🍂 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 in the “Castle” inspired by the historic tradition of folly buildings (decorative architectural features built to enhance landscapes, popular in 18th–19th century England).

🏰 Castle Highlight Activity: Costume Contest

🕑 2:00 PM — Costume Contest Entry requires both an admission ticket and a costume contest add-on ticket.
Join us in the Castle Courtyard for a lively costume parade in front of a panel of judges!

🎭 Prizes Awarded (2 Groups): Group 1=Ages 6 & under and Group 2=Ages 7 and (Including Adults & Seniors)

🥇 First Place: $100
🥈 Second Place: $50
🥉 Third Place: $25
Bring your best look, show off your creativity, and wow the crowd!

On-site vendors will be available to purchase food, savory desserts, snacks, drinks, and wine from Old Farm Winery.

🎟️ Admission Prices:

Ages 7 and above: $45
Ages 6 and under: $35
Infants (0–12 months): Free

🎭 Optional Add-On: Costume Contest Ticket
          All Ages: $10      Includes: A numbered paddle and armband upon entrance to identify the participant.

Trail Accessibility & Visitor Information:

Our trails are constructed with a mix of millings, brick, walking stones, and some light gravel areas, making them suitable for wheelchairs, rollators, strollers, and children’s wagons. Visitors typically spend about 4 hours exploring the trails and enjoying the surroundings. You’ll encounter a few flat bridges providing access to island areas, as well as one arched bridge crossing a canal. For those who prefer or require a flatter path, an alternate trail is available that leads to the same destination without using the arched bridge.

"Knop Mountain" Trail area Adventure. Embark on a moderate to moderately strenuous hike with a minimum average adventure time of 1 hour. This 1-mile round-trip trail features scenic terrain, with the final section offering the most challenge—and the greatest reward. You'll ascend to the highest man-made point of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, offering a panoramic view into four states. On clear days, with binoculars or a telescope, you can even spot the Washington Monument in the distance.

📌 Important Information:

Free parking is available.
No pets, glass, alcohol, or drones permitted.
Wear proper shoes 
Gate opens at 12:00 pm.
Last entry: 4:00 pm. 
Final departure: 5:30 pm 

 
🌦️ Refund & Reschedule Policy:

All ticket purchases are non-refundable.
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 if opening is available (no refunds; increase 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!