The South Coast Botanic Garden has joined with the Moment Factory, and Fever, a ticketing outlet, to present their multi-media light and sound spectacular, Astra Lumina: An Enchanted Night Walk Amongst the Stars. Along the cosmic inspired pathway, guests are treated to an experience that transforms the Garden’s exhibits into an immersive display of light and sound.

The Garden’s previous GLOW productions have highlighted the variety of ways humans interact with water, our planet’s most precious natural resource. This year’s presentation focuses on man’s fascination with the stars and heavens above that embrace our planet. Over the centuries mankind has dreamt of what it would be like to leave their earthly confines and explore the stars and planets above. Astra Lumina reimagines this dream by capturing the stars, comets and other celestial bodies above and lowering them close enough to earth so that they are able to interact with the Garden’s collection of plants, trees, and visitors.

According to the Moment Factory, “This stellar journey invites stargazers to set off across the Garden’s celestial pathway to encounter the wonder of stars and embrace their own human light. As the night unfolds, these luminous orbs regenerate, rise, and reunite in the night sky, to shine brighter than ever before.”

Following the one mile walk through the Garden accompanied by an original musical score, visitors are transformed into explorers as they discover a new experience along the pathway’s twists and turns. The journey begins with the Archway and concludes at the Photobooth. Along the way explorers encounter Starlight Lanterns, Falling Stars, Starburst Rays, Celestial Trail, Stellar Visions, Cosmic Choir, Astral Genesis, and Rise of the Stars. Throughout these experiences explorers are encircled by the light, engulfed by shafts of light, experience the movement of light or make their own discoveries as they wander along the pathway.

All of the exhibits are designed to demonstrate a dynamic range of light and intensity. The key to enjoying Astra Lumina is not letting the feeling of anticipation overcome you, quiet your thoughts, and become immersed in the moments of each display.

At the end of the pathway, Astra Lumina offers light foods, alcoholic beverages , and non-alcoholic beverages including hot chocolate for purchase.

A word of caution, Astra Lumina pathway is sometimes paved, but also is along narrow uneven gravel or dirt trails. Visitors utilizing mobility equipment or those having mobility issues, should contact the Garden to discuss your particular situation. Also, Astra Lumina incorporates intense lighting and strobe lighting effects, visitors with sensitivity to these issues should also consult with the Garden prior to your visit.

For full enjoyment, explorers are asked to refrain from flash photography. The sudden burst of white light does create a distraction for other explorers. Whether it be a cell phone or an advanced speedlight, all photographers should turn off the auto flash feature on their device. With this in mind, the existing light from the displays can provide unique photographs and portraits. This is an excellent opportunity to experiment by positioning your subject and utilizing existing light. The photobooth at the end of the pathway is an excellent backdrop to capture a family portrait to commemorate your evening.

The Garden will host the exhibit through January 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. The last entry time is 9:15 p.m. Ticket prices begin at $20.00 for children to $34.00 for adults. Tickets for seniors, students, and active military are $29.00. Although tickets can be purchased at the Garden’s box office, if available, it is strongly recommended that tickets be purchased in advance. A link for purchasing tickets can be found on the Garden’s website or on the Fever website at https://feverup.com, or on their mobile app.

Unlike previous events, there is a $20.00 fee for onsite parking and an $8.00 fee for offsite parking. It is strongly recommended that parking be purchased in advance of your visit. For onsite parking purchase a Preferred Parking Pass. Otherwise, a Parking Pass provides parking at 604 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates and includes shuttle service to and from the Garden. Visitors utilizing offsite parking are encouraged to arrive approximately twenty-five minutes before their scheduled entry time.

For more information about Astra Lumina, visit the Garden’s website at https://southcoastbotanicgarden.org or contact them by telephone at (424) 452-0920.

The South Coast Botanic Garden is located at 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard in Palos Verdes Estates.

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Steve Tabor Bio

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. Steve began with photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve has expanded his photographic talents to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics. Steve serves as a volunteer ranger for the Catalina Island Conservancy and uses this opportunity to document the flora and fauna of the island’s interior as well as photograph special events and activities.

Watch for Steve Tabor Images on the worldwide web.