Here’s What’s New at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show This Year

Photo credit: PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

We’re going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you’re relatively in-the-know when it comes to the Philadelphia Flower Show (if you’re not, read this), the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s highly anticipated horticultural event. However, what you might not be as versed on is the Society’s bevy of other innovative and family-friendly events and programming. To help remedy this, we rounded up all of the sweet new events, exhibits and programs taking place this year. Your only responsibility: open up that GCal. 

Bloom Philly Festival, February 20 through March 3 // Bloom Philly Festival isn’t one event, it’s more like, well, five events. This year’s festival will include a decorating contest featuring more than 100 restaurants, hotels, museums and shops (click here for more details), a Run Into Spring 5K, Sips and Skate at Rothman, a showing of National Parks Adventure at the Franklin Institute and a Pop Up Picnic. Register and find more information about specific events here.

On-Site PHS Pop Up Garden // Grab a beer or a pint of PHS Cider and refuel with camping-themed bites in the Pop Up Beer Garden in Base Camp in the Grand Hall. Enjoy free tastings and shop all sorts of libations as the Fine Wine & Good Spirits sets up shop. Psst: it’s the perfect place to sip away in between different displays.

Railway Garden, Powered by AMTRAK, with Bachmann Trains // A brand new addition to the Flower Show, the Railway Garden is wonderfully Americana and perfect for little ones. Swing by the garden to see large-scale model trains journey through iconic backdrops like Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore and Independence National Historical Park. Tip: Thomas and Friends will be on hand during Family Day on Sunday, March 13th.

Butterflies Live! // Check out over 1,000 domestic and exotic varieties of butterflies inside this interactive and educational exhibit at the Flower Show. There, visitors can learn more about why butterflies are endangered as well as see the spectacular insects up-close.

Find Your Park Pavilion // You know those “find your park” information centers inside National Parks? Well, PHS is giving these buildings a contemporary spin by making the concept the centerpiece for the National Park Service at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Inside the pavilion, visitors can chat with Park Rangers from all over the United States (in person or via webcast!) and explore parks from all over the country. Plus, kids can become part of the Junior Ranger program. There will be plenty of special events going on inside, so be sure to consult this comprehensive calendar beforehand.

Proceeds from the Flower Show benefit the year-round programs of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society that have become national models of urban greening, including City Harvest, which creates green jobs and supports a network of community gardens that raise fresh produce for families in need. For more information about exciting events and programming at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, (plus, how to nab tickets!) click here.