Returning Spring of 2023! For the second consecutive year, Ion Art will illuminate the Zilker Botanical Garden with The Surreal Garden Exhibition. The Surreal Series is an annual interactive art experience full of fantastical neon sculptures created by Sharon & Greg Keshishian and the Ion Art Team. By integrating the exhibit into the serene setting of the enchanting botanical garden, the already stunning art event becomes a phenomenal neon extravaganza and a wonderful way to benefit the Garden.
A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy (ZBGC), a 501c(3) established in 2015 to advance the capacity and status of Zilker Botanical Garden. The Garden is now managed as a public-private partnership between the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department (PARD) and the ZBGC.
April 8 & 13-15 (General Admission)
6:30 PM—11:00 PM
Ticket: $50+ Online & At Door (Limited Quantity Available)
Presale pricing has ended as of 4/08
Dress in your best Surreal attire and enjoy a night full of interactive art, music, fantastical costumes, live entertainment, dancing, unlimited photo opportunities, and people-watching.
Local food trailers, dessert tables, and cash bars will be served on-site. Vendors available on selective nights: Calibrate Wellness, Crepe Crazy, Garbo's Lobster Rolls, TacoMan 512, Downtown Burgers, Burro Cheese Kitchen, Sugar Mama's Bakeshop, Zucchini Kill, and
Pretty Cute Coffee; cash bar services provided by Black Sheep Lodge.
...
April 16th, 2023 (VIP Night)
6:30 PM—11:00 PM
Ticket: $200+ (Limited Quantity Available)
Join us to celebrate the exclusive Grand Finale Night of The Surreal Garden!
Tickets include tasting bites, craft cocktails, dance music by Mixer Rogers, Surreal performances, special guest emcee Sean Mack from Mix 94.7/Audacy, unique photo opportunities, and more surprises!
Surreal or botanical-themed costumes are encouraged. Otherwise, semi-formal and/or cocktail attire required.
(Event dates have been updated as of 4/7 due to inclement weather.)
SOME DETAILS (More in FAQs)
Dress Code
Dress to impress! Surreal costumes are strongly encouraged.
Are kids allowed and do they need a ticket?
The event is open to all ages, but we heavily recommend only ages 12 and up. All patrons ages 2 and up will require a ticket. Due to the accessibility of the art, all underage guests are required to remain supervised by adults during the exhibition.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at the event. Please leave your animal friends at home.
Parking
Limited on-site parking is available at the Stratford Parking (gravel) Lot located at 2300 Stratford Drive. Ride-share is encouraged to prevent parking delays. The main entrance lot at 2220 Barton Springs Rd. is reserved for ride-share and accessible drop-off as well as handicap parking.
Transportation
Everyone is encouraged to use pedal power—by far the easiest way to get to an event!
Bike racks are located at 2300 Stratford Drive. Bring your lock.
Find out more about biking and trails in Austin at the following links:
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/bicycleprogram
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/trail-directory
Public Transportation/Cap Metro:
Covid-19 Health and Safety Guidelines
We follow local health regulations for all recommended guidelines including the Austin Public Health guidelines for Special Events.
Austin-Travis County’s COVID-19 Community Level is currently low.
Masking is optional to attend the event and social distancing is encouraged.
We strongly recommend that you self-test before attending The Surreal. Masks will be available at Check-In Tables. Anyone with any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. If you get tested because you have symptoms or were potentially exposed to the virus, you should stay home and follow the advice of your healthcare provider.
Purchase Policy
ALL sales final: There are no refunds, no cancellations, no credits, and no transfers after the order has been made. In the event of inclement weather, you will receive an email the day of the event with a contingency plan. Unless the weather is severe, we will carry on the event as much as it is safe and possible. In the event that the Surreal Exhibition is completely canceled and cannot be rescheduled, your ticket price will be considered a donation. A portion of the event proceeds benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Location
Zilker Botanical Garden: 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78746
SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS AND ZILKER BOTANICAL GARDEN
We are grateful to our event sponsors whose support enables us to present a one-of-a-kind
art experience and to reach thousands of art lovers from the local Austin community.
Help us to amplify our effort with your sponsorship today!
Contact surreal@ionart.com directly or view the Sponsorship page.
