April 5-6, 2025
Spring will bloom in all its glory during the 16th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival, taking place on April 5 and 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the breathtaking Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale. This vibrant celebration of nature is a must-visit for orchid enthusiasts, gardening aficionados, and anyone captivated by the beauty of flora.
The International Orchid & Garden Festival is one of Bonnet House’s largest fundraisers, celebrating nature and welcoming visitors from near and far to revel in a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances. More than 30 local and international vendors will showcase a diverse selection of orchids, tropical plants, herbs, fruit trees, bamboo, and butterfly garden plants. Whether you’re searching for a rare orchid to add to your collection or simply looking for gardening inspiration, the Festival offers an experience tailored to plant lovers of all kinds.
Set amidst the historic 35-acre Bonnet House estate, the two-day event provides 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 variety of activities:
- Tropical Luau Lunch: Indulge in a catered buffet lunch with Mai Tais, wine, beer, and live Tahitian music and hula dancers on the scenic Waterfront Veranda. Tickets for this experience are $100 each, which includes Festival admission and a house tour.
- Interactive Lectures: Experts will share 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: Immerse your family in art and nature at the Forest Forms outdoor art exhibition, featuring 18 larger-than-life animal and plant sculptures by acclaimed artist Huelani Mei. (Included with the price of admission.)
In previous years, vendors have come from Florida and around the world, including Hawaii, Southeast Asia, Thailand, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, offering a variety of plants, orchids, and all the supplies needed to cultivate healthy orchids.
Bonnet House, a historic winter retreat once owned by artists Evelyn and Frederic Bartlett, has 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’ art, statues, and sculptures throughout the estate, and immerse themselves in its 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. (No discounts or group rates available.) Free parking and shuttle service ensure convenience, while shaded rest areas offer comfort during your visit.
Rain or shine, the International Orchid & Garden Festival will be an unforgettable experience celebrating nature’s beauty 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.
Content Courtesy of Jodi Goldstein, Kip Hunter Marketing
