Go Bananas! Tasting Lounge

Take your festival experience to the next level with exclusive access to our Tasting Lounge, the perfect place to peel away from the crowd and relax! Enjoy festival admission, then cool off in our climate-controlled lounge tent while sampling tasty food prepared by local chef Mars Wasterval of Earth to Mars.

Tasting Lounge Menu

• Zuurkool Stamppot: sausage, sauerkraut, banana, potato, onion & bacon mash (Gluten Free)
• Banana & Chickpea Curry: coconut rice, topped with pickled banana (Vegan/Gluten Free)
• Banana Peel Carnitas Taco: corn tortilla, salsa verde (Vegetarian/Gluten Free)
• Banana & Beet Ravioli: parsley gremolata, banana focaccia (Vegetarian)
• Beef Brisket: habanero banana salsa (Gluten Free)
• Chicken Satay Skewer: banana chutney & peanut sauce

You’ll also sip on complimentary fruit drinks and take home a commemorative Garden logo cup as a sweet souvenir. It’s the ultimate spot to unwind, recharge, and go absolutely bananas!

Tasting Lounge tickets — which include admission to the festival and commemorative cup — are $45/adult, $41/child/student/senior/military. Members can access the Tasting Lounge for just $25, as the free general admission benefit(s) associated with their level of membership covers the festival admission portion of each ticket. Children age 2 and under do not require a ticket to enter the Tasting Lounge.

Pre-sale tickets only. Ticket sales end at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday September 17, 2026; tickets will not be sold on-site the day of the event. No refunds.

Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for daytime events — including festivals — which are held rain or shine.