Twilight Thursdays Begin April 6

Tickseed, columbine, blue-eyed grass, and other native wildflowers in bloom in the Courtyard Gardens in spring

Every Thursday from April 6 to June 15, we’re staying open until 7 p.m. so you can enjoy our display gardens in the evening.

Our exhibit hall and Garden Shop will be open, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy outdoors – we have lots of benches and picnic tables, plus open lawn areas for blankets.

With the exception of service animals, pets are not allowed in the Garden, and as part of the UNC campus, open containers of alcohol are prohibited.

Hours and Admission

Twilight Thursdays run from 4-7 p.m. on Thursdays from April 6 to June 15 and again from August 17 to September 28 (with a break during the hot summer months). There’s no fee or ticket for visiting, but we welcome donations to support the Garden. Make a donation here.

Spring Dates

Some evenings will feature food trucks and music performances. Check the schedule below for more information!

April 6
Food Truck: Mr. Cheesesteak

April 13
Special Program: UNC Pride Week in partnership with the UNC LGBTQ Center
CJ Suitt – Chapel Hill Poet Laureate, 2019-2022
Cortland Gilliam – Chapel Hill Poet Laureate, 2022 – present
Music: Anna Batsakes

April 20
Food Truck: Mr. Wingz and Mrs. Thingz
Music: UNC Cadence (A Cappella)

April 27
Special Arbor Day Lecture, celebrating the 120th Anniversary of Coker Arboretum featuring Dr. Peter White – The World of Trees
Free event, please pre-register here.

May 4

May 11
Food Truck: Will & Pop’s
Music: Neville Handel

May 18
Food Truck: Yagg Sii Tenn
Music: Blumora

May 25

June 1
Food Truck: Will & Pop’s
Music: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Jazz Festival

4:00-4:35 p.m. – East Chapel Hill High
4:45-5:20 p.m. – Carrboro High
5:30-6:05 p.m. – East Chapel Hill High
6:15-6:50 p.m. – Chapel Hill High

June 8

June 15

Getting Here

We’re located at 100 Old Mason Farm Road in Chapel Hill. You’ll be able to park in our main parking lot until 7 p.m., when we’ll lock the gates.

What to See

Explore our display gardens, from our Habitat Gardens to our Children’s Wonder Garden to our Carnivorous Plant Collection! Our exhibit hall will also be open, so you can check out our Garden Shop and DeBerry Gallery.

Picnic

Picnics are welcome. There are tables and chairs available in the designated Picnic Area and by the Plant Sale patio, as well as benches and chairs throughout the Garden. You are also welcome to bring a blanket and use it in a lawn area. Please keep out of plant beds, and make sure you pick up any trash or food items from your picnic area.

Alcohol Policy

No alcohol is allowed, as open containers of alcohol are prohibited on UNC’s campus.

Pets

With the exception of service animals, no pets are allowed within the Display Gardens. Leashed pets are allowed on the Piedmont Nature Trails, which are open until dusk.

Weather

Twilight Thursdays are rain or shine. We will only close the Garden if there are strong storms, and any closure information will be posted to our website.