Mark your calendars, because the Midsummer Night's Gleam is just around the corner. It happens only once a year, when Foster Botanical Garden is open to the public for an evening of family fun, entertainment and food. There's something for nearly everyone.

Children's activities begin at 4:30 p.m., while the garden is still bright with the afternoon sun. There will be lots of free things for the kids to do: face painting, games (win a free potted-plant prize), lauhala weaving, decorating of visors and fans, watercolor painting, fishing for guppies, and more.

From 5 to 6 p.m., McGruff, the Crime Dog will be at the garden, wearing his signature tan trench coat. Have the kids learn from his tips about taking a bite out of crime.

Also at the garden will be the "alien invasion" experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who will talk about invasive species that affect Hawai'i's plants and agricultural community. They also will have educational games and prizes for the youngsters.

As the sunlight fades, volunteers from Cub Scout and Boy Scout Unit 42 will begin to light the 2,500 lights along the main pathways of the garden.

When the sun sets, the garden is transformed, and the magic begins.

Willow Chang and her group of belly dancers will kick off the evening's entertainment. Other groups to follow at the garden's main terrace will be the Yeung Duk Lion Dancers, Stanton's Thursday Night Band, the Hawai'i Pacific University Student String Quartet, the Manoa Voices comprised of students from the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, bagpiper Hardy Spoehr, and the Hawai'i branch of the Royal Scottish Dance Society.

In the gazebo area, the group Skylark will perform medieval music. On the other side of the garden, the Golden Horde will demonstrate a somewhat more energetic aspect of medieval times, with jousting and archery demonstrations, as well as belly-dancing techniques and face painting.

Always popular with the kids, the Haunted Walkway will be open throughout the night. The line for this activity is usually long, as people tend to navigate the spooky walkway several times.

Stop by the botanical garden exhibits, which include a scented garden, a harvest table of exotic fruits and Keith Maile's cordage display.

As you stroll through the garden, stop by at the Wishing Tree, write down your wish on a piece of paper, and tie it to a branch. Maybe your wish will come true.

If you get hungry, food and drinks by Simply Ono will be available for purchase. Sweet and refreshing watermelon will also be sold, either whole or by the slice. Or, if you prefer, bring your own picnic dinner.

Parking at the garden is limited, so look for signs and volunteers to guide you to the designated parking areas nearby.

Come early, bring a mat or beach chair to lounge on, a flashlight — and enjoy.

Winnie Singeo is director of the Honolulu botanical gardens. Reach her at hbg@honolulu.gov or 522-7060.