Brookgreen Gardens announces return of “Summer Light: Art by Night” featuring massive glass sculptures by Craig Mitchell Smith
April 7, 2026
Brookgreen Gardens is proud to announce the return of its premier evening event series, Summer Light: Art by Night. Starting Wednesday, May 27, 2026, the historic sculpture gardens will be transformed into a luminous outdoor gallery, offering visitors a magical way to experience the landscape after dark.
A Fusion of Glass and Light
This year’s highlight is the breathtaking exhibition, “Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith.” The installation features 30 larger-than-life glass sculptures strategically placed throughout the gardens. As the sun sets, these intricate works—including glass apple blossoms, dragonflies, and dandelions—will be professionally illuminated to create an ethereal atmosphere.
For those looking for a more intimate viewing experience, a special pop-up gallery featuring smaller works by Smith will be hosted in the Noble Gallery.
Live Entertainment & Fine Dining
Beyond the visual arts, Summer Light offers a complete evening of sensory experiences:
Live Music: A rotating lineup of regional favorites will perform each night, including the Javier Jazz Trio, The Accelerators, Painted Man, and Miracle Max & the Pet Monsters. (View the entire concert schedule)
Dining: Guests can enjoy a full meal at Austin’s Harvest Restaurant (reservations required) or grab light refreshments and snacks at the Old Kitchen.
Shopping: The Keepsakes Museum Shop will remain open for guests to browse unique gifts and garden-inspired decor.
Event Details & Tickets
The event runs every Wednesday and Saturday night from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM through late August.
Ticket Type
Members
Non-Members
Adults
$30
$35
Children (4-12)
$14
$17
Season Pass
$60
N/A
Children 3 and under are free.
Tickets are non-refundable and support the continued mission of Brookgreen Gardens, a 501(c)3 non-profit. In the event of localized weather cancellations, updates will be posted directly to the Brookgreen website.
About Brookgreen Gardens
Located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and non-profit organization focused on the preservation of American sculpture, botanical beauty, and Lowcountry history.
