The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens will host Lumagination, with the interior of the gardens illuminated to excite imaginations, stimulate the senses and entertain all ages.
“Mysterious Minerals” is the theme this year. Visitors will experience the extraordinary facets of Earth and minerals. From simulated salt caves and stalactites to wooden sculptures, balancing stones, geodes and crystals, Lumagination will take visitors on a journey like no other. This is part three of a four-part series exploring water, air, earth and fire.
Lumagination will be open on select dates in January and February. The dates are Jan. 25-26, Jan. 29-Feb. 1, Feb. 5-9, Feb. 12-22 and Feb. 26-29.
Times are 6 to 9 p.m. on weeknights & Sunday and 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
The Botanical Gardens is located at 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo.
Tickets for adults are $15.50 for the general public and $13.50 for Botanical Gardens members. For seniors (62 and older), tickets are $14 and $12 for Botanical Gardens members. For students (with ID), tickets are $14 and $12 for Botanical Gardens members. For children ages 3 to 12, tickets are $7. Children ages 2 and younger can get in for free. Tickets are available online or at the door.
Specialty Nights
Lumagination kicks off with a Lumagination launch party from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24. Attendees will enjoy an open bar of signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres from Salvatore’s Hospitality, beer, wine and creative gourmet popcorn from What’s Pop-in’. There will also be a high-value basket raffle and attendees receive a commemorative glass to mark the occasion. Tickets are $60 if purchased after Jan. 17. Tickets are available online.
Lumagination Happy Hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 25, Jan. 30-31, Feb. 1, Feb. 6-8, Feb. 13-15, Feb. 20-22 and Feb. 27-29. Happy hour will include drinks and food from Salvatore’s Hospitality, live music from Brother James and more. Happy hours will be located inside the Administration Building.
Other specialty nights include:
Family Night with the Aquarium of Niagara — Sunday, Jan. 26
Touch tank fun and more. Aquarium Members receive member pricing.
Photo & Influencer Night – Tuesday, Jan. 28,
For photographers and invited guests. A special event discussion led by Solis, a bi-monthly photography collaborative event, will also be held during a reception.
Sensory Night by Autism Services — Wednesday, Jan. 29
Everyone is welcome. The autism community is encouraged to enjoy a special evening that includes an art display and more.
Educators’ Night sponsored by National Grid — Friday, Jan. 31
Educators with valid ID receive free admission.
Hero Night — Wednesday, Feb. 5
Active military, veterans and first responders with valid ID will receive free admission. The Superhero Alliance will attend for added fun.
Pride Night with the Pride Center of Western New York — Thursday, Feb. 6
Family Night with the Albright-Knox Art Gallery — Sunday, Feb. 9
The Albright-Knox art truck will provide a hands-on art experience. Albright-Knox members receive member pricing.
Valentine’s Day — Friday, Feb. 14
The first 300 visitors will receive a Valentine’s Day surprise.
Family Night with the Buffalo Audubon Society — Sunday, Feb. 16
Critters to meet and more! Audubon members receive member pricing.