In 1910, milk was 32 cents a gallon, average life expectancy for men was 48, a Ziegfeld girl earned $75 per week, and Brooklyn Botanic Garden was transformed from an ash dump to a glorious urban sanctuary. On August 12, celebrate the Garden's centennial with a one-of-a-kind affair featuring fine food, drinks, and sport inspired by the marvelous era of its founding.
Guests are encouraged to dress in the style of the early 20th century and participate in a classic croquet game on Cherry Esplanade as they enjoy champagne cocktails courtesy of Chandon and peach-bourbon ice cream sandwiches from melt bakery.
As the sun sets, the celebration moves to the Lily Pool Terrace, completed in 1921, where cocktails will be served courtesy of Hendricks Gin—one of which will feature a botanically inspired artisanal syrup produced by P&H Soda and Syrup which will also be on hand to serve fresh sodas on the spot—and brews from Saranac. Hors d'oeuvres reminiscent of the era, with modern touches from Z Crackers, will be offered, and guests will relish a ragtime and jazz playlist specially mixed by Handpicked Music.
At 8 p.m., a Brooklyn historian, together with a special guest from BBG's past, will lead guests in a toast in honor of BBG's first ten decades as a place of beauty, romance, science, and learning. Then we'll cut a custom 100th birthday cake created by Elegantly Iced, covered in handmade sugar flowers reminiscent of BBG's prized plant collections.
This event is a special opportunity to graciously experience Brooklyn Botanic Garden after hours and celebrate its first century as the finest urban garden in the nation. Tickets for croquet, cocktails, and ice cream from 6:30–7:45 p.m., followed by drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and cake until 10 p.m., are $55; tickets just for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and cake from 8–10 p.m. are $40.
- Thursday, August 12 | Croquet 6:30–7:45 p.m.; Cocktails 8–10 p.m.
- Strictly 21+ | Croquet & Cocktails: $55 | Cocktails Only: $40
- 8 p.m. toast in honor of Brooklyn Botanic Garden's 100th birthday by a borough historian and a special guest from BBG
- Vintage attire encouraged
- Event soundtrack by Handpicked Music
- Advance ticket purchase required
