Summers call for garden parties, but this time around, instead of hosting one in your own backyard, attend an event at the Smithsonian.
Smithsonian at 8’s annual garden party returns on Aug. 16, in collaboration with the National Museum of African Art and the Sackler Gallery, and will be held at Smithsonian’s Enid A. Haupt Garden, located between the museum and gallery.
This year’s theme is “A Garden Party: From Africa to Asia,” featuring the Smithsonian Castle lit up for the party, as well as the dramatically lit garden. Guests will get exclusive late-night access to the museum’s and gallery’s exhibits, featuring art from African and Asian continents, including two new exhibits showcasing contemporary women artists from Africa and Iran.
Music will be provided by DJ Alkimist, specialty cocktails will be available and curators will host talks about the exhibits throughout the evening. Other features include a GIF photo booth, a cash bar, food for sale and a scavenger hunt throughout both museums.
The event will be held from 8 to 11 p.m., and VIP ticket holders receive early access to the event (7 to 8 p.m.), as well as an open bar featuring beer, wine, cocktails and small bites made by Nando’s. Guests should dress in their garden-party best (cocktail attire).
The party, which is only for guests ages 21 and up, will take place rain or shine, and in the case of inclement weather it will be moved inside the S. Dillon Ripley Center, which connects both museums underground.
To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit smithsonianassociates.org/smithsonian-at-8. // Entrances at 1000 Independence Ave. and 1100 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington, DC; advance tickets $25-$55, at the door $35-$60
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