Flowers After 5

See the Garden in a whole new light. From mid-May through October, Thursday nights offer a chance to slow down, stay awhile and experience a different side of a familiar favorite.

As the evening cools, wander at your own pace, settle in with something to eat or drink, or watch the kids make the most of the splash pad. Music and entertainment throughout the season add to the atmosphere, with the gardens and Conservatory open for exploring until 9 p.m.

Come for an hour or make an evening of it. Either way, Thursdays are a beautiful time to be here.

Outside food and drink may not be brought into the Garden. See food and drink options below.

Some evenings are better with your four-legged friends

Select Thursday nights are Fidos After 5 evenings, where leashed dogs are invited to join in the fun. Explore the Garden together and enjoy an evening stroll.

Fidos After 5 is presented in partnership with Richmond SPCA. A suggested $2 pet admission supports animal protection. See our Fidos After 5 section below for pet guidelines and everything you need to know before your visit.

2026 Fidos Nights: May 28, June 11, June 25, July 23, Aug. 13, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 8

Find a little something extra on select evenings

Enjoy live music and other entertainment on select nights throughout the season.

August 27 – Grace Street Seven

September 3 – Abrams Bridge

September 10 – Michael Hazelwood and the Freight Train Five

September 24 – The Significant Others

October 1 – Vexine

October 8 – Whiskey Rebellion

October 15 – Jackass Flats

October 22 – Holy River

Admission & Weather Policy

Flowers After 5 is included with regular Garden admission. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the Guest Services desk in the Robins Visitors Center the day of. Members enjoy free admission; not a member? Consider joining.

The Garden stays open until 9 p.m. on Flowers After 5 nights, giving you extra time to explore the gardens and Conservatory and experience the Garden in the evening. Be sure to visit our rotating exhibitions in the Community Art Gallery. The Garden Shop may also offer extended hours.

Flowers After 5 is rain or shine. Garden staff monitor the weather closely, and Flowers After 5 may be canceled if hazardous weather is likely. Weather-related updates are posted to the Garden’s homepage and social media, so it’s always a good idea to check before you come.

FIDOS AFTER 5

On select Flowers After 5 evenings, the Garden partners with Richmond SPCA to welcome leashed dogs. A suggested $2 “pet admission” benefits Richmond SPCA.

Leashed dogs are allowed on designated Fidos After 5 nights only. Before your visit, please review our pet policy for guidelines and information to help make the evening enjoyable for you, your dog and other guests.

Before attending Fidos After 5, consider what environments your dog is comfortable in:

  • How does your dog handle being in a new environment?
  • How does your dog react to being near unfamiliar people and dogs of various sizes?

All dogs must have a current rabies vaccine.

Retractable leashes are not permitted. Flat leashes will be available to borrow from the Richmond SPCA’s table in the Robins Visitor Center.

  • An adult must maintain control of the dog’s leash at all times.
  • Please ask before approaching or allowing your dog to approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • All dogs must be well-behaved. The Garden reserves the right to ask an owner and pet to leave when necessary for guest safety.

Please note: Dogs are welcome in the Robins Visitors Center and Conservatory, but ask that they not enter the Kelly Education Center.

 

Richmond SPCA logo

Food & Drink

Make an evening of it with food and drinks available for purchase from 5–8 p.m, under the Blomendaal House tent. Guests are welcome to bring chairs and blankets to relax on the lawn, and a limited number of chairs and tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Outside food and drink may not be brought into the Garden.

Our weekly menus

.

BBQ Sandwich $13
Choice of Protein, House Chips, Coleslaw, BBQ Sauce

Southern Bowl $13
Choice of Protein, Mac and Cheese, Braised Collard Greens, Coleslaw

Gyro $13
Choice of Protein, Pita, Feta, Pickled Cucumber and Onions, Tomato, Crisp Romaine, Fresh Mint Smoky Tzatziki

Medi Bowl $13
Choice of Protein, Feta, Basmati Rice, Tabbouleh Salad, Crisp Romaine, Mini Naan, Fresh Mint, Smoky Tzatziki

Taco Salad $13
Choice of Protein, Shredded Cheese, Crisp Romaine, Pico De Gallо, Elote Corn Salad, Cilantro, Crispy Tortilla, Black Beans, Avocado Crema

Burrito $13
Choice of Protein, Queso, Spanish Rice, Pico De Gallo, Black Beans, Crisp Romaine

Cheeseburger $10
Topped with Lettuce and Tomato served with Potato Salad

Veggie Burger $10
Topped with Lettuce and Tomato served with Potato Salad

2 Hot Dogs $10
Served with Potato Salad