Bloom Night 2024
After a rapid growth spurt this week, the Queen has arrived.
Saturday, June 29th, 2024
7:00 – 11:00 pm
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Peniocereus greggii at Tohono Chul’s annual Bloom Night! Walk along illuminated trails, marvel at the stunning Queen of the Night flowers, and breathe in their enchanting fragrance.
See below for important information regarding Saturday’s Bloom Night Event.
Join Us the Morning After
Sunday, June 30th
6:00 AM
Join us at 6:00 AM the morning after for a special opportunity to immerse yourself in the fleeting beauty of the blooms as the sun rises.
The morning after is free for members and open to the public with general admission rates. Visit the admissions page for more info.
Members Only
This year, Bloom Night is an exclusive members-only event. Your support helps preserve the Desert View Trail and our Peniocereus greggii collection while we work to ensure proper pollination of these special plants.
Don’t miss out! Become a member today and experience this exclusive evening with the Queen of the Night.
Questions? See below for answers to frequently asked questions.
Members Only FAQs
Why is Bloom Night Members Only this year?
This year Bloom Night will be a members only event in order to provide a more intimate and enjoyable experience for attendees. By limiting the number of guests, we can better preserve the Desert View Trail and our Peniocereus greggii collection. Fewer people on the trail means less disturbance, creating a peaceful space for both guests and the nocturnal insects that pollinate the Queens. Your membership support is crucial for caring for these special plants and maintaining our gardens.
Can I bring someone with me who is not a member?
Please check your membership level to see if it includes additional guest allowances. If not, consider upgrading to a dual or family membership so you can bring a friend or family member along. If they love Tohono Chul and enjoy the event, encourage them to become a member to enjoy exclusive access to future events and a variety of benefits year-round.
How will becoming a member benefit me in the long run?
Becoming a member not only grants you access to exclusive events like Bloom Night but also provides numerous benefits such as discounts, early access to plant sales, free daily admission, and reciprocal admissions at other public gardens throughout the country. Your support helps us maintain the garden and its collections for future generations.
What is the cost of membership?
Membership costs vary depending on the level and benefits. Please visit our website or the admissions office for detailed information on membership options and pricing.
How do I prove my membership status at the event?
Please bring your membership card or a digital proof of membership on your phone such as a confirmation email or receipt. Our staff will check your membership status at the entrance.
What if I forget my membership card?
If you forget your membership card, we can look up your membership status in our system.
What if I just became a member—can I still attend?
Yes, new members are welcome and encouraged to attend Bloom Night! If you’ve just signed up and haven’t received your membership card yet, simply bring your membership confirmation email or receipt for entry. You don’t need to print it; showing it on your phone or smart device is perfectly fine.
Will there be another opportunity to see the blooms if I’m not a member?
Yes, the morning after Bloom Night we will open early at 6 am to the general public. Daily admission fees apply.
Can I use a guest pass or reciprocal admission from another garden to enter Bloom Night?
Guest passes and reciprocal admission benefits are not valid for special events.
What’s in Store
Presentation
Garden Pavilion | 7:15 – 7:45 PM and 8 – 8:30 PM
Join Gardens Manager Jack Dash for a special presentation on the unique characteristics of the Peniocereus greggii. This informative session will be offered at two different times.
Queen of the Night Exhibit
Exhibit House | 7 – 11 PM
A special Queen of the Night art exhibition in the Entry Gallery showcases the Peniocereus greggii in all its glory, featuring objects from Tohono Chul’s Permanent Collection and artwork from local artists. There will also be an informational video about the Queen of the Night playing on a loop.
Musical Performances
Enjoy live musical performances by the Desert Music Project in the Performance Garden from 6-9 PM during Chillin at the Chul. Additionally, be captivated by the enchanting sounds of Marvin Todacheenie on the flute along the Desert View Trail from 8:30-10:30 PM.
Chillin at the Chul
For the first time ever, Chillin at the Chul will coincide with Bloom Night! Enjoy extra live music and delicious food and drinks from the Garden Bistro.
Please note that while Chillin at the Chul is a free event open to the public, the Bloom Night event is exclusive to Tohono Chul members only. Members will receive a wristband for access to the Desert View Trail, home to the majority of the Queens. Click here to become a member!
Concessions
Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the Garden Bistro. Click here to see the menu!
Book Signing
La Galeria Museum Shop | 7 – 11 PM
Stop by La Galeria Museum Shop for a Queen of the Night book signing by local author Elaine A. Powers. Click here to learn more about the book and author!
Bloom Night Info & Pro-Tips
REMEMBER
- Bring a flashlight and a refillable water bottle.
- Wear closed-toe walking shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch your step; the Desert View Trail is home to wildlife such as rattlesnakes, tarantulas, lizards, insects and more.
- Bring your membership card if you are a member.
- Guest Passes are NOT eligible for this special event.
- For photography, remember to bring a camera with a flash or external lighting and be mindful not to block the view of other members when capturing photos of the Queen.
ABOUT THE QUEEN
- The majority of flowers bloom the same evening usually between late May and mid July.
- Tohono Chul has one of the largest private collections of Night Blooming Cereus in the world.
- Researchers still don’t know how the flowers know when to bloom en masse.
- People visit Tohoho Chul from all over the world to experience Bloom Night.
- Flowers start opening around 6 PM and are typically in full bloom by 9 PM.
Overflow Parking
In the event that our main parking lot reaches capacity, you may park across the street at Lifepoint Church.
ADDRESS:
Lifepoint Church
7355 N Paseo Del Norte
Handicap Accesible Parking
About the Queen of the Night
It has a hallowed place in Tohono O’odham storytelling and has inspired folk songs, paintings, thousands of photographs, and even perfume. The Night Blooming Cereus or Peniocereus greggii, aptly nicknamed “The Queen of the Night,” creates an elusive flower, blooming en masse on select summer nights. Opening slowly at dusk, each beautiful, palm-sized flower wilts within a few hours of sunrise…
Since this particular species of cereus cannot self-pollinate, the plants must bloom on the same evening to ensure pollination, usually by hawk moths. The more blooms that are open the greater the chances of pollination. The true mystery of the Night Blooming Cereus is how the majority know when to bloom.
At Tohono Chul, we‘ve been studying this cereus for over 20 years and are still uncertain what exactly triggers the bloom. Our best scientific guess is there is some form of chemical signaling among the cacti that initiates it. Native to Southwestern North America, the Night Blooming Cereus looks like a bunch of dead sticks most of the year, only revealing its spectacular flower in the heat of the early Tucson summer. Tohono Chul planted and cultivated many of the cacti; others grew naturally on the grounds creating our world-class collection. Tohono Chul has the largest private collection of Peniocereus greggii in the world.
Thanks to our Corporate Members
