Flowers, Family, and Friends:“Tuesday Twilights” at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

By Kiernan McCormick

Tuesday nights are in full bloom at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Since March of 2019, the Wildflower Center has held itsweekly “Tuesday Twilights” event each fall and spring. An extension of the Center’s regular 9 a.m.-4 p.m. hours, “Tuesday Twilights” includes live entertainment from local musicians, nosh from Austin food trucks, and cocktails from the event’s sponsor, Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

This spring, “Tuesday Twilights” runs from March 21-May 16. Tickets are available on the Wildflower Center’s website for both members and non-members. Only members can purchase tickets on the day of the event at the Center’s admissions kiosk.

Erika Tucker, the Center’s events manager, said in an email that the goal of “Tuesday Twilights” is to provide individuals with the opportunity to experience the gardens during a different time of day, while supporting the city’s musicians and vendors.

Although the event, which occurs from 5–8 p.m., attracts a variety of Austinites, it’s particularly popular with parents of young children.

Becca King, a Wildflower Center member, said she visits the Center with her husband and kids at least once a week. She said “Tuesday Twilights” acts as a relaxing break from the daily chaos of motherhood and work.

“We love being outside, and it’s beautiful here,” King said. “It’s just nice to get out of the house and have dinner here. There’s live music, and it’s a nice little escape.”

Tucker said events such as “Tuesday Twilights” are important to the Wildflower Center because they act as a chance to entertain different types of guests.

“Many of our ‘Tuesday Twilights’ guests are long-time members of the Wildflower Center, and many have never been to the Center, but ‘Tuesday Twilights’ enticed them to experience the gardens,” Tucker said. “This is another fun way for our community to gather in nature.”