Heading to Philadelphia in March? Don’t miss the chance to explore the Philadelphia Flower Show with your loved ones. I’ve prepared an in-depth family guide to navigate you through this yearly floral wonder. Get ready to immerse yourself and your family in the vibrant splendor of the Philadelphia Flower Show!
Editor’s Note: I first experienced the PHS Flower Show in 2018 and have since tried to attend whenever I’m in Philadelphia. In years when I can’t be there in person, I stay connected by getting updates from friends who visit. This way, I’m able to keep my post updated with the latest details and insights about the show, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for others interested in this spectacular event.
Heads up: some links here are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I may earn a teeny-weeny commission (think chai money, not a private jet) at no extra cost to you. It’s a small way to keep this blog running, the words flowing, and the pages free for you to enjoy. I only recommend things I truly love, use, or secretly wish I invented, because trust matters, and so do good recs. Thanks for supporting the little cozy corner of the internet I call my virtual home.
A Detailed Family Guide to the Philadelphia Flower Show
“Flowers are the music of the ground. From earth’s lips spoken without sound.” This poetic sentiment by Edwin Curran perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Philadelphia Flower Show. It’s an enchanting experience where nature’s melody comes to life.
Our family’s visit to the show was a refreshing journey through nature’s finest displays. In this guide, I’ll share all you need to know to experience the vibrant and enchanting Philadelphia Flower Show with your loved ones. Let’s step into this floral wonderland and see what it has in store for you and your family.
Suggested Read: Fire and Ice Festival in Lititz
Philadelphia Flower Show: Key Facts
The Philadelphia Flower Show, a prestigious and historic event, celebrates its 195th anniversary as a hallmark of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). Recognized worldwide for its breathtaking displays and cutting-edge concepts in gardening and design, this show holds the title of the oldest (since 1829), largest, and longest-running indoor flower show, even earning a spot in the Guinness World Records.
Held annually in early March at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the Philadelphia Flower Show is a vibrant herald of spring, drawing over 250,000 visitors each year. This event not only delights attendees but also significantly boosts Philadelphia’s economy.
Every year, the show reinvents itself with a new theme, guiding the creative direction of the exhibits. Recent themes have included “Holland: Flowering the World” (2017), “Explore America: 100 Years of the National Park Service” (2016), and “Celebrate the Movies” (2015), ensuring a unique experience with each visit. Here’s the list.
The show is a global stage for the world’s top floral and landscape designers, featuring everything from expansive garden displays to intricate floral arrangements. It also serves as an educational platform, offering workshops, demonstrations, and lectures for garden lovers at all skill levels.
Competitions at the show span various categories, welcoming professional and amateur gardeners, floral arrangers, and young talents. The interactive nature of the show extends to live plant installations and opportunities for guests to buy plants and gardening tools.
Significantly, the proceeds from the show support the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s initiatives in community greening and beautification throughout the Philadelphia region, underlining the event’s commitment to ecological and community well-being.
Traditionally held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in downtown Philadelphia, it sometimes takes place outdoors, like in 2021 and 2022 when it was held at FDR Park due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Philadelphia Flower Show 2024: United by Flowers
The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show, themed “United by Flowers,” celebrates the vibrant community united by a passion for gardening and its impact on daily life.
The event will showcase stunning floral exhibits, top-tier plant competitions, activities for all ages, and diverse shopping options, running from March 2 to March 10, 2024.
Opening Hours:
Hours for the 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show are as follows: from March 2nd to March 9th, it’s open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm, with special early access tours from 8:00 am. On March 9th, there’s a ‘Flowers After Hours’ event from 8:30 pm. The show wraps up on March 10th, open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Guests can enter any time during open hours up to 30 minutes before the day’s closing time and re-enter the same day with a handstamp.
Ticket Pricing:
- Adult tickets are priced at $39.99.
- Students (aged 18-24) can get tickets for $30, with student IDs required at the entrance.
- Children (aged 5-17) can enter for $25, while entry is free for those under four years old.
Weekday attendees can enjoy a $5 discount per ticket, automatically applied in the shopping cart. For late-day visits, Twilight Tickets are available at $29.99 for post-4 pm entry. Families can also save with combined ticket packages, offering discounts on weekdays and weekends.
The 2024 Philadelphia Flower Show will feature a diverse array of exhibits and experiences. Additionally, the show will also offer several special experiences and programs and will also see the return of some fan-favorite features like Artisan Row & Butterflies Live!
Philadelphia Flower Show 2023: The Garden Electric
The 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show, running from March 4th to 12th, marked its return indoors at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a first since 2020.
The theme for the year, “The Garden Electric,” brought to life vibrant and creative designs, offering visitors an experience akin to being outdoors with 360-degree floral displays.
This year’s show features some of the largest gardens in its history, with several immersive, 360-degree floral landscapes. Visitors can experience a mini-music festival with daily performances, a marketplace with over 100 vendors offering gardening tools, live plants, hand-crafted items, and more. There are also all-ages learning and crafting activities, including floral-arranging classes and flower crown-making.
Special tours and interactive experiences are also part of the event. These included early morning tours for an intimate look at the Flower Show, a habitat for native butterfly species where visitors could interact with butterflies, and hands-on elevated crafting classes.
The show also focuses on making the event more interactive and less formal than in previous years. The design choices are intentionally made to mimic the feel of being outdoors, with larger displays surrounding guests. This approach aims to create a more welcoming and engaging experience, with some installations requiring guests to actively participate, such as lying down to view details in a floral chandelier or exploring kaleidoscopic photo opportunities.
Read More: Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster PA
Philadelphia Flower Show 2022: In Full Bloom
The 2022 PHS Flower Show is set to take place at FDR Park from June 11th to 19th, offering an array of exhibits and experiences under its theme “In Full Bloom.” This theme focuses on nature’s healing and restorative power.
The show featurs a mix of large floral and garden displays from major exhibitors, both local and international. These exhibitors bring their unique interpretations of how gardening and horticulture serve as therapeutic forms.
A new addition in 2022, Artisan Row provides an interactive crafting experience. Visitors can engage in various arts like making fresh floral crowns, personalized candles, dried floral arrangements, and botanical jewelry.
Philadelphia Flower Show 2021: Habitat, Nature’s Masterpiece
For the first time in its storied history, the Philadelphia Flower Show moves outdoors in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a refreshing twist to this historic event. Set against the scenic backdrop of FDR Park in Philadelphia, the show, themed ‘Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece,’ offers a revitalizing experience amidst nature.
Visitors can explore various Districts, including the Plant, Garden, and Design Districts, each showcasing an impressive array of flowers, plants, and horticultural designs.
The 2021 show, which runs from June 5 to June 13, offers a range of ticket options. Adult tickets are priced at $45, while tickets for young adults (aged 18-29) are $30, and children’s tickets (aged 5-17) are $20. Admission is free for children under four. Additionally, there are family package deals, such as $105 for two adults and one child, and $120 for two adults and two children, with Young Friends tickets available on weekdays in the afternoon sessions.
This outdoor version of the Philly Flower Show presents a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s splendors in a picturesque, open-air environment. They are sure to enjoy this exceptional outdoor rendition of a beloved, long-standing tradition.
Philadelphia Flower Show 2020: Riviera Holiday
The 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show returns with an exciting and exotic theme: ‘Riviera Holiday’. set to take place from February 29 to March 8, 2020, this year’s show offers a burst of Mediterranean inspiration with garden designs that could inspire you to create your very own Mediterranean oasis.
Envision groves of citrus trees, rows of palm and olive trees, and gardens bursting with roses, lavender, vibrant geraniums, rosemary, and sage. These elements transport you straight to the picturesque coastal regions of the Mediterranean.
Dive into the details of the major exhibits at the 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show:
• The Entrance Garden, inspired by the fragrant, lavender-filled gardens of Provence in Southern France.
• A special rose garden, dedicated to Philadelphia-born Princess of Monaco, Grace Patricia Kelly, who was an avid supporter of the Flower Show.
A unique addition this year is the Bloomin’ Brunch, offering a 3-course meal set in a stunning garden environment for $35. The menu draws inspiration from the coastal town of Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera.
Exclusive morning and evening guided tours are also available.
Regarding tickets:
- Early bird pricing is available until January 14, 2020, at $35 per adult, increasing to $42 thereafter.
- On-site tickets at the Convention Center are priced at $48 per adult.
- Discounted Young Friend tickets (18-29) are $26 online, $30 at the box office, while child tickets (5-17) are $17 online, $20 at the box office.
- Flower After Hours tickets for $75 offer after-hours access, live entertainment, wine, cocktails, and more, available only for those 21 and older.
- Discounted tickets can also be purchased at SEPTA Transit Sales Offices, SEPTA Regional Rail Ticket Offices ($43 for adults, $17 for children), as well as AAA Mid-Atlantic offices and Acme Markets.
It’s recommended to purchase tickets as soon as possible to take advantage of early pricing and ensure your spot at this spectacular event.
Philadelphia Flower Show 2019: Flower Power
The 2019 Philadelphia Flower Show embraces the theme ‘Flower Power’, highlighting the uplifting and positive influence of flowers in our lives. Be sure to mark your calendars for this vibrant event, set to take place from March 2 to March 10, 2019.
This year’s show is particularly notable as it hosts the esteemed FTD (Florists’ Transworld Delivery) World Cup from March 1 to 3. This prestigious global competition, held for the first time in the US, showcases the world’s most exquisite floral designs. Top floral designers from over 23 countries will showcase their artistic prowess, all vying for the title of Interflora World Cup champion.
The Philadelphia Convention Center will be transformed into a floral paradise with various exhibits, including the entrance garden featuring various pods that display the stunning creations from the FTD World Cup.
A unique feature of this year’s show is the captivating ceiling decoration – a meadow of flowers gracefully suspended above, adding an extra touch of enchantment.
For ease of exploration, you can find a map online to navigate through these mesmerizing displays and activities.
The ticket prices for the 2019 flower show are set at around $30 for adults, $17 for children aged 2 to 16, and $20 for students aged 17 to 24, while entry is complimentary for children under 2 years old. Additionally, there’s a cost-effective online discount available for a family of four.
You can purchase Philly Flower Show tickets either online through The Flower Show website or at major SEPTA regional rail ticket offices. They are also available at well-known retailers like Wegmans, Acme, Giant, and AAA.
Booking your tickets online in advance can save you money compared to purchasing them after the show starts. Also, tickets for weekdays are generally less expensive than weekend tickets, so it’s worth planning accordingly to save.
The show typically remains open until 9 p.m., giving you plenty of time to enjoy the displays.
While the experience is certainly wonderful, keep in mind that some displays and activities might require additional ticket purchases, which can add to the overall cost.
Philadelphia Flower Show 2018: Wonders of Water
The 2018 theme for the Philadelphia Flower Show, ‘Wonders of Water’, emphasizes the vital role of water in our ecosystems and our very survival.
Prepare to be mesmerized by the floral displays that vividly represent different climatic regions.
Upon entry, visitors are transported into a lush rainforest setting, complete with a grand structure made of wooden poles, embellished with an array of plants and stunning tropical flowers draping overhead, creating a paradise-like ambiance.
True to the rainforest theme, there’s even a simulated rainfall feeding into a pond, surrounded by a kaleidoscope of vibrant, blooming flowers.
The excitement continues with a spectacular cascading waterfall flowing through tiered bamboo structures, complemented by an array of tropical plants and flowers.
For those looking for a memorable keepsake, there’s a gallery for photo opportunities, though it does come at an additional cost.
As I wandered through the exhibit, I found myself getting lost in the ambiance, almost able to see and hear toucans, macaws, and monkeys leaping through the treetops.
The exhibit beautifully illustrated how rainforests play a crucial role in preserving the water cycle. It showed how rain nourishes towering trees, then trickles down to nourish smaller plants at the ground level, eventually gathering into streams that become mighty rivers.
It’s an incredibly educational and practical way for kids to learn about the significance of rainforests and their role in our ecosystem.
Displays at Philadelphia Flower Show 2018
The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, themed ‘Wonders of Water,’ offered an array of stunning displays:
Landscapes: The show featured breathtaking garden displays, complete with sprawling lawns, waterfalls or ponds, fragrant flowers, and swings perfect for enjoying the serene beauty with a warm cup of coffee. These exhibits provided ample inspiration for anyone dreaming of their own picturesque garden.
The Designer Studio: This area showcased a thrilling competition where three top floral artists used identical flowers and tools to create unique arrangements in just 30 minutes. It was a marvel to watch how simple plant stems could be transformed into extraordinary works of art. Each artist brought their own flair and expertise, from innovative uses of ginger flower stems to interactive audience engagement.
Design Gallery: This section was a creative highlight, astonishing visitors with various items crafted entirely from plants and flowers. The ‘botanical jewelry’ section, featuring necklaces, clutches, earrings, and bracelets, was a standout, displaying incredible creativity and craftsmanship. The use of natural materials like seeds and pressed flowers in these pieces was both ingenious and inspiring.
Floral Display: Aligning with the water theme, this display shed light on the global issue of clean water scarcity. The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) highlighted the water challenges faced by seven countries, each represented by native flowers or foliage. These poignant displays underscored the urgent need for water conservation and clean water access worldwide.
Educational Exhibits: Ideal for apartment dwellers or those with limited space, this section offered insights into innovative gardening techniques like hydroponics (growing plants in nutrient-rich water without soil) and aquaponics (combining plant cultivation with aquatic animals). These methods exemplify modern, space-efficient horticulture.
Marketplace: After exploring the show, visitors could indulge in some shopping, with a variety of vendors offering everything from flowers, seeds, and gardening tools to decorative items. It was a perfect opportunity to bring a piece of the Flower Show’s charm home.
At the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, there are several engaging paid activities:
Butterflies Live: This immersive exhibit allows visitors to interact closely with butterflies in a natural-like setting. For a $5 ticket, you can feed, touch, and learn about butterflies and their life cycles.
Garden Tea: Set in a garden-like atmosphere, this experience offers a relaxing break with tea and sandwiches. Available twice a day, it requires an additional ticket and often have long lines due to its popularity among attendees.
Make and Take Crafts: For $10, visitors have the chance to engage in creative activities, with options like crafting a flower crown, creating a crystal necklace, or designing a tie-dye planter. This activity is particularly enjoyable for children.
Coat Cloakroom: For a nominal fee, a cloakroom service is available, allowing guests to safely store their coats while they explore the flower show.
The Philadelphia Flower Show offers valuable learning experiences for children, especially in understanding the critical role of clean water. In a world where water scarcity isn’t always a visible issue, it’s an excellent opportunity to emphasize conservation and the significance of water.
Children have the chance to engage with the water cycle concept through an extensive Rainforest exhibit. An interactive cart featuring an artificial stream, complete with local fish and litter, allows kids to actively participate in cleaning the water, demonstrating the importance of a clean habitat for aquatic life.
The show’s vast array of flowers, showcasing a multitude of varieties and colors, captivates children and adults alike. One creative display involves using old boats filled with soil as unique planters, highlighting innovative ways to utilize different spaces for growing plants.
Additionally, the show provids several paid craft activities, giving children a choice to create and engage in hands-on experiences.
Plan Your Visit to Philadelphia Flower Show
Getting There
Visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, located at 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA, is a seamless experience.
For those driving to the Convention Center, several parking garages are available nearby. On Sundays, street parking is free in some areas, but do check the parking signs for specific details.
To streamline your parking experience, consider using parking apps like SpotHero, ParkingPanda, or ParkWhiz. These can help you reserve a spot ahead of time, saving both time and hassle.
However, the most convenient travel option is often using SEPTA, the local public transportation system that includes trains and buses. Key stations close to the Convention Center include the City Hall station on SEPTA’s Broad Street Line, the 13th St. station on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line, and Jefferson Station on SEPTA’s Regional Rails. Notably, Jefferson Station has a direct entrance to the Convention Center, making it an excellent choice for easy access.
Once you arrive at the Convention Center, you can enter the Flower Show through various entrances: the West Entrance at 12th and Arch Street for box office ticket sales, Will Call, and volunteer check-in; the East Entrance at 12th and Arch Street with kiosk ticket sales; and the Market Street Entrance connected to SEPTA Jefferson Station leading to the Grand Hall with both box office and kiosk ticket options.
For a smooth entry, guests are advised to pass through metal detectors, have pre-purchased tickets ready for scanning, and note that bags may be subject to a quick security check.
Best Time of the Day to Visit the Flower Show
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting the show in the late afternoon, around 3 pm, when most tourist groups have departed. Alternatively, arriving early, right when it opens, also provides an opportunity to view the exhibits at your leisure without the rush.
Where to Stay in Philadelphia
Booking.comRead our post to book the best hotels in Philadelphia for families.
Tips for Visiting the Philadelphia Flower Show
Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
- Check the event schedule online. Knowing the show’s layout and key exhibits can help you prioritize what you want to see.
- Buy your tickets online in advance to possibly get a discount, although they might still be on the pricier side. Alternatively, tickets are available at well-known stores such as Giant, Wegmans, Acme, and AAA. Additionally, there’s a family saver package offered online.
- Arriving early, particularly at opening time or later in the afternoon, is a smart way to dodge the crowds, especially on weekends. The show usually experiences peak attendance midday, so timing your visit strategically can offer a more relaxed experience.
- Some shows offer guided tours which can provide deeper insights into the exhibits.
- The Designer Studio, a highlight for its imaginative floral creations, often has a queue, so it’s best to visit either early on or towards the end of your day.
- Remember, you can exit and re-enter the show throughout the day, just get your hand stamped before leaving.
- Make sure to download or pick up a map at the entrance for easy navigation of the show.
- While there are snack options inside the Convention Center, don’t hesitate to check out nearby eateries. Right outside, you’ll find the Reading Terminal Market, though be prepared for a wait. Chinatown is also nearby, offering a diverse range of dining choices. Packing some snacks is a good idea for convenience.
- Bring a water bottle. With all the walking and exploring, it’s important to stay hydrated.
- If you’re attending with young children, bringing a stroller is advisable to comfortably navigate the large show area.
- Don’t forget your camera or smartphone. The flower show is full of photogenic displays.
- If you’re a gardening enthusiast like me, you might want to take notes or collect brochures for inspiration.
We trust that our comprehensive family guide to the Philadelphia Flower Show will assist you in planning a delightful visit to this floral paradise. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Just so you know: If you find yourself with more time in Philadelphia, there’s a wealth of attractions waiting to be explored. From historical landmarks and art museums to vibrant markets and lush parks, the city is brimming with places to discover and enjoy.
Save the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show Guide to Pinterest
Wow, so pretty! I love that flower made jewelry and clutch bag!
Yes, isn’t it amazing and so creative? Thanks.
I love flowers then I would definitely save this post for my next visit to Philadelphia. You have listed great details about this show about tickets and what to look out for. Thanks for sharing!
I have heard a lot about the Philadelphia Flower show which happens to be the largest indoor flower show in the world. I was reading the other day that by mid-June, sunny mountainsides from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh are covered with Mountain Laurel flowers. The Pennsylvania state flower is actually an evergreen shrub that’s related to the rhododendron. Very detailed post, Neha. Loved the images 🙂
Wow, it looks gorgeous! I absolutely love flowers, I’m always chasing the latest flower displays here in London 🙂 Those tulips are so pretty!
I would love to visit Philly for this show. I never would have guessed it is the biggest show in the world. Awesome!
I love Philly and might go for this in March! It’s a 1 hour bus ride from my city and I’ve been on 2 day trips to Philly. I definitely will check out dates in March and go explore Philly and its food again.
Hey Kemi, were you able to visit Philly?? It’s great if its 1 hr away, you can definitely spend an entire day there and enjoy. Drop off to nearby Reading terminal market or Chinatown for food. 🙂
I’ve been to a couple small flower shows in Canada, but this one looks epic! I love the flower jewellery 🙂
Ha ha..you caught the right word Nina – EPIC..It truly was, with the vast expanse and variety of displays. Yes, I was simply awed by the flower jewelry and the creative thoughts behind them. Glad you liked it.
It looks like a beautiful show! I think it is an amazing way to connect with nature, and I also love 2018’s theme, the relation to water. All in all, it looks like a nice place to spend a day with the family.
Wow, the displays seem a lot larger and more complicated than I initially imagined. I’ve never been to a flower show. I should try it, I know there’s an yearly tulip festiva in a nearby city.
Yes absolutely.. It exceeded way beyond my expectations as well. I had seen a few flower shows, but they were limited to just display of flowers and not around the craft or other broad aspects. Yes you should give it a try.