Illuminate

What is the member discount?

The member discount is $2 per ticket plus no additional service fees, equaling a total of $5 off a standard GA ticket; Member discounts do not apply to flex date tickets, parking, or presale tickets.

What is the $3 per ticket fee?

This convenience fee ensures our commitment to efficient online ticketing and contributes directly to the SABG’s mission of enriching lives through plants and nature.

Do I need to buy a ticket for my young child?

Children younger than 3 do not need a ticket.

The date I want is sold out. Can I buy tickets at the door, day of?

The Garden does not guarantee ticket availability at the door (day of) due to limited capacity. You are strongly recommended to purchase your tickets online and in advance due to high demand or purchase a Flex Date ticket.

Does my SABG daytime admission or membership give me access to the Illuminate event?

No. Illuminate is a ticketed evening event with admissions starting at 5:30 p.m. If you visit the Garden during the day, regular admission prices apply. If you have both regular admission and Illuminate tickets, you must exit the garden by 4:00 p.m. and return to enter Illuminate at your designated timed entry.

What if I can’t use my ticket? Can I get a refund?

Choose your date carefully! Please make sure that you have chosen the correct date and time slot at the time of your booking. The Garden is unable to offer exchanges or refunds once Illuminate tickets have been purchased.

Can I change the date of my tickets?

Prior to November 1, and subject to availability, tickets can be changed for a $10 fee.

I have lost my ticket, what can I do?

If your tickets are lost or if you require your e-tickets to be re-sent to you, please contact ticketing@sabgtx.org or 210.536.1400.

What will happen if the weather is bad? Will Illuminate be cancelled?

Illuminate is an outdoor event. If the weather presents a hazard and a risk to safety, the decision to cancel will be made by 2 p.m. on the day of the event. If Illuminate is cancelled, you will be notified by email and text message and you will be informed of the re-booking process. We advise you to check the website for the latest updates before you travel to the Garden.

If I am unable to attend on a rescheduled day, can I get a refund?

1. All Sales are final.
2. Gift tickets to a friend by sharing the QR code in your email.
3. Upgrade to a FLEX ticket to come any day, any time. Parking tickets will be forfeited, and you can purchase parking online (if available) for the future date you would like to attend.

Onsite Parking

Onsite parking passes are available to purchase in advance through our website for $20. Guests are encouraged to purchase in advance as parking may sell out.

ADA Parking

A limited number of ADA parking spaces are available for our guests; however, a parking pass will still need to be purchased. ADA parking spaces CANNOT be reserved; they are on a first come, first served basis. Guests with accessibility needs can be dropped off at our designated drop-off zone to avoid walking long distances if parking is sold out or if a parking pass was not purchased.

Free Parking

Free parking will be available on Old Austin Rd. Once Old Austin Rd. is full, guests will need to locate their own parking in the surrounding areas. There will be no public parking allowed in specific areas on streets surrounding the Garden entrance. These areas will be highlighted in our online parking guide and outgoing correspondence with an online ticket purchase.

Shuttle Bus, Charter Bus, and Motorcoach Parking

Bus-sized vehicles can drop off passengers at the designated bus drop off zone. If the bus driver will be parking their vehicle, the Wooden Nickel parking lot (335 Old Austin Rd) has been designated as their parking area.

Who is Illuminate suitable for?

Illuminate is suitable for all ages and to be enjoyed by everyone. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Should I arrive in advance of my ticketed time slot?

Please allow time to park and check in. To provide you with the best experience, entry is granted based on the time designated on your ticket.

Do I have to leave before the next entry group comes in?

Once you are admitted, you do not have a time limit to complete your visit while the exhibition is open.

If I am delayed and miss my slot, can I join a later slot?

SABG staff will try and accommodate you by putting you in the next available time slot within Illuminate’s operational hours on the day. Please ensure you leave enough time to arrive on time if you are traveling a long way.

How long is the walk?

The exhibition route is a little over a mile long. This is a self-guided event; there are no shuttles or tours.

Is the path dark or covered?

In some areas, the lighting level will be low as part of the experience. You are encouraged to bring along a flashlight in case of an emergency; this should not be used unless it is necessary. The path is not covered, and all guests are reminded that this is an outdoor, illuminated event, and there may be inclement weather. Please wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear for winter.

What are the last entry times?

The last entry time slot is 9:00 p.m. and the event closes at 10:30 p.m.

What time does Illuminate finish?

All guests must exit the Garden no later than 10:30 p.m.

Can I take photographs?

Yes! Please use hashtag #sanantonioIlluminate to share your experience. While waiting for that perfect shot, please do not block pathways or the view of others. Tripods are not allowed. Photographs and videos are not to be used for commercial purposes. No night commercial photography is allowed during Illuminate—permits will not be given.

Can I bring my drone?

Drones are not permitted.

Are dogs allowed?

Pets are not allowed. Only ADA-designated service animals are permitted.

Will Illuminate be open in inclement weather?

Illuminate is a rain-or-shine event. The Garden reserves the right to shut down or cancel the event if weather conditions are assessed to pose a risk to our guests’ safety.

Is there ADA access at Illuminate?

Yes. The event is accessible for wheelchairs, mobility-assisted devices, and strollers. Wheelchairs are not provided and cannot be rented on-site.

Do you have accessible parking?

Yes, accessible parking spaces are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Can I purchase food and drink on-site?

Yes, a selection of food and drink will be available to purchase.

Can I bring food and drinks?

No. Only food and drinks purchased on-site are permitted to be consumed on the illuminated trail.

What shopping facilities are there?

The Garden Gift Shop will be open. Tianyu, the creators of Illuminate, will also have a pop-up shop offering seasonal toys and merchandise.