FAQs
How early can I arrive?
The doors to our Surreal world open at 6:00 pm. Ticketing lines will form starting at 5:45 pm.
How much is parking?
Limited on-site parking is free at the Stratford Parking Lot located at 2300 Stratford Drive. We encourage ride-sharing, biking, and public transportation to reach the event.
Is the event Handicap Accessible?
Yes. The main entrance lot at 2220 Barton Springs Rd. is reserved for ride-share and accessible drop-off as well as handicap parking. There are accessible pathways through the event though please expect some gravel or dirt areas.
Are kids allowed and do they need a ticket?
All patrons, ages 3 and older, need a ticket. The event is open to all ages. Due to the accessibility of the art, all underage guests are requested 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.
Is there a military discount?
There are no discounts available for this event.
Are there any group discounts?
Please contact surreal@ionart.com.
Can I switch ticket dates after purchase?
Yes. Please email info@zbgconservancy.org directly.
Can I get a refund or exchange?
There are no refunds, no cancellations, no credits, and no transfers after the order has been made. For exchanges, please email info@zbgconservancy.org directly.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Outside food and drinks are not allowed. There will be plenty of food and drink vendors available at the event. (VIP Tickets include food and drinks on the VIP Night.)
What should I bring/wear?
Surreal or botanical-themed costumes are encouraged. Semi-formal and/or cocktail attire required for VIP Night. Reminder, as this is an outdoor event with some natural paths, consider wearing comfortable footwear.
You are welcome to bring the following items:
• Bug spray
• Money for the food/drinks/souvenirs
• A great attitude and a love for art, nature, and music
Accepted forms of payment
Accepting cash and all major credit cards: American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa
Will there be merchandise or will the gift shop be open?
Yes, we will have both Surreal and Zilker Botanical Garden merchandise available for purchase. We hope that you take a piece of our experience home with you in support of the garden.
What if it rains?
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 to the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy, a 501c(3) non-profit organization.
Can I leave the event and re-enter?
Yes. Re-entry will be allowed as long as you still have your color-coordinated wristband attached to your wrist.
Is there a volunteering opportunity?
Yes! We are in need of volunteers for this event. Event volunteerism is currently going through Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy. You do have to sign up on Give Pulse, but it is very easy and then allows access to all Garden volunteer opportunities. Please visit: https://www.givepulse.com/event/287272-Surreal-Garden
Will there be seating?
Limited seating arrangements will be set up regionally throughout the event space.
Are cameras allowed?
Yes, cameras are allowed. Remember that all of the Surreal Art is copyrighted. Please credit Ion Art and Zilker Botanical Garden.
Hashtag: #SurrealGardenATX
Is there a schedule of events? (VIP Night)
On the VIP Night, the Surreal performers will perform their acts from 7:30-9:30pm. We cannot give a specific schedule for the individual acts since they depend on various conditions.
How do I become a member of Zilker Botanical Garden?
Becoming a member allows you unlimited access to the Garden for an entire year as well as reciprocal access to all American Horticulture Society gardens: 330-plus gardens, arboretum, and conservatories in the country, including Lady Bird Wildflower Center in Austin. Visit https://zilkergarden.org/memberships/ to become a member today!
How do I become a sponsor for next year’s event?
We welcome and appreciate all kinds of sponsorship. Please email us at surreal@ionart.com.
A portion of the proceeds of the Surreal Garden event 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.