What to do and see at the 185th PHS Philadelphia Flower Show
Art and horticulture come together for this yearly event. Here is everything you need to know.
This year marks the 185th annual Philadelphia Flower Show – a local floral showcase that combines the beauty of horticulture with the inventiveness of art and design. Here is everything you need to know about what to see, do, and try.
Special Events (tickets required):
Black Tie Preview Party (Feb. 28, 7 p.m.) – be the first to gaze at the Philadelphia Flower Show display with this exclusive preview party. Dress to impress and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. There is also a cocktail party and after party at The Barnes Foundation that coincides with the preview.
LGBT Party (Mar. 2 4-6 p.m.) – friends of the LGBT community are invited to this Oscars-themed party. Enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and you may cross paths with some celebrities. Don't forget to get your photo taken on the red carpet.
Wedding Wednesday (Mar. 5, 6-8 p.m.) – a crucial part of the big day is the flowers, but there's way more in store for this wedding extravaganza. Brides-to-be will get access to more than 50 local experts, retailers and vendors that will help you plan the wedding of your dreams. Gown professionals will share "how-to" tips for choosing the most flattering dress silhouette and beauty experts will demo the best up-dos and makeup that will last late into your celebration. Live entertainment, take-home goodies, and treats will all be provided.
Girls Night Out (Mar. 6, 5:29-7:59 p.m.) – ladies can indulge is the finest at this special event. Over 30 Philadelphia luxury retailers will be showcasing a fabulous array of fashion and home items, plus you can get a massage, browse locally made jewelry, and, of course, drink wine. Attendees will also get to take home goodies from The Papery.
Meet Rachel Ray (Mar. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.) – Food Network celebrity chef, talk show host, and bestselling cookbook author Rachel Ray is paying the Philadelphia Flower show a visit for a live Q&A.
Early Morning Tours (Mar. 3-7, 8 a.m.) – beat the daytime crowds by booking an exclusive 8 a.m. tour that will give you behind-the-scenes access to the displays. You'll also recieve 10% off PHS Store purchases, a gift bag, and access to the private PHS Members Lounge.
Daily Attractions and Exhibitions:
Designer's Studio – the nation's best floral designers will face-off live onstage to create works of art right before your eyes.
The Butterfly Experience – this interactive and educational exhibition is a huge attraction to Flower Shower-goers of any age. 20 species of butterflies, 10 domestic and 10 exotic, will flutter throughout this enclosed temperature-controlled area filled with a large number of beautiful plants. Guests are invited to feed the butterflies and learn more about its connection with gardening.
Gardener's Studio – a place for gardening and greening experts, and novices, to come together and learn something new from each other. This arena will host many guest presenters and speakers who will cover all areas of horticulture.
Make & Take Room – after you're done soaking in the beautiful floral inspiration around you, you might be chomping at the bit to create something of your very own! Toll and materials will be provided to allow you to create your very own flower-inspired display. A DIY expert will be on hand to assist.
Pop-Up Workouts – on March 8, get your morning yoga on with DIG Yoga instructors Nikki Robinson and Gina Stickney-Weddle for a completely free, all-levels class. Following the 45-minute yoga class will be a different kind of workout for those looking to sweat – Philly personal trainer Holly Waters will take you through intense boot camp conditioning.
Garden to Table Studio – want to learn how to make the most out of your garden? Visit this Organic Magazine sponsored studio kitchen where half hour cooking demonstrations occur multiple times daily.
Wine & Spirit Tasting – start or end your trip to the Flower Show with a little tasting from the people at Fine Wine & Good Spirits. Sample wines and liquors and enjoy free, expert-led tastings.
Crayola Experience Mural – here's something fun for everyone. The PHS has paired up with Crayola to create a giant, multiple-panel, color-by-numbers mural spelling out the word "ARTiculture." At the end of the week the panels will come together for the mural's unveiling. Help make it beautiful!
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Philadelphia Horticultural Society (PHS) Members will have a relaxing lounge area to kick back in with complimentary coffee and tea service running until 3 p.m. daily.
The Philadelphia Flower show takes place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (12th & Arch Streets) from Saturday, Mar. 1 until Sunday, Mar. 9. Info for tickets and VIP packages can be found here. You can also download the official Flower Show app to help you plan the perfect day out.