Enjoy everything nature has to offer with exclusive after-hours access to the Edinburgh Garden.
Join us at Botanics Lates for an unforgettable evening of live music, creative workshops and visual art.
Explore the beauty of our blooms at dusk, with the chance to chat with our experts and learn more about our exhibitions and plants.
Designed exclusively for over 18s, this is a rare opportunity to dance among the trees, soak up breathtaking city views, and relax on the lawn with refreshing drinks and delicious food.
A sanctuary in the heart of the city – gather friends, unwind in nature and enjoy a Friday evening like no other.
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Programme:
- DJs
DJ Bartek will be starting the party at the Gateway Deck Bar from 6.30pm as you arrive at the West Gate - sip and chill and take in views of the Garden at night. From 7pm, join us for a vibrant celebration of sound with DJ Junglehussi, star of the UK electronic music landscape, up on Inverleith House Lawn —perfect for dancing the night away.
- Live Music
Arrive early to experience the beautiful harmonies of the Botanics Choir as they deliver their end-of-season performance, and feel the Summer Solstice energy coming from the sound of the brass band Golden Grooves Street Collective as they promenade through the oak lawn.
- Earth Matters Exhibition
Earth Matters marks 300 years since the birth of James Hutton, the Edinburgh-born geologist, farmer and thinker who revolutionised our understanding of Earth’s creation and the ground beneath us. Inspired by Hutton and subsequent trailblazers, over 30 artists delve into this living ecosystem to reveal its brilliance, beauty and fragility.
- Meet the Artists
A rare opportunity to speak with some of our incredible Earth Matters artists, between 8 and 9pm. Come along to Inverleith House to hear from: Constanza Dessain, JL Williams, and Natalie Taylor.
- Herbology Exhibition
Founded as a physic garden in 1670, the Botanics’ history is rooted in the growth, study and use of herbs for medicinal purposes. Our exhibition celebrates the enduring healing and cultural power of plants. Here you will discover a selection of medicinal plants, remedy-making methods and recipes, giving a glimpse into our Garden's green pharmacy.
- Discover: Bugs at Night
Join entomologists from the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Entomological Society to discover the diversity of insects active at night, from moths seeking out flowers to busy beetles in our soil, as we celebrate Insect Week 2026. Come meet some insect experts, learn about how they use UV light to monitor insect biodiversity, get a close-up look at specimens from the collection and get creative and make a badge inspired by bugs!
Food & drink
Indulge in a vibrant selection of food and drink available to purchase all evening. Relax at the Deck Bar overlooking the Garden, admire the city from the lawns, or meander through the grounds with a drink in hand, immersed in nature.
- Pommery & Pizza at the Deck Bar
- Bar & Botanics Small Plates at the Gateway Cafe
- The Botanists Ice Cream Parlour
- Street Food: The Caravan of Courage
- Street Food: House of Tapas
- Streed Food: Botanical Wraps
- Drinks & Snacks at the Terrace Cafe & Inverleith House Lawn
Why not consider booking our new picnic offer in advance?
Pre-order Picnics: Ease your way in to the evening by collecting a pre-ordered picnic box from the John Hope Gateway. Designed for easy carrying and sharing between 2 people. Just select your tickets, and then add a picnic to your basket and it will be ready for collection on the night! There are three curated picnics on offer: Mediterranean Garden, Scottish, and High Tea.
The box includes: picnic food & beverages as listed, disposable picnic box, cutlery and plates. The boxes are set menus and we will not be able to cater for specific dietary requirements. The alcoholic option will be issued as standard, if you would like to swap for the non-alcoholic option, please email events@rbge.org.uk in advance with this request.
Ticket information
Please note that entrance to this event is only via the West Gate, Arboretum Place, EH3 5NZ.
- Age Restriction: all ticket holders must be 18 or older to attend this event - please bring proof of age.
- Tickets are non-refundable: please visit the FAQs for more information on our cancellation policy.
- Discounted rate: please bring evidence to support proof of discounted ticket as these will be asked for upon entry at the West Gate.
As a registered charity, every ticket purchased helps support the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s mission through science and research to explore, conserve and explain the world of plants.
