As a plant lover and movie fanatic, I’m extremely excited for this year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show: “Celebrate the Movies.” This year’s show will take place February 28 to March 8 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The theme – inspired by Disney and Disney•Pixar films – will make every visitor feel like a star as they walk through floral displays highlighting their favorite movies, from “Cars” to “Frozen” and “Maleficent” to the new live-action film “Cinderella.” They will enjoy a “reel to real” experience as each of the major displays entertain and demonstrate how guests can take movie-inspired ideas from the show and use smart-gardening tips in their own homes and garden.
I’m told that guests will enter through an Art Deco theater facade topped with a marquee of flowers and lights in blazing neon colors. The garden will recall the fantastic interiors of the 1920s movie palaces, with columns of juniper and palm trees; grand chandeliers dripping with blossoms, moss, jewels and fabrics; sweeps of bright green hostas; hundreds of elegant calla lilies; and a centerpiece made of thousands of roses “named” for movie superstars. Down a central aisle on the show floor will be the “Horticultural Walk of Fame,” modeled after the tributes along Hollywood Boulevard but featuring the historic milestones and celebrities of the gardening world.
Oh and there will even be special guests like film and television star Dan Aykroyd, who will sign bottles of his additive-free Crystal Head Vodka on March 6, and Ethan Wayne, son of John Wayne, who will sign bottles of Duke Bourbon on Feb. 28 and present a display of memorabilia of the Academy Award-winning actor.
To help those planning to attend, I’ve put together a quick insider’s guide that will offer tips and must-know dates for the event.
Daily Hours
Saturday, February 28; 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 1; 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Monday – Friday, March 2-6; 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, March 7; 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, March 8; 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Ticket Pricing
Tickets purchased online through February 27:
Adult $27*
Student $20*
Child $15*
Tickets purchased online February 28-March 8:
Adult $30*
Student $20*
Child $15*
Tickets purchased at the PA Convention Center Box Office:
Adult $32
Student $22
Child $17
*Online service fees apply. No exchanges or refunds. No refunds on service fees.
You can print your Flower Show tickets after purchase or print them at the Will Call booth, located at the 12th and Arch Street West entrance of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Flower Show admission tickets are good ANY DAY. Each ticket is valid for one day ONLY. Children ages 1 and under are free.
Free Flower Show App
All the happenings at the show are now at your fingertips with the free Flower Show app for Apple and Android. Get the latest on Special Guests, all the Studios’ schedules, and 2015’s new attractions. You’ll also find maps, shopping discounts, exhibitor information, special events, theme nights and award-winning programs the Flower Show supports year-round—plus so much more. Consult the app in advance to plan your visit, and refer to it when you’re at the Show. Also new this year, easy integration to your social media accounts for simple posting to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you register with the app, you can save your favorites for future reference.
Download the 2015 PHS Flower Show App now:
Click here to download for iPhone
Click here to download for Android
(iPad users, be sure to click “iPhone Only” in the upper left corner of your iPad to view and download the PHS Flower Show app)
Transportation
Visitors can take Amtrak to this year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and use a special link for 30% off companion fare when travelling the Northeast Regional to Philadelphia. Visit www.flowershow.com to access this link. For additional information on other Amtrak discounts, including special rates for children, seniors, and students, click here.
Directions and Parking
From North:
Take I-95 South to Exit 22 (previously 17) I-676W. Follow Independence Hall signs, turn right onto Callowhill Street. Follow signs to “8th Street South—Chinatown,” then to Pennsylvania Convention Center. Main Show entrance on 12th & Arch Streets.
From South:
Take I-95 North to Exit 22 (previously 17) I-676 West. Bear right and exit onto Callowhill Street. Follow signs to “8th Street South—Chinatown,” then to Pennsylvania Convention Center. Main Show entrance on 12th & Arch Streets.
From East Via Ben Franklin Bridge:
Bear left after you cross the bridge. Follow signs to “8th Street South — Chinatown,” then to Pennsylvania Convention Center. Main Show entrance on 12th & Arch Streets.
From East Via Walk Whitman Bridge:
Take I-76 West towards Central Philadelphia and get off at Exit 344 (previously 38), which puts you on I-676 East to Broad Street exit to Vine Street. Main Show entrance on 12th & Arch Streets.
From West:
Take I-76 East to Central Philadelphia, to exit 344 (previously 38), I-676 E to Broad Street exit to Vine Street. Turn right on North 8th Street. Turn right on Arch Street. Main Show entrance on 12th & Arch Streets.
The PHS Flower Show has partnered with Parking Panda, the nationwide leader in online parking reservations, to allow visitors to purchase guaranteed parking near the Philadelphia Convention Center. View real-time availability and pricing at many locations within easy walking distance to show. Once purchased, parking is 100% guaranteed even if the location otherwise fills up. Simply present your purchase confirmation at the selected location, and this serves as your payment with no additional payments or fees ever. Please purchase your parking for the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show in advance, if driving.
Must Attend 2015 Events
This year’s PHS Philadelphia Flower Show will feature exciting themed days and nights and introduce new events for the show’s favorite guests.
Black Tie Preview Party:
On Friday, February 27, PHS will host the 2015 PHS Flower Show Preview Party, an elegant evening offering exclusive access to the world’s largest indoor floral exhibition. See the sprawling acres of exhibits and intricate displays of expert designers, locally and internationally honored, before the show opens to the public. For more information, please contact Ellen Wheeler at ewheeler@pennhort.org or call 215.988.8830.
Early Morning Tour:
Experience a VIP Flower Show visit with an Early Morning Tour, which includes a private tour of the exhibits with behind-the-scene stories, 10% off purchases at the PHS Store (one day shoppers delight card), free gift bag, and one time access to the private PHS Members Lounge at the Show. They provide a tour guide for groups of 8-12 people, Monday – Friday of Show Week starting at 7:30 am. Individuals will be placed with other individuals to make up the small group. Tickets are $105 (includes Early Morning Tour and same-day admission to the 2015 Flower Show) and $85 (a separate ticket is required for admission to the 2015 Flower Show). Click here to purchase tickets.
Early Morning Photography Tour:
Calling all photographers, don’t miss an Early Morning Tour led by nationally renowned photographers. Learn tips and techniques along with a private tour of the best areas of the Show to photograph. Space is limited to 15 participants (ticket includes Early Morning Photography Tour and same-day admission to the 2015 Flower Show). The session available is for Tuesday, March 3, 8 a.m. with Stephen Ladner. Participants may bring a tripod, however exterior lighting (not attached to camera) is not permitted. Tickets are $125 (includes Early Morning Tour and same-day admission to the 2015 Flower Show) and $100 (a separate ticket is required for admission to the 2015 Flower Show). Click here to purchase tickets.
Run Into Spring 5K:
This inaugural Flower Show run on Sunday, March 1 at 7 a.m., is the newest event to be added to the festivities. The 5K course is fast and flat on closed streets through the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. Only 500 race slots are available. Registration for the race may be upgraded to include a ticket to the Flower Show and post-race celebration in the award-winning “PHS Pop Up Garden at the Back Lot.” Free beer and cider will be served. Details and registration information are available here.
LGBT Party:
The LGBT Party in the ballroom pre-function area on Sunday, March 1, 4 to 6 p.m., will be a fabulous evening of cocktails and entertainment. Presented by G Philly, the event will kick off with a special introduction by PHS President Drew Becher, followed by mixing and mingling with film star Pam Grier, legendary actor, spokesperson for “Dining Out for Life International” hosted by Subaru, and author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Foxy: My Life in Three Acts. Grier will also judge a “Hollywood Hero and Villain” contest. The Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus will perform. The $50 event ticket includes admission to the Flower Show.
Wedding Wednesday:
Every bride-to-be will want to attend Wedding Wednesday, a day and evening filled with all things bridal. This year, Philadelphia Wedding magazine will make the night bigger, better, and more spectacular. On Wednesday, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., Philadelphia Wedding invites brides and their bridal parties to gather ideas and get advice from experts in bridal fashion design, music, catering, and photography. Guests will sample champagne and food while they discover great wedding ideas. Michael Callahan, contributing editor at Vanity Fair, will be on site to sign copies of his newly released book, Searching for Grace Kelly. Carrie Denny, editor of Philadelphia Wedding, will also be signing copies of her book, The Bride’s Instruction Manual. A real fairy-tale wedding will take place on the show floor! The finale of Philadelphia Wedding’s Greatest Groom Contest will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Flower Show, and all Wedding Wednesday guests are invited to the ceremony set among the world’s most beautiful floral exhibits. The contest is an opportunity to nominate boyfriends, fiancés, relatives and friends for rewards that include a full wedding, dress for the bride, flowers, and photos. The Wedding Wednesday ticket includes admission to the Flower Show and a premier swag bag from Philadelphia Wedding magazine. Tickets are available for $50 (includes Flower Show admission) and may be purchased online.
Girls Night Out:
On Thursday, March 5 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., Girls Night Out will be the ultimate ladies’ night. Presented by Philadelphia Style magazine, Girls Night Out blends the beauty and excitement of the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show with a VIP party where guests enjoy exclusive shopping, food and wine tastings, health and beauty offerings, and product demonstrations. Event ticket includes admission to the Flower Show, a premium gift, and a complimentary cocktail. Tickets are available for $50 (includes Flower Show admission) and may be purchased online.
Campus Philly’s Open Arts College Night at the Pop Up:
Sponsored by Campus Philly’s Open Arts, this evening for college students will take place at the PHS Pop Up Garden at the Backlot. Movies, music, entertainment and giveaways will be part of this new event on Thursday, March 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 for students, ages 17 to 24, and include admission to the Flower Show and Pop Up Garden activities.
Fido Friday:
In partnership with PAWS and Subaru, four -legged friends and their owners are invited to the first-ever “Fido Friday” on March 6. The event will begin with a “Yappy Hour” from 6 to 7 p.m. at the PHS Pop Up Garden. The evening will include a canine fashion show and a walk on the red carpet with photo ops. PAWS will have several dogs available for on-site adoption during Fido Friday.
Cinderella Sunday:
Princesses and princes of all ages are invited to come dressed as their favorite Disney royalty and walk the red carpet on March 8. Guests can take photos with Cinderella. A PHS members-only Princess Party will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Garden Tea Room. Tickets are $28 plus a $1 service fee.
New Hard Cider Introduced at 2015 Flower Show
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, in partnership with Wyndridge Farm of York County, Pa., will introduce a farmhouse-style hard cider called PHS Horticulture Cider at the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show, “Celebrate the Movies.” The light, dry, Champagne-style cider will be served by the bottle, in six packs, or by the case at the PHS Pop Up Garden in the Backlot, located in the Grand Hall of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and by the glass at locations throughout the Convention Center.
For more detailed information on the 2015 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show, click here.
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