The Balboa Park Garden Party
Experience one of San Diego's most iconic locations like never before.
Explore the Botanical Building and Central Gardens with botanically inspired cocktails and culinary moments, music, and activities designed to inspire connection and creativity. From croquet on the lawn to open-air painting and dancing beneath the evening sky, every corner of the gardens will offer something new to discover.
Your ticket to this inaugural event helps Forever Balboa Park continue to maintain our public green spaces, provide guest and visitor services, and fund future Park improvement projects.
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- 5:00 - 10:00 PM
- Botanical Building and Central Gardens, Balboa Park
An Evening of Wonder and Beauty Benefiting the Future of Balboa Park
This isn’t your traditional fundraising gala. Stroll the Central Gardens at golden hour, sway within the open-air Botanical Building, and enjoy garden-driven art, activities, and surprises, all while supporting Balboa Park.
What to Expect
Garden-Inspired Culinary Stations
Enjoy seasonal experiences prepared by local favorites like Lola 55, Cucina Urbana, and more. Wander between wood-fired ovens, saffron-kissed paella, and desserts blooming like floral bouquets — each bite designed to surprise, delight, inviting guests into culinary moments they’ve never seen – or tasted – before.
Cocktails & Tastings
Sip specialty cocktails and explore curated tastings throughout the evening. From artfully composed cocktails featuring Leila Tequila, inspired by the Mexican orchid and the ceremonial flower songs of the Nahua, to a wine tasting experience where each accompaniment redefines the palate, every beverage is a celebration of flavor.
Music that Inspires and Excites
Move through the gardens alongside live performances and a vibrant evening soundtrack. Swing through Golden Hour and stroll the gardens with local musicians, a band that will keep you dancing all night, and a surprise performance you won’t want to miss.
Immersive Garden Activites
Play a round of croquet, bring the landscape to life while trying your hand at painting, learn a new style of dance, capture the moment in a photobooth, and learn more about Balboa Park’s history and how the gardens are blooming into the future. Something new awaits around every corner.
Reserve Your Place at the Balboa Park Garden Party
Individual Ticket
Step into the Garden Party and experience the evening as it unfolds across the gardens.
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Garden-inspired culinary stations
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Specialty cocktail bars
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Live music and immersive experiences
Private Garden Lounge
Rather than traditional gala tables, bespoke Garden Lounges will provide guests with a dedicated space, elevated hospitality throughout the evening, and on-site recognition.
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4 VIP Event Tickets
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Valet parking for 2 cars
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On Site Recognition
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Food & beverage service
We also gladly accept checks, and they may be mailed to:
Forever Balboa Park
Attn: Lucy Beck
1549 El Prado, Ste 1
San Diego, CA 92101
Corporate Sponsorship and Underwriting Opportunities
Brand Integration Experiences
Be woven into the Garden Party through thoughtfully placed brand moments.
Food & Beverage Activations
Support curated tastings and signature cocktails woven throughout the evening.
Music & Garden Moments
Support live music, florals, and immersive installations that shape the atmosphere.
Hosted Garden Lounges
Host a dedicated space for guests to gather, relax, and celebrate all evening.
Inaugural Sponsors
Co-Chairs
- Joyce Gattas
- Rita Ryu and Matt McCormick
Presenting Partner
Host Committee
- Kiley Barnhorst MacDonald
- Connie Matsui and
Bill Beckman - Bill and Rochelle Bold
- Marilyn Creson Brown
- Marlyn Carillo
- Carol and Jeff Chang
- Michael and Beth Glass
- Warren Gorowitz and
Dr. Christoph Hilscher - Mike and Susan Hird
- Greg and Wendy Hunter
- Joyce Gattas and Jay Jeffcoat
- Camby and Joe Kaltsas
- Jaimi Lomas
- Teddy Martinez
- Paul and Maggie Meyer
Continued …
- Jerry Kleinsmith and Jerry Michaud
- Genevieve and Kellogg Parsons
- Beth Bushke and Sandy Renshaw
- Allison Rossett and Sue Reynolds
- Gonzalo and Clarisa Rojas
- Kristen McCabe and Scott Saham
- Sheena Sahni
- Jean and Pemberton Smith
- Nancy and Alan Spector
- Haeyoung Kong Tang
- Patti Roscoe and Jim Tiffany
- Clifford Schireson and John Venekamp
- Abby and Ray Weiss
- Karin E. Winner
- Laurie Mitchell and Brent Woods
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a 21+ event.
Access to the Garden Party, including culinary stations, specialty cocktails, live music, and a celebratory program supporting the Central Gardens and historic pergola.
Your gift supports Forever Balboa Park and vital maintenance projects throughout the Park. From revitalizing the Inez Grant Parker Rose Garden and the iconic Dorothea Laub Carousel to providing expert care for the Park’s 16,000 trees, proceeds will support ensuring Balboa Park remains the heart of San Diego.
Yes. You can still support through sponsorship or by making a direct contribution.
Yes. Private Garden Lounges are available for groups who would like a dedicated space to gather and celebrate together.
Garden cocktail or festive semi-formal attire is recommended. Please keep in mind that much of the event takes place on grass.