Time is running out to experience Summer Light: Art by Night at Brookgreen Gardens

As the summer season reaches its peak, the clock is ticking on one of coastal South Carolina’s most enchanting evening events. Summer Light: Art by Night at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet is entering its final weeks, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the historic botanical grounds illuminated after dark. If you haven’t yet experienced this evening showcase, your window of opportunity is rapidly closing. 

A Luminous Fusion of Glass and Nature

This year’s centerpiece exhibit features Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith. Spread across the lush sculpture gardens, thirty larger-than-life hand-blown glass installations—ranging from giant glowing blossoms to intricate dragonflies—come alive under tailored evening lighting. Visitors can also view an intimate indoor pop-up collection of Smith’s smaller glass works inside the Noble Gallery.

Beyond the illuminated art, every evening features:

• Live Regional Music: A rotating lineup of local musical acts performing under the stars.

• Dining Options: Full-service dining at Austin’s Harvest Restaurant (reservations required), along with rotating local food trucks and casual refreshments at the Old Kitchen.

• Late-Night Shopping: Evening access to Keepsakes, the Museum Shop.

Remaining Event Dates & Times

Brookgreen Gardens closes for general daytime admission at 5:00 pm before reopening its gates at 6:00 pm for Summer Light, which runs until 10:00 pm. Only eight evenings remain before the exhibit wraps up for the season:  August 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

Tickets are sold separately from general daytime garden admission. Because ticket quantities are limited per night, purchasing in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets for Brookgreen members are $30 for Adults, $14 for Children (4-12) and Children 3 and under are free. Non-Members are $35 for Adults, $17 for Children (4-12), and Children 3 and under are free.