Each winter the Chicago Botanic Garden bursts into vibrant life with its annual Orchid Show, and in 2026 the exhibition promises to be one of the most colorful and playful yet. Titled “The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy,” this year’s display brings warmth and light to the cold months, pairing thousands of spectacular blooms with a joyful retro spirit inspired by the flower-power era.
Running from February 7 through March 22, 2026, the show fills the Garden’s indoor spaces with more than 10,000 orchids arranged in imaginative, large-scale installations. Visitors are greeted by dramatic floral creations that evoke the free-spirited style of the 1960s and ’70s, including towering cascades of orchids, glowing sculptural forms and unexpected pops of color that transform the conservatory into a vivid, tropical escape. The result is as much an art experience as it is a horticultural one, celebrating the astonishing diversity and beauty of orchids from around the world.
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Timed-entry tickets go on sale January 13, 2026, and include admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden, with parking purchased separately. Garden members are invited to a special preview on February 6, featuring early access to the exhibition along with music and light refreshments. For those eager to capture the displays on camera, designated photographers’ hours offer quieter access and ideal lighting conditions on select Tuesdays. On certain evenings, including Valentine’s Day, the Garden stays open late for Orchids After Hours, when guests can stroll among the blooms with cocktails and small bites available for purchase.
The Orchid Show also serves as a gathering place for orchid enthusiasts throughout the region. Midway through the run, the Illinois Orchid Society Spring Show and Sale brings competitive displays and rare plants from local growers, while a post-show plant sale later in March gives visitors the chance to take home orchids featured in the exhibition. Complementing the floral displays, the Lenhardt Library presents a rare book exhibition focused on slipper orchids, highlighting historic botanical illustrations and art.
Over the years, the Orchid Show has become a cherished winter tradition, offering a burst of color and creativity when it’s needed most. With its blend of horticultural excellence, artistic design and nostalgic flair, the 2026 Orchid Show at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers an immersive escape and a vivid reminder of nature’s power to delight, even in the depths of winter.
(For tickets and more information, visit chicagobotanic.org/orchid )
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