At a Glance
- The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show runs February 28-March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
- Theme “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” traces the cultural threads that shaped U.S. horticulture.
- Tickets are on sale now at phsonline.org/the-flower-show/tickets with General, Twilight, and Any Day Flex options.
- Why it matters: The nation’s oldest indoor flower show draws tens of thousands, pumping seasonal tourism and local pride into Philadelphia each spring.
The 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is set to open February 28, ushering in nearly two centuries of continuous bloom inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Theme Rooted in Stories
This year’s theme, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” invites visitors to trace how Indigenous, immigrant, and regional traditions fused into today’s backyard landscapes. Expect immersive garden rooms, heritage plant varieties, and interpretive displays that spotlight the people who carried seeds, tools, and memories across generations.
Seth Pearsoll, Vice President and Creative Director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, said, “This year’s Flower Show feels especially personal because every plant or garden carries a story behind it. We all have memories tied to plants and Rooted: Origins of American Gardening is about sharing those diverse experiences and the ways they connect us. It will be a show filled with memory, meaning, and incredible creativity.”
What to See
- Award-winning horticultural competitions judged on form, fragrance, and botanical rarity.
- Large-scale floral installations interpreting colonial herb gardens, Southern heirloom crops, and West Coast native meadows.
- Pop-up workshops on seed saving, composting, and pollinator habitat design.
- Evening Twilight sessions with live music and specialty cocktails infused with botanical syrups.
Getting Inside
Entrances
- East Entrance at 12th and Arch Street: Main gate, on-site ticket sales, Will Call pickup.
- Market Street Entrance via SEPTA Jefferson Station: Grand Hall access, on-site ticket sales.
- West Entrance at 12th and Arch Street: Reserved for volunteers only in 2026.
Security
All guests pass through metal detectors. Keep tickets visible for scanning at kiosks before entering exhibit halls.
Transit
Jefferson Station sits beneath the convention center; multiple bus routes stop within two blocks. Rideshare drop-off zones sit on 11th Street between Arch and Race.
Ticket Options
| Ticket Type | Perks | On-Sale Status |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | Full-day access, re-entry allowed | Available now |
| Twilight Ticket | Valid after 4 p.m., includes evening shows | Available now |
| Any Day Flex | One-day entry, date can be changed once | Available now |
Purchase at phsonline.org/the-flower-show/tickets.
Quick Facts
- First held in 1829, making 2026 the 197th edition.
- Produced by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, a nonprofit founded to advance horticulture and urban greening.
- Attracts tens of thousands of visitors annually, ranking as the nation’s largest indoor horticultural event.
- Previous themes include “Habitat: Nature’s Masterpiece,” “River Stories,” and “Garden Electric.”
Planning Your Visit
- Wear comfortable shoes; the show floor spans multiple halls.
- Bring a small tote for brochures and seed packets handed out by exhibitors.
- Peak crowds arrive weekend mid-mornings; late afternoons and weekdays offer easier viewing.
- Coat check is available near the East Entrance for a small fee.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Philadelphia Flower Show stakes its claim as the country’s oldest and largest indoor flower festival, running February 28-March 8.
- Theme “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” turns the spotlight on cultural gardening legacies through immersive floral art.
- Tickets are live now in multiple formats, and three clearly marked entrances plus robust transit links make access simple.
For complete schedules, maps, and updates, visit phsonline.org/the-flower-show.
