Celebrate plants, Pride and community at UBC Botanical Garden’s BranchingOUT on Thursday 23 July (6–9pm); expect music, crafts, drinks, playful plant education and safe queer space, tickets are limited, so register early to join this popular, sensory-rich summer evening.

  • When and where: UBC Botanical Garden, Thursday 23 July, 6–9pm; evening event with limited tickets.
  • Vibe: Friendly, safe queer space with live music, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and colourful vendors.
  • Activities: Interactive Sassy Botanical Stations (think Seeded Rivalries and AstroloTREE), GreenHeart TreeWalk canopy experience, icebreakers and crafts.
  • Who it suits: Solo visitors and groups alike; great for newcomers to Vancouver, queer nature lovers, and plant-curious friends.
  • Practical note: Bring a light layer for the forest canopy and an open mind, stations are playful, hands-on and inclusive.

What BranchingOUT feels like , expect joyful, plant-forward socialising

Step into a summer evening that smells faintly of damp earth and cut grass, where conversation drifts between plant tips and Pride stories. The event is designed to be welcoming, with organised icebreakers and per-station activities that make it easy to join in even if you come alone. According to the organisers, the mix of plants, music and crafts creates a playful atmosphere that people keep coming back to.

This isn’t a formal lecture series; it’s a social celebration that happens to teach you about the botanical world. Past attendees mention feeling safe and included, and many highlight how the structure , walk, stamp, chat , helped them meet new people and discover plants in a relaxed way. If you’re shy, the travel-stamp format and vendor stalls give you natural conversation starters.

The lineup: music, vendors and the Sassy Botanical Stations

Expect live sets from UBC’s Blank Vinyl Project playing among the trees, alongside local queer art vendors selling colourful wares. The Sassy Botanical Stations are the evening’s playful spine , interactive stops with themes such as Seeded Rivalries and AstroloTREE that blend craft, quiz and a bit of plant history. It’s tidy, fun and just educational enough to leave you feeling clever about your houseplants.

If you love browsing artisan stalls, this is a great place to pick up something unique while supporting queer creators. And if you’re in it for the music, the forest setting gives the live sound a relaxed, intimate quality that’s easy to sway to.

GreenHeart TreeWalk and the sensory forest experience

A highlight is the GreenHeart TreeWalk, which opens for guests to stroll through the canopy and see the garden from a leafy, elevated angle. The walk adds a quiet, slightly adventurous counterpoint to the more buzzy stalls and stations. It’s an excellent way to cool down, stretch your legs and take in the garden’s design.

Practical tip: bring comfortable shoes and a light layer , evenings can cool under the trees, and the path may feel breezy. If you’ve never experienced a canopy walk, this gentle introduction is impeccably curated for first-timers and regulars alike.

Who goes and what people say , community voices

People repeatedly report that BranchingOUT is a rare chance to be in a safe queer space outdoors. Visitors have described the event as playful, thoughtful and educational, and many say they learned plant facts despite not being botanical experts. For newcomers to the city, it’s also a soft landing: attendees say it’s easy to meet others and fit into conversations.

If you want to make it a social outing, bring friends , plenty of past guests promised to “drag” pals along next year after attending solo. The organisers aim for inclusivity, so whether you’re an avid gardener or simply curious, you’ll likely leave with new knowledge and new contacts.

Tickets, timing and how to make the most of the night

Tickets are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Arrive for the welcome and icebreakers to get the most from the social elements, then wander the stations at your own pace. Snacks and drinks are provided, but consider having dinner beforehand if you’re coming late.

If you’re planning photos, the garden is especially photogenic in the evening light , but remember to respect vendors and fellow guests when snapping. Most importantly, lean into the relaxed pace: BranchingOUT is about small discoveries and good company.

It's a small change in your calendar that can make a summer evening bloom with new friends and planty joy.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: