FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | PRESS RELEASE
McLaughlin Garden Expands Signature Summer Event To Two Nights In August – Features Wine Tasting, BBQ & Beer Garden By Candlelight & Music In The Garden!
McLaughlin Garden’s Signature Summer Event “Garden Illuminated” expands to two nights to be held on Friday, August 22nd and added “Garden Still Illuminated” to Saturday, August 23rd.
SOUTH PARIS, MAINE (August 8, 2025) — The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead invites everyone to experience the McLaughlin Garden like never before—with candlelight, music, food, and community—at McLaughlin Garden’s signature summer event, now expanded to two enchanting evenings on Friday, August 22nd and Saturday, August 23rd!
Guests will experience the beauty of the McLaughlin Garden by candlelight. As night falls, hundreds of candles will light the winding garden paths, transforming the grounds into a serene, glowing wonderland.
Garden Illumniated | Friday, August 22, 2025 | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
On Friday, August 22nd join McLaughlin Garden for the traditional Garden Illuminated from 6:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.. The evening will begin with a brief presentation and wine tasting featuring wines from Willows Awake Winery of Leeds, Maine.
Following the wine tasting, enjoy a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres thoughtfully paired with the wines being offered. Stroll the illuminated garden paths to the sound of live fiddle music by regionally acclaimed fiddler Pam Weeks, and spend the evening savoring great food, drink, and conversation with friends in the historic McLaughlin Garden and Homestead barn.
Tickets include wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, music and admission to Garden Illuminated. Additional glasses of wine will be available for purchase.
Garden Still Illumniated | Saturday, August 23, 2025 | 5 – 9 p.m.
On Saturday, August 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., McLaughlin Garden presents “Garden Still Illuminated!” – lighting up the McLaughlin Garden for a second magical night, featuring BBQ, Beer Garden & Band! Doors will open at 5:00pm and the music will begin at 7:00pm.
Stroll the illuminated garden paths to the sound of live music by Connor Garvey and His Band, sip local craft beer and enjoy fabulous BBQ.
During the evening, BBQ by Smokin’ Dave’s Food Truck will be available for purchase along with ice cold refreshments by Nonesuch River Brewing in the Beer Garden.
Tickets for Garden Still Illumniated include live music by Connor Garvey and His Band, and, admission to Garden Still Illuminated.
- Both Nights Are Open To The Public
- Admission: $20 For McLaughlin Garden Members And $25 For Non-Members
Tickets for Garden Illuminated & Garden Still Illumniated:
Tickets for Garden Illumniated and Garden Still Illuminated event are $25 for non-members and $20 for members (per night & per person) and may be purchased at the door (cash or credit cards accepted) or in advance by calling the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead at (207) 743-8820.
These signature events are more than magical nights in the garden—they help support the care and maintenance of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s historic grounds and the many free or low-cost programs offered to the community. Come celebrate summer, nature, and togetherness at one of Maine’s most beloved gardens.
Garden Illuminated is made possible thanks to the support of the McLaughlin Garden’s sponsors – the 2025 season sponsors: MaineHealth | Stephens Hospital and Norway Savings Bank; Garden Illuminated event sponsors: Roopers Beverage and Redemption, Crossway Dental, and 290 Maine Street.
For more information, visit the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead website at https://mclaughlingarden.org/ or call us at (207) 743–8820.
Upcoming Signature Event:
- Jack-o’-Lantern Spectacular | October 16, 17 & 18, 2025 from 6-8:30 p.m.
For more information, please see the McLaughlin Garden events page at www.mclaughlingarden.org 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, Poland Media Group – (401) 743-7272, kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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