FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE
McLaughlin Garden’s Signature Summer Event Returns For Two Magical Nights – Garden Illuminated Features Drinks, Dessert, Music & Candlelight!
McLaughlin Garden’s Signature Summer Event “Garden Illuminated” returns for two enchanting nights on Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
SOUTH PARIS, MAINE (August 13, 2026) – The
McLaughlin Garden and Homestead invites everyone to experience the McLaughlin Garden like never before – with candlelight, music, food, drinks, dessert, and community – at McLaughlin Garden’s signature summer event, returning for two enchanting evenings on Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd!
Guests will experience the beauty of the McLaughlin Garden by candlelight. As night falls, illuminated garden paths will transform the grounds into a serene, glowing wonderland, creating the perfect setting to gather with friends and enjoy a summer evening in the historic garden.
Garden Illuminated | Friday, August 21, 2026 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Stroll the beautifully illuminated garden paths while enjoying delicious desserts, drinks, and conversation with friends in the historic McLaughlin Garden and Homestead barn.
Tickets include admission to the event, dessert, and one complimentary beverage.
Tickets are $20 for non-members and $15 for McLaughlin Garden members and may be purchased online, at the door, or in advance by calling the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead at (207) 743-8820.
Garden Still Illuminated | Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
On Saturday, August 22, the Garden will remain illuminated for a second magical evening with
Garden Still Illuminated! The evening will feature live music by Connor Garvey and His Band, wood-fired pizza from local food truck Caravaggio, and a beer garden featuring Nonesuch River Brewing.
Doors will open at 5:00 p.m., with live music from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
A native of Maine, Connor Garvey has built a following across the United States with his thoughtful, uplifting acoustic music. His songs and performances have earned acclaim from audiences and fellow musicians alike, and his music promises to make this illuminated evening in the garden one to remember.
Spend a late-summer evening with friends and family at the McLaughlin Garden. Enjoy good food, refreshments, and live music in the McLaughlin Barn and stroll the illuminated garden paths.
Tickets for Garden Still Illuminated are $25 for non-members and $20 for McLaughlin Garden members. Tickets may be purchased online, at the door, or in advance by calling the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead at (207) 743-8820.
Both Nights Are Open To The Public
Whether you choose to join us Friday for drinks, dessert, and an evening stroll through the illuminated garden, or Saturday for live music, food, and a beer garden, these two signature summer evenings offer a special opportunity to experience the McLaughlin Garden after dark.
Beyond the magic of these summer evenings, Garden Illuminated helps support the care and maintenance of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s historic grounds, as well as the many free and low-cost programs offered to the community throughout the season. Come celebrate summer, nature, and togetherness at one of Maine’s most beloved gardens.
Garden Illuminated is made possible thanks to the generous support of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s 2026 season sponsors – MaineHealth Stephens Hospital and Norway Savings Bank, and event sponsor – Roopers.
For more information, visit the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead website at www.mclaughlingarden.org or call (207) 743–8820.
Upcoming Signature Event:
Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular | October 16, 17 & 18, 2026 from 6 – 8:30 p.m.
For more information, please see the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead events page at www.mclaughlingarden.org/events/ or call 207-743-8820 to learn more about these events and other programs at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.
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ABOUT MCLAUGHLIN GARDEN AND HOMESTEAD
The McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England, with 125 varieties on more than 200 trees. The garden collection also includes an impressive array of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors who come to enjoy the garden as well as our special programs and events. Now over 80 years old, the landmark two-acre garden, historic barn, and home are under the stewardship of the McLaughlin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly J. Poland
(401) 743-7272
kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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