'Dining at Dusk' returns to Botanical Gardens with new artists, menus & themes

The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens brings the “Dining at Dusk” summer series back for 2022. The program will feature a variety of local musical artists, caterers and dessert vendors for a unique experience all summer long. It will take place from 5-7 p.m. Sundays, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 18 and Oct. 2.

Organizers stated, “The ‘Dining at Dusk’ series at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens is back and better than ever. There will be dinner, drinks, live music, desserts and raffles on the front lawn of the Botanical Gardens. ‘Dining at Dusk’ makes for a great date night or a relaxing evening to bond with friends and family. Attendees will take in the sights and sounds of summer surrounded by the historic conservatory and continue to celebrate Erie County's 200th anniversary. The series has continued to grow and evolve and this year will be welcoming several new perks. Each night there will be a different theme with a different musical artist, varying dinner menus, dessert vendors, and the Buffalo Bubble Bar.”

The first night of “Dining at Dusk,” called “BBQ and Brass,” is June 26. Attendees can enjoy a barbecue dinner from Curly’s Grille, live music from Buffalo Brass Machine, and desserts available for purchase from High Vibe Sweets. Eventgoers are encouraged to wear their “summeriest” outfit for a summer barbecue celebration – whether that be floral shirts and sunhats or flip flops and flamingos.

The next “Dining at Dusk” theme, “Jazz Night,” is July 24. Attendees can enjoy the energy and good vibes of local jazz artist and singer Alex McArthur. Serving up dinner will be Ilio DePaolo’s with a Tuscan chicken dinner box.

“Dining at Dusk: 50’s Night” is set for Aug. 28. Brother James will return to the series to perform’50s favorites and some popular songs from other decades. Ilio DiPaolo’s will return with a Tuscan chicken dinner box. Eventgoers are encouraged to bring their best ’50s fashion – from poodle skirts and pin-ups to ascots and leather jackets.

“90’s Night” will follow the decade theme for a nostalgic evening of fun on Sept. 18. Brother James will perform the best hits of the ’90s. Eventgoers should find their grungiest fits full of fanny packs, scrunchies, overalls or combat boots. Ilio DiPaolo’s will serve a Tuscan chicken dinner, while High Vibes Sweets will return with some desserts for sale.

Finally, to round out the series, “Dining at Dusk: Oktoberfest” will be celebrated at the Botanical Gardens on Oct. 2. Western New Yorkers cn hear a 15-person German band called The Bergholz Blaskapelle from Bergholz. Curly’s will serve up Oktoberfest staples with soft pretzels, brats and beer. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best Oktoberfest look.

Tickets are available now at buffalogardens.com and are $48 per person for the general public or $45 for Botanical Gardens members. The fee includes live music, a boxed dinner, one glass of wine or beer from the Bubble Bar with a cash bar following, a small raffle and dessert vendors available for purchase, and, of course, full access to the Botanical Gardens conservatory. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets to create their dining space. 

Organizers advise purchasing as soon as possible, as the events have sold out previously.