🍂 Cosplay Enchantment in the Gardens 🍂

With limited-time openings, we invite you to step into a new kind of adventure—where imagination blossoms alongside nature.

Each day, the Gardens awaken with a touch of magic, welcoming mystical elements into an atmosphere of wonder. As you wander the winding paths where capes flutter like leaves and characters spring to life, the landscape itself becomes part of the story. Whether cloaked in costume or simply curious, every visitor is woven into this living tale among blooms, petals, trees, and sculptures.

This is a celebration of creativity and play, where lush greenery becomes your stage and every turn offers a scene worthy of capture. Step into the enchantment—where nature and imagination unite.

 
🌿 During Your Visit, You Can:

Explore original garden structures built from creatively upcycled materials.
Enjoy the food or drinks available by the calm and peaceful lakeside.
Take photos at your own pace in:
The Sculpture Gardens
Hobbit Town
White Garden
Kyoto Waterfalls
Bamboo Gardens
Moss Garden
Cactus Hill                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fountains, plant life, and more.
✨ Surprise friends and family with a magical photo op at the exterior of the “Castle”—inspired by the historic tradition of folly buildings (decorative architectural features built to enhance landscapes, popular in 18th–19th century England).

On-site vendors will be available for the purchase of food, savory desserts, snacks, drinks, and Old Farm Winery.

 
🎟️ Ticket Information

Option 1 – Garden Self-Tour of Grounds
$35 per child/adult | Infants (0–12 months) free
Option 2 – Garden Self-Tour + Mountain Trail
$45 per child/adult | Infants (0–12 months) free
👉 Specialty armbands will be provided upon check-in for Mountain access.

About the Mountain Trail:

Minimum 1-hour adventure (average 1.5 hours).
Moderate to moderately strenuous hike; the final section is the most challenging.
One mile round trip. The "Mountain" is the highest point of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which looks into 4 states.  On a clear day, one can see the Washington Monument (with a telescope/binoculars). Bring your friends and family and enjoy a magical experience in a natural setting that will take your breath away. Don’t forget the binoculars! If you purchased Option 1, you may upgrade on-site before 3:00 pm for $15 cash per person.

 
📌 Important Information

Free parking is available.
No pets, glass, alcohol, or drones permitted.
Wear proper shoes and bring drinking water.
Gate opens at 12:00 pm.
Last entry: 4:00 pm.
Final departure: 5:00 pm from the parking area.

 
🌦️ Refund & Reschedule Policy

All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
Tickets may be rescheduled (within the same year of purchase, space permitting).
The garden may be postponed or canceled due to severe weather, natural disasters, emergencies, or safety concerns.
If closure occurs, a notice will appear on the website by 9:00 am on the date of your visit. Please check before leaving home if the weather looks uncertain.
If you miss your scheduled date but the Garden is open, you may transfer to another date within the year (no refunds; price difference may apply).
 
🌐 Visit us online for details: NationalBotanicGarden.org

Costume Guidelines & Venue Etiquette
We love seeing our guests enhance the atmosphere of our event by wearing themed costumes! Creativity and originality are welcome; however, safety and good judgment. Please review the following guidelines to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all: 

❌ Prohibited Costume Elements
Sharp or pointed objects: Costumes must not include any materials or accessories that could potentially injure others.
Weapon-like props: Any item that could be mistaken for a real weapon (e.g., swords, daggers, firearms) is strictly prohibited.
 
🚫 Not Permitted
Performance items: Patrons are not permitted to bring musical instruments, hula hoops, or any other items typically used in performances.
Staged Photo Ops: While it's perfectly fine if someone asks to take a quick photo of your costume, setting up photo stations or occupying one spot for extended posing is not allowed.
 
Thank you for helping us maintain a fun, safe, and immersive environment for everyone. We appreciate your cooperation!