Festival in the Garden

Festival in the Garden is an unforgettable adults-only summer event to kick off the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees lineup, supporting transformative health system change across multiple causes.

On Thursday, August 22, 2024 guests gathered at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden to enjoy drinks, charcuterie and live entertainment in the beautiful Aga Khan Garden.

Please stay tuned for information about the 2025 Festival in the Garden!

If you have questions about the event, please contact our Foundation’s Signature Events Team at events@givetouhf.ca.

This year's Festival in the Garden featured performances by:

JUNO-nominated indie-pop artist Josh Sahunta

When it comes to setting the bar high, JUNO-nominated indie-pop artist Josh Sahunta never lets his feet touch the ground. Drawing upon his influences of John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi, Josh’s songwriting is packed with deeply rich narratives and cool, contemporary soundscapes.

Josh’s music has been played extensively on international radio, as well as on several popular TV series (The Order (Netflix), Tiny Pretty Things (Netflix), Farming for Love (CTV), Love is Blind (Netflix), Love Island (Netflix), etc. Josh recently had 2 original songs placed in the brand new season of the hugely popular Netflix Original “Love is Blind”. Josh was also recently involved in the writing and vocal performance on a major release by Sony India that has already amassed over 10 million views on YouTube.

Josh recently received his first ever JUNO nomination for “Adult Contemporary Album of the Year” with his album To Be Loved Vol. I.

“Josh Sahunta is one of those creative prodigies who excels at absolutely everything he touches.” – BK On The Scene

A chamber ensemble from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Chamber Orchestra

Health care professionals with a love of music have come together to share their talents at Festival in the Garden. Guests will have the pleasure of experiencing the musical artistry of a unique chamber ensemble including health professionals from the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry Chamber Orchestra.

Formed in 2023, the orchestra celebrates togetherness and the ability to build community and connections through music. All of the group’s members, across various medical specialties and life experiences, share a passion for using their musical talent to spread joy. The University Hospital Foundation is proud to be joined by such a gifted group in a unique setting where – instead of treating our medical ailments – we will be treated to the gentle sounds of the ensemble’s strings.

Directions

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is located in Parkland County, 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton, 5 km north of Devon on Hwy 60. Please note the Garden is not located on the University of Alberta campus.

Free parking is available directly outside the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

Frequently asked questions

Is this event family-friendly?

Festival in the Garden is an 18+ event.

I have allergies and/or dietary restrictions. What charcuterie box options are available?

Guests can choose between standard, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-friendly or pork free charcuterie boxes at the time of ticket purchase.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

Outside food and drink are not permitted in the garden.

Which part of the Botanic Garden will my ticket give me access to?

Guests will have access to the Aga Khan Garden for the duration of the event.

What are the seating arrangements like during the event?

Guests will have their pick of seating location within the Aga Khan Garden. We recommend you bring a blanket or folding chairs.

In the case of severe weather, will the event be cancelled?

As this event is held outdoors, in the case of severe weather that prohibits entertainment, guests will have the option to pick up their charcuterie box.

Can I bring my dog with me to the event?

Dogs and pets are not permitted at Festival in the Garden, as it is a private event, with the exception of service animals.

Is there free parking at the event?

Yes, free parking is available directly outside the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

How much will my tax receipt be and when do I get it?

Your ticket to Festival in the Garden helps to empower the University Hospital Foundation to make transformative health system change across multiple causes. You will receive a $65 tax receipt for the charitable donation portion of the ticket price by email after the event.

I have a question that wasn’t answered here.

Please contact our Signature Events team at events@givetouhf.ca.

Supporting health transformation with Festival of Trees

Your support of the 2024 Festival of Trees will help us bring monumental change to health and healthcare in Alberta, with impact that will be felt across the globe.

What would your world look like without Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, transplant wait lists, or repeat trips to Emergency?

Believe it.

The University Hospital Foundation is taking aim at some of the biggest and most complex challenges of our time. Your generous donations to the University Hospital Foundation will empower us to make transformative health system change across numerous causes.