Tucson as a whole calms down in the summer, with many desert rats retreating to their homes and whiling away the hours watching movies and spooning swamp coolers. 

Tohono Chul (7366 N Paseo Del Norte) has a different experience. 

Every summer thousands of Tucsonans visit the gardens at Tohono Chul to catch a glimpse of the majesty and beauty of the Queen of the Night, the night-blooming cereus Peniocereus greggii. When the summer heat begins to build, the buds of the Sonoran Desert native night-blooming cereus begin to appear. After a period of start-and-stop growth, the buds blossom in a mass blooming on one night.

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Bloom Night guests will experience the magnificent Peniocereus greggii in its full glory with luminaria illuminated trails leading to each plant, delectable bites and refreshments from The Garden Bistro, lectures, and the chance to win or purchase a Queen of the Night. Marvel at the gorgeous flowers and breathe in the intense and intoxicating scent at this one-of-a-kind event found nowhere else.

While Bloom Night arrives with little warning, the park is says it will likely occur this weekend: Friday, Saturday or Sunday, June 17-19.

Tickets will be available at the door ($5 for non-members, free for members and children under 12). Sign up for Bloom Watch updates on the park's website and keep an eye out for announcements on Facebook. 

Planning to attend? You'll need to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a flashlight. The park also recommends a camera with flash and, of course, reminds you to bring water.