Opening Night Party at the Garden Festival

A benefit for Washington Park Arboretum
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
5:00 to 9:00 PM

Tickets: Benefactor $500 ♦ Patron $250 ♦ Table of 10 $2,000

The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival returns to the Washington State Convention Center in late February 2020, and once again the Foundation will kick off the show with its annual Opening Night Party & Auction.

Please join us on Tuesday, February 25, from 5 to 9 p.m., for a celebratory dinner, dazzling entertainment, silent and live auctions, and an intimate preview of the Garden Festival’s stunning display gardens.

The 2020 party takes inspiration from the vibrant, creative movements of the “Flower Power” era that ushered in the very first Earth Day in 1970. Grab your love beads and lava lamps for a night of primo performances, wicked wines, far-out foods, and groovy gardens!

All proceeds help fund environmental education, maintenance, and volunteerism at the Arboretum.

Party Schedule

5:00 ♦ Reception & Libations
5:30 ♦ Silent Auction & “First Look” at Festival Gardens
7:00 ♦ Seated Dinner & Program
8:45 ♦ Gardens Re-Open for Viewing

Featured Speaker

Hilary Franz
Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands

We’re thrilled that Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz will be our guest speaker at the Opening Night Party. As head of the Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner Franz protects and manages nearly six million acres of state lands and is leading the push to make them more resilient to climate change. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Earth Day (April 2020), please join us to hear Hilary’s inspiring words about the importance of making our future green.

New Benefit: Festival Tickets!

This year, each Opening Night Party guest will receive two complimentary tickets to the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival (February 26 to March 1).

Party Committee

Co-Chairs: Joan Affleck-Smith & Chris Harry

Lee Benner
Shaun Corry
Tess Forte
Carol Hoerster
Jane Stonecipher

Auction Preview

Our party committee has put together some wonderful items and experiences for the live and silent auction portions of the event. Guests will get to bid on intriguing auction packages, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a week’s vacation for 8 in beautiful Sun Valley, and a signed lithographic print of the exquisite Raissance of a Flower (1975) by iconic Northwest artist Mark Tobey.

Visit our Auction Preview page for more details.

Bid on a behind-the-scenes tour of Brooklyn Botanic Garden and much more!

Volunteering at Opening Night

Seattle’s most elegant garden party wouldn’t be possible without the help of our hard-working volunteers! Contact us at volunteer@arboretumfoundation.org or 206-325-4510.

2020 Sponsors

Thanks to our event sponsors for their support of the Arboretum. To learn about sponsorship opportunities for the Opening Night Party, email Tess Forte or call her at 206-325-4510.