The 20th Anniversary celebration of Signature Fundraiser, ‘MOONLIGHT ‘MAGIC’ in the GARDENS,’ is 6-9:30 pm, Friday, October 9—presented for the 12th year by CITGO Corpus Christi Refinery! Featured performers include “Diamond’s Edge Band,” a six-member South Texas 1970s/80s pop/rock group; and “James Arthur, The Mentalist” who delights crowds with his magical touch! NEW ENTERTAINMENT includes a Floral Photo Stop, and “Potion Pull”. Find out what’s on the menu, too!

1)“HAUNTED TRAIL WALKS” will be 8-10 pm, Fridays, October 16, 23 and 30, to scare your socks off on our Nature Trail! SEE MORE to make reservations on-line. 2) Halloween “HAY MAZE” opens October 17-Thanksgiving, for children to navigate, co-sponsored and decorated by Ocean Drive Garden Club, included in admission. Décor changes to Christmas after Thanksgiving. 3) ON HALLOWEEN, Saturday, October 31, costumed kids ages 3-12, get in half price, $3, when accompanied by at least one paying adult!

PRIVATE ENCOUNTERS are now more fun, more personal with more learning! Small groups can enjoy fun interactions with either parrots, reptiles or both, with guests holding each animal, giving them snacks, taking photos in a private setting. A great party, birthday, anniversary, or friend treat! Fees go to our Veterinary Fund!

For your convenience, we’re providing a schedule of SATURDAY MORNING Horticulture & Environmental Education classes! All except BONSAI, begin at 9:30 am, Education Station classroom, with spaced seating for 40. Unless noted, all are covered by that day’s general admission, membership, or $5 each. Educational, fun, meet new friends. Make your reservation at 361-852-2100.

This is a first! The Botanical Gardens is looking for VOLUNTEERS to work with Grounds Staff helping with daily hand-watering, mowing, weeding, edging! Coastal rains made the grass grow, and watering restrictions still make us hand-water! We’ll work with your schedule, except (watering must be done before 10 am), other work between 9 and 6. Please call Kathie for details, 361-852-2100, x 225.

Guests visiting Saturdays or Sundays are treated to REP-TALES,10:30 am, on the Festival Lawn. Meet and learn about some our Reptile Animal Ambassadors including tortoises, iguanas, snakes and other creatures (specific animal ambassadors and species vary daily). Included with membership or general admission. Feed these reptiles for additional fee.