.m., Foster Botanical Garden, 180 N. Vineyard Blvd., Downtown, honolulu.gov, @honolulubotanicalgardens
Andrea Lee is the digital publisher of HONOLULU Magazine.
Hailey North is a former Editorial Fellow and regular contributor to HONOLULU Magazine.
