Things That Go Bump in the Night
Bring your flashlight and explore the nocturnal worlds of plants and animals!
Friday, October 2, 2026
&
Saturday, October 3, 2026
5:30 - 9:00 PM
Get ready for nighttime fun in the Garden! Enjoy interactive activities and shows, connect with live animals, make creepy crawly crafts, and grab dinner at a food truck.
FOOD
Marigold Coffee Collective
Crepes Bonaparte
The Tropic Truck (Friday, Oct 2nd)
Guac N Roll Tacos (Saturday, Oct 3rd)
EXHIBITORS
Partners and exhibitors include Pomona Valley Bird Alliance, LA Bat Rescue, The Invertebrate Club of Southern California, scientists from Scripps College and California State University, Fullerton, and Night Hikes guided by the Sierra Club.
PERFORMANCES
The World Famous Spider Show (Comedy Bug Presentation) by Andre Campbell, Science Educator returns this year!
In this incredibly entertaining and interactive presentation, guests will not only discover the clever ways spiders catch their prey, but a few brave volunteers will also get the chance to step into the role of spiders and their meals in a series of hilarious theatrical skits. It's The World Famous Spider Show, and you won't want to miss it!
Showtimes: 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Bob Baker Marionette Theater travels to the Garden for a live puppet show with a special nighttime plants and animal theme!
Showtimes: 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM
Get your tickets early for this popular event! Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended as this event is likely to sell out on both nights. (No costumes please.)
Get your tickets for Friday, October 2nd HERE.
Get your tickets for Saturday, October 3rd HERE.
$21 Adult | $17 Student/Senior | $15 Child
$16 Member Adult | $12 Member Student/Senior | $10 Student/Senior/Child
FOOD
Marigold Coffee Collective
Crepes Bonaparte
The Tropic Truck (Friday, Oct 2nd)
Guac N Roll Tacos (Saturday, Oct 3rd)
EXHIBITORS
Partners and exhibitors include Pomona Valley Bird Alliance, LA Bat Rescue, The Invertebrate Club of Southern California, scientists from Scripps College and California State University, Fullerton, and Night Hikes guided by the Sierra Club.
PERFORMANCES
The World Famous Spider Show (Comedy Bug Presentation) by Andre Campbell, Science Educator returns this year!
In this incredibly entertaining and interactive presentation, guests will not only discover the clever ways spiders catch their prey, but a few brave volunteers will also get the chance to step into the role of spiders and their meals in a series of hilarious theatrical skits. It's The World Famous Spider Show, and you won't want to miss it!
Showtimes: 6:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Bob Baker Marionette Theater travels to the Garden for a live puppet show with a special nighttime plants and animal theme!
Showtimes: 6:45 PM and 8:15 PM
Get your tickets early for this popular event! Advanced ticket purchase is strongly recommended as this event is likely to sell out on both nights. (No costumes please.)
Get your tickets for Friday, October 2nd HERE.
Get your tickets for Saturday, October 3rd HERE.
$21 Adult | $17 Student/Senior | $15 Child
$16 Member Adult | $12 Member Student/Senior | $10 Student/Senior/Child
Please come back for an updated map and list of event activities. Locations and activity availability may change.
Know Before you Go
ADVANCE TICKET PURCHASE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If Things That Go Bump in the Night is not already sold out, very limited numbers of tickets will be available during the event at the Admissions Kiosk. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Please check the website for “sold out” notices before traveling to the Garden if you are hoping to purchase tickets at the entrance.
REFUNDS & EXCHANGES
There are no refunds or exchanges on Things that Go Bump in the Night tickets, unless the Garden must cancel the event due to weather conditions. If we must cancel, you will receive an e-mail giving you the option to: attend another scheduled night of Things That Go Bump in the Night (subject to Garden capacity limits), convert your Things That Go Bump in the Night ticket to one free general admission to California Botanic Garden (excluding special, ticketed events and expiring one year from ticketed event date), apply tickets to membership, apply tickets to a donation, or receive a refund.
PARKING
Parking for Things That Go Bump in the Night is free, but may be impacted due to crowds. Parking is available in the CalBG Main Lot, and in available spots on College Ave. north of Foothill Blvd and surrounding areas. Please heed all parking signs and attendant instructions.
WEATHER
Things That Go Bump in the Night is an exclusively outdoors event. Please expect variable temperatures and dress accordingly. In case of substantial rain, California Botanic Garden reserves the right to cancel the event. If there is rain in the forecast, please check our website before you head to the Garden.
If Things That Go Bump in the Night is not already sold out, very limited numbers of tickets will be available during the event at the Admissions Kiosk. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance. Please check the website for “sold out” notices before traveling to the Garden if you are hoping to purchase tickets at the entrance.
REFUNDS & EXCHANGES
There are no refunds or exchanges on Things that Go Bump in the Night tickets, unless the Garden must cancel the event due to weather conditions. If we must cancel, you will receive an e-mail giving you the option to: attend another scheduled night of Things That Go Bump in the Night (subject to Garden capacity limits), convert your Things That Go Bump in the Night ticket to one free general admission to California Botanic Garden (excluding special, ticketed events and expiring one year from ticketed event date), apply tickets to membership, apply tickets to a donation, or receive a refund.
PARKING
Parking for Things That Go Bump in the Night is free, but may be impacted due to crowds. Parking is available in the CalBG Main Lot, and in available spots on College Ave. north of Foothill Blvd and surrounding areas. Please heed all parking signs and attendant instructions.
WEATHER
Things That Go Bump in the Night is an exclusively outdoors event. Please expect variable temperatures and dress accordingly. In case of substantial rain, California Botanic Garden reserves the right to cancel the event. If there is rain in the forecast, please check our website before you head to the Garden.
SPONSORSHIP
It's not too late to join us as a sponsor of Things That Go Bump in the Night!
Call our Advancement office at (909) 625-8767 ext. 221 or e-mail advancement@calbg.org for more information.
Call our Advancement office at (909) 625-8767 ext. 221 or e-mail advancement@calbg.org for more information.
