Autumn Lights Festival: OCTOBER 12 - 14, 2023.
Save the Date!

Tickets are selling fast. A limited number of tickets are available for Thursday night, Friday and Saturday are SOLD OUT!

The Autumn Lights Festival is a fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of upkeep. Volunteers provide much needed maintenance assistance as the City of Oakland’s gardening staff has been dramatically reduced over time. The gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Oakland and provide enriching public programs.

The Autumn Lights Festival is presented by the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt (FGLM). FGLM is an entirely volunteer organization, formed in 2004. The Mission of the FGLM is to partner with the City of Oakland to enhance the seven-acre collection of themed gardens in the heart of Oakland. 

By supporting the diverse plant collection, habitats, demonstration gardens and landscapes of the gardens, FGLM works to augment the Gardens as a learning resource and a serene location for the public to connect with and enjoy the beauties of nature.

Here are a few of the Installation highlights from 2022

Photos courtesy of: John Kirkmire, Sloane Larsen, and Ken Katz.
A GARDEN VISION

A GARDEN VISION

Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt Board

FLOS ALIENA: GERMINATION

FLOS ALIENA: GERMINATION

Mike Saleski

POLLINATOR PERSPECTIVE

POLLINATOR PERSPECTIVE

Pollinator Posse

THE SPACE GARDEN

THE SPACE GARDEN

STAN CLARK

FACES OF OAKLAND

FACES OF OAKLAND

Visual Arts Academy (VAAMP) students at Oakland High School

GLOWING AGAVES

GLOWING AGAVES

Annie's Annuals Employees

WATCHAGONNADO

WATCHAGONNADO

Armelle Le Roux

BLACK LIGHT ART SALON

BLACK LIGHT ART SALON

Todd Cooper, Bob Krambuhl and Camp GlowJob

A Heartfelt thank you to the SPONSORS
who have made this event possible: