Spring will bloom in all its glory during the 16th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival, taking place April 5 and 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This vibrant celebration of nature is a must-visit for orchid enthusiasts, gardening aficionados, and anyone captivated by the beauty of flora. Click here to learn more.
Celebrating nature, the International Orchid & Garden Festival is one of Bonnet House’s largest fundraisers, welcoming visitors from near and far to revel in a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances. More than 30 local and international vendors will showcase their diverse selection of orchids, tropical plants, herbs, fruit trees, bamboo, and butterfly garden plants. Whether you’re searching for that rare orchid to add to your collection or simply looking for gardening inspiration, the Festival offers a captivating experience tailored to plant lovers of all kinds.
The two-day event is set amidst the historic 35-acre Bonnet House estate, providing an idyllic backdrop of lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and towering palms. Guests can enjoy live music near the Dry Fountain at the end of the Allée, sip on a refreshing mimosa or Bloody Mary, and browse an array of garden art and orchid supplies.
Beyond its dazzling botanical displays, the Festival offers a plethora of activities:
- Tropical Luau Lunch: Indulge in a catered buffet lunch with Mai Tais, wine & beer, and featuring live Tahitian music and hula dancers on the scenic Waterfront Veranda. Tickets for this experience are $100 each and include Festival admission and a house tour.
- Interactive Lectures: Experts will provide tips and tricks for orchid care and general gardening throughout the weekend.
- Edible Delights: Food vendors scattered across the property will serve delicious bites, complemented by wine, beer, and tropical libations.
- Forest Forms: Looking for a unique way to immerse your family in art and nature? The Forest Forms outdoor art exhibition is taking place during this year’s Orchid Festival and offers an unforgettable experience that you and your family can stroll through and marvel at 18 larger-than-life animal and plant sculptures by acclaimed artist Huelani Mei. (Included with the price of admission)
In the past, vendors have come from Florida and all over the world, including Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, to offer various plants, orchids, and all the supplies needed to plant and grow healthy orchids. Click here to see a complete list of this year’s vendors.
Bonnet House, a historic winter retreat once owned by artists Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett, holds a special connection to orchids. Evelyn’s passion for cultivating orchids is evident in the museum’s collection, which includes plants she personally nurtured. Her legacy blooms on in the Orchid Display House, part of the Shell Museum Complex, where visitors can admire her contributions and learn how these stunning plants can thrive for decades.
Guests are encouraged to explore the self-guided tours of the house and grounds, marvel at the Bartletts’ various pieces of artwork, statues and sculptures throughout the home, and immerse themselves in the estate’s timeless charm.
For families, children 12 and under enjoy free admission, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Admission is $25 for one day or $40 for both days, with no discounts or group rates available. Free parking makes access convenient, and shaded rest areas ensure comfort during your visit. Click here for parking details and other frequently asked questions.
Rain or shine, the International Orchid & Garden Festival will be an unforgettable experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and the storied history of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Mark your calendar for this spectacular event and prepare to be enchanted by a floral wonderland unlike any other. Click here to purchase tickets.
