A Guide to the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show

What can I expect at the Philadelphia Flower Show in 2026?

As winter comes to a close each year, the Flower Show signals to the Greater Philadelphia Area that brighter (and warmer!) days are upon us soon.

Celebrating its 197th year in 2026, the premier event transforms the Pennsylvania Convention Center into a floral wonderland with thousands of blooms greeting visitors from the moment they step through the doors.

Expect large-scale flowering displays to explore, along with thousands of impressive competition exhibits, and a bevy of botanical activities and family fun.

  — Photo by B. Mathis for Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

Some of the key highlights of the 2026 show include:

• PHS Entrance Garden: Equal parts floral artistry and modern design, the PHS Entrance Garden this year showcases garden history with modern design for an immersive experience. Stay tuned for more information about the theme as we get closer to the show’s opening.
• PHS Hamilton Horticort: See the world’s largest houseplant/indoor plant competition as thousands of horticultural enthusiasts — both experts and hobbyists — share their prized plants and compete for top honors. Visitors get to see all of the winners proudly on display. This year’s competition focuses on our shared connections to plants throughout history. Think your plant has what it takes to win? You can sign up to compete through the end of January.
• Know to Grow Speaker Series: Learn how to up your gardening game from horticultural leaders and experts from across the country who cover historic practices as well as fresh takes on how to implement ideas into your home garden. Access to the talks comes with admission to the show.

  — Photo by B. Mathis for Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

What’s new and different at this year’s flower show? 

In addition to the new theme, news of what’s new and different for this year’s Flower Show has started to trickle in. So far, PHS has announced that 2026’s show will feature a sweeping special exhibit celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Since this year’s flower show coincides with the city-and-countrywide semiquincentennial, PHS has orchestrated a four-garden installation to mark the occasion. The exhibit tells America’s story through gardening history and practices. Designers from across the country wcollaborate to tell the evolving tale of gardening in America, reflecting on how past gardening practices have influenced today’s plant practices.

PHS remains in the early stages of planning for the show, so check back for updates.

What kinds of tours and experiences can I expect?

While many Flower Show attendees like to choose their own adventure when strolling the sprawling show floor, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a more guided experience or get your hands dirty with special tours and interactive experiences:

• Potting Parties: Learn the tricks of the trade during energetic container gardening workshops hosted by designer Tu Bloom, the official botanical artist for the Grammy Awards — and take home your very own floral creation for an additional purchase (February 27 to March 8, 2026).
• Early Morning Tours: Get an up-close, behind-the-scenes look at show displays, gardens and competitions two hours before other guests arrive. And don’t miss special Guided Photography Tours, led by experienced photographers for shutterbugs and Instagrammers. Additional purchase required (February 28 to March 8, 2026).
• Butterflies Live!: Interact with hundreds of butterfly species up close as you entice them with a dollop of sugar water on a stick. Watch children squeal in delight when butterflies decide to hitch a ride, making for magical photo ops. A separate fee is required (February 28 to March 8, 2026).
• Bloom Bar & Cart: The Bloom Bar returns again in 2026, where guests can make their very own handcrafted floral crown for an additional fee. Or pre-order a crown so it’s ready for you to don when you arrive (February 28 to March 8, 2026).
• Family Frolic: A special day dedicated to those with little ones, the Family Frolic is packed with activities and kid-friendly programming. Included with purchase of admission (Sunday, March 1, 2026).
• Blossom & Breathe: Learn all about the calming powers of flowers and plants at this one-day event. Participants can meet with wellness experts to kick-back, relax and breathe. General admission to the show on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 grants access to the program from 5 to 8 p.m. Want to save a few bucks? Purchase a ticket for twilight access.
• Flowers After Hours: Bust a move among the blossoms and blooms at a 21-plus dance party after hours. PHS will announce the theme for this year’s party in January, so check back here for updates. Tickets are required for the party that goes from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. (Saturday, March 7, 2026).

And don’t miss the show’s enticing shopping experiences, including the sprawling Marketplace with hundreds of vendors offering live plants, gardening tools and accessories, the Makers Market featuring local artists’ handmade wares and artisanal products, and the PHS Shop for show merch and memorabilia.

Potting Parties   — Photo by Raw But Meaningful Photography

How can I get tickets to the Philadelphia Flower Show?

You can buy tickets for the 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show online or at the door. Weekday ticket prices start at $43 for adults, $25 for students (ages 18-24 with valid ID) and $20 for children (ages 5-17). Weekend ticket prices start at $54 for adults, $30 for students (ages 18-24 with valid ID) and $25 for children (ages 5-17). If you aren’t yet sure when you’ll attend, you can purchase an anytime ticket for $60.

Save $10 if you plan to visit the show after 4 p.m.

Back by popular demand this year: Flower Show fans can come back again and again with the Floral Fanatic Pass. For $100, the pass gives pass-holders unlimited access to the show throughout the run, plus additional perks including an exclusive Flower Show gift bag filled with goodies and premium seating at the Know to Grow lectures.

  — Photo by J. Horell for Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

What’s the history of the Philadelphia Flower Show?

As a major hub of scientific inquiry and innovation in early America, Philadelphia had a group of “gentlemen farmers” who began gathering together regularly to share their evolving plant knowledge. In 1827, 80 men founded PHS to formalize their group.

Some of the founding members then wanted to share their horticultural knowledge with the public at large. They began holding public exhibitions in 1829 that would eventually become known as the Philadelphia Flower Show, the first of its kind in the nation.

PHS took control of the flower show in the 1960s with the goal of better serving the public. The annual flower show remains PHS’s largest fundraiser and helps the non-profit provide horticultural training and programs, as well as beautification efforts like tree planting to make Philly a cleaner and greener city.

  — Photo by J. Horell for Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

What’s the best way to get to the Philadelphia Flower Show?

The SEPTA Metro Market-Frankford Line (or L line) drops commuters one block south of the Pennsylvania Convention Center’s Arch Street entrances via the 11th Street or 13th Street stations. Riders on the Broad Street Line (or B Line) can get off at City Hall and walk two blocks east on Market Street to enter the Convention Center between 11th Street and 12th Street.

For those coming in by train from the suburbs, access the Pennsylvania Convention Center via the connected Jefferson Station. Take any SEPTA Regional Rail line to the station and follow signs for the Convention Center, then take the escalator up to the Grand Hall entrance on the second floor.

And attendees driving into Center City have plenty of parking options available in garages around the Convention Center as well.

For more details on the exhibits, experiences and events at the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, click the button below.

Where can I grab a bite to eat near the Philadelphia Flower Show?

With acres of gardens and thousands of blooms to see, all that walking will no doubt work up an appetite.  Concessions are always available at booths throughout the show. In addition, the Pennsylvania Convention Center just happens to be located at the intersection of several Center City culinary treasures.

Reading Terminal Market — one of the oldest and largest public markets in the nation dating back more than 125 years — is located directly across the street from the Flower Show entrance at 12th & Arch streets. Stop in for a cup of joe from Old City Coffee, a sweet treat from Beiler’s Doughnuts, or a meal from one of nearly 80 booths serving both Philly staples and international cuisine. (Pro tip: To-go might be your best bet here. Crowds are very likely, especially during peak meal times).

Don’t want to brave the Reading Terminal buzz? The Convention Center is located on the edge of another Philadelphia foodie destination: Chinatown. Home to about 100 eateries, Chinatown showcases the diversity of Asian cuisine, with sit-down restaurants like Dim Sum Garden and EMei, bars like Bar-ly and takeout places like David’s Mai Lai Wah. (Just bring cash — many Chinatown spots are cash-only).

A short walk further south gets you a seat at places like The Wayward and the Hard Rock Cafe.