On Friday the Chicago Botanic Garden opened its Brilliance: The Orchid Show and I was lucky enough to have tickets and attend with a few of my friends. If you are looking for a Valentine or Galentine’s date idea or need to take a break from winter and enjoy some gorgeous flowers that remind you of spring this is the perfect event for you. Read on to learn how you can attend!
The Details
Running from February 8 through March 22, Brilliance: The Orchid Show highlights the beauty of the orchid flower. The Botanic Garden has created amazing artistic displays enhanced by light to showcase the colorful beauty of 10,000 orchid flowers. Hosted in the Botanic greenhouses you will get to experience lush vibrant beauty of these flowers that makes you feel like you’ve escaped to another world.
Tips for a great visit
- You can purchase tickets at this link
- Daytime hours are between 10am to 4pm –
- Evening hours for “Orchids After Hours” are Thursdays 4pm to 8pm
- Ticket prices vary depending on the time you wish to visit, but the price never goes above $14 per person. Tickets for children and seniors are discounted as well.
- On Thursday evenings cocktails and food are available for purchase. It’s delicious – think street inspired food like pork skewers with coconut rice and tun poke bowls. So good!
- You can buy orchids and orchid-inspired goodies at each weekend show (Saturdays & Sundays)!
Key dates
Orchid After Hours Valentine’s Day Edition: Friday February 14 from 4pm to 8pm
Special desserts and drinks will be served at this romantic event. There will also be a photo booth available !
Photography Hour : Tuesdays, February 11 through – March 1 from 8:15 am to 9:45 am
Are you interested in photography? Before the show opens photographers will get the chance to come in early and take some incredible shots. Regular ticket feels apply but they are limited!
Morning Music with Orchids: Tuesdays/Thursdays, February 13 through March 19 from 10 am to 11 am
Come enjoy free instrumental music surrounded by the lush beauty of orchids.
Evening with Orchids Cocktail Tasting: Wednesday, March 11 from 6 pm to 8pm
Enjoy specialty cocktail, local sprits, and some light fare in another unique way to view the orchids in the evening.
Post Orchid Show Sale: Thursday March 26
An opportunity to take home orchids from the show !
I love this event – I didn’t realize just how beautiful orchids were and enjoyed the artistic art displays and light installations. Thank you so much to the Chicago Botanic Garden and I hope I’ve convinced you to visit the event this year!
This post was sponsored by the Chicago Botanic Garden but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for reading and supporting My Petite Joys!
