7 things you can’t miss at the Philadelphia Flower Show

This Friday, March 3, The Philadelphia Flower Show comes to the Pennsylvania Convention Center for 2018. Presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the popular event attracts attendees from all over the country and beyond.

“I think it’s one of those truly unique Philadelphia offerings,” says Kevin Feeley, communications manager for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. “It’s the largest indoor flower show in the United States and one of the largest in the world. It’s also ushers in the arrival of spring and not too many events can do that.”

This year’s theme is “The Wonders of Water” and aside by being surrounded by thousands upon thousands of flowers, you can count on some special offerings at The Philadelphia Flower Show. Here are seven things you can’t miss.

1. The Rainforest Entrance Garden

The moment you step inside the Philadelphia Flower Show, you will be immersed into a rainforest with the Rainforest Entrance Garden. “It features a 25-foot waterfall, a canopy with plants, flowers and vines coming down and multiple ponds,” Feeley says.

2. Flowers After Hours

On the first Saturday evening of the show, there’s a special dance party called “Flowers After Hours.” This year’s theme is 70s disco and guests can enjoy a special performance from legendary 70s musical act, The Village People featuring Ray Simpson. “Robert Drake from WXPN is also providing music. Bumble will be there with a photobooth and it also has wine and spirit tastings,” Feeley says. “But you’ll need a separate ticket.

3. Fido Friday

Even your dog can enjoy the beauty of the Philadelphia Flower Show with Fido Friday. On the last Friday of the show, guests are invited to bring their four-legged friends to walk the flower show. There will even be a “yappy hour” and a “pupperazzi” step and repeat, where you can pose for selfies with your dog.

4. Butterflies Live

Can you imagine being surrounded by over 1000 butterflies? You can have that experience at Butterflies Live at the Philadelphia Flower Show. 20+ different species of butterflies will be fluttering around the space, providing the perfect photo opp for your Instagram feed. “ It’s definitely one of the more popular attractions at the show,” Feeley says.

5. The Garden Tea

Take a break from walking around the Flower Show for some tea and petite sandwiches at The Garden Tea. There are two seatings daily, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., from March 3 to March 10. “It’s nice to have some tea with tea sandwiches and relax,” Feeley says. “The room is filled with all kinds of plants like the exhibit hall. It’s $28 per person and does require a reservation.”

6. Martha Stewart will be there.

The domestic diva herself, Martha Stewart, will be at the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, signing books with her creative director, Kevin Sharkey, in the Designer’s Studio on Tuesday, March 6. At 5 p.m. there will be a presentation and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., she’ll be signing copies of her book, “Martha’s Flowers: A Practical Guide to Growing, Gathering, and Enjoying.”

7. Smokey Robinson will also be there.

The 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show has another music legend to add to its list of attendees: Smokey Robinson. The 78-year-old R&B singer has launched his own line of wines and will be autographing bottles on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4.

For more information on the 2018 Philadelphia Flower Show, visit: theflowershow.com.

If you go:
The Philadelphia Flower Show
March 3 to March 11
The Pennsylvania Convention Center
12th & Arch Streets
Various prices
theflowershow.com