Each year Lockerly Under the Stars gives attendees the opportunity to enjoy a meal, music, and fun out on the meadow on the grounds. This year’s event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — A local staple is holding its largest annual fundraising event next weekend, and those attending will be treated to a unique outdoor experience.

Lockerly Arboretum’s “Lockerly Under the Stars” is slated from 6 to 9 p.m. for Saturday, Sept. 8, on the arboretum’s historic grounds on the south side of Milledgeville. 

“This is our signature fundraising event,” said Lockerly Executive Director Jennifer Pollard. “It’s a fun, relaxed evening of music, good food, awesome auction items, and a chance to support Lockerly in a fun way.”

This year’s Lockerly Under the Stars features everything guests have come to expect in the past like live music from Reunion, a silent and live auction with highly sought after items, and an open bar. A couple of additions have been made to this year’s edition as there will be a dance floor, transportation from the parking area to the meadow for guests, and more lighting. The annual event’s name tells attendees exactly what they can expect — a night spent in the arboretum meadow under the night sky tucked just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

“It was more successful than we could have hoped for last year, so we’re just hoping to build on that this year,” said Pollard, who experienced her first Lockerly Under the Stars as executive director in 2017.

She said Lockerly staff welcomed about 180 guests onto the grounds last year, and it’s looking like that number will at least be matched with less than two weeks between now and the event.

“We’re already over 100, so if people want tickets they are going to need to get them quickly because they’re selling out quickly,” Pollard added.

Ticket prices are $50 for Lockerly members, $60 for non-members, $40 for attendees under 40, and a group rate of $400 for a table of eight guests is also available. All funds raised go toward general support of the arboretum, which looks to have some big things on the horizon. Each paying guest will receive a meal featuring Southern cuisine as well as access to the open bar.

Also taking place at Under the Stars will be both live and silent auctions where guests can do battle over a wide variety of items. One live auction item available is a two-night stay in the privately-owned Writer’s Cottage at Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, S.C. The Magnolia Plantation houses the oldest public gardens in America, having opened its doors to visitors in 1870. Also up for bid is something sure to have University of Georgia football supporters up in arms — a pair of 2018 season tickets to see the Bulldogs in action including their annual neutral site game against Florida in Jacksonville.

“We were thrilled,” Pollard said of receiving the ticket donation. “I got the original message about it when I was sitting in the airport in Chicago over a week ago and I was jumping up and down I was so excited.”

For more information on Lockerly Under the Stars including a full list of auction items, visit www.lockerly.org. To purchase tickets in advance of next Saturday’s event, visit the arboretum or call 478-452-2112.