It's magical to experience Foster Botanical Garden in the evening, and you'll have several chances to do that this summer.

The big garden event is the annual Midsummer Night's Gleam, which will be held free to the public on July 18 from 4:30 to 10 p.m. In the late afternoon, the focus will be on a variety of children's activities, including painting a plant, storytelling, pots 'n' pans, balloon creations and giant soap bubbles.

Then, as the sun sets, the walkways will be lit up with thousands of luminaries with the help of youngsters from Cub Scout and Boy Scout Troop 42.

Entertainment includes bagpiper Hardy Spoehr, the Hawai'i branch of the Royal Scottish Dance Society, Skylark, the Golden Horde, The Strangers, Willow Chang and her group of belly dancers, and Yeung Duk Lion Dancers.

In addition, experience the scented garden, harvest table of exotic fruits and wishing table. Once again, the popular Spooky Walkway will be open to the adventurous after dark.

Come hungry and enjoy food by Simply Ono, available for purchase, or bring your own picnic dinner. Also on sale will be refreshing, locally grown watermelon by the slice (or buy a whole one to take home) and fresh corn.

Parking is limited, so look for signs and volunteers to guide you to available parking areas nearby.

Also during the summer, enjoy free evening concerts at Foster Botanical Garden. During the past two weeks, concert-goers were treated to smooth jazz by the ever-so-cool Pacific Fleet Band and rock 'n' roll by the lively group Tejuino.

The dazzling Thursday concert lineup through Aug. 13 includes the Satomi Jazz Combo, H.E.A.R.T.S. performing "Honk!", Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawai'i, Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club, KFC Hawaiian Music, Harp Ensemble Concert, The Honolulu Symphony's Manoa Strings and the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific.

As an added feature, the garden's new conservatory will be open to the public in the evenings during the summer events. If you haven't seen it yet, this is your opportunity to take in the beautiful tropical plants and orchids that are elegantly displayed there, highlighted by special lighting.

Prepare to be enchanted!

The garden is open from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. Thursdays and the concerts generally are held from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 522-7064 or visit www.honolulu.gov/parks/hbg.