Orchid Magic at Chicago Botanic Gardens

Color, shape, scent and an explosively gorgeous expression of fragile beauty dazzles at The Orchid Show: Feelin' Groovy. Perfectly timed each year to turn your winter blues into a profusion of happy hues, Chicago Botanic Garden transforms their Regenstein Center with imaginative and immersive designs. Plan now for this extraordinary (and extraordinarily popular) exhibition. Keep your calendar popping with many more Attractions on Chicago’s North Shore.

 

The Orchid Show: Feelin' Groovy

Be Transported to a '60s and '70s Wonderland
Daily Feb. 7–Mar. 22, 2026; 10:00 am–4:00 pm
This year’s theme brings the vibrancy and joy of the '60s and '70s to winter as the Garden’s Orchid Show celebrates Feelin’ Groovy. The enthralling display highlights a retro-inspired landscape commingling 10,000+ showy orchids and other tropical plants. cascading sunbeam-style installations glowing with blooms, and a towering lava lamp lit in living color Marval at a flower-filled Volkswagen Beetle that carries visitors through a Route 66 daydream. Reserve timed tickets (required) early to guarantee entry. 
 

Orchid After Hours

Orchids After Hours and Other Special Events
Mingle with all the colorful flowers every Friday and select Thursday and Saturday evenings (5:00 pm–8:00 pm) throughout the show. The display takes on a different atmosphere at night as you enjoy cocktails and delicious bites (available for purchase). For a late-night twist, join the Silent Disco on February 21 and March 21, where music and movement add a playful rhythm to the glowing garden. Wrapping up the exhibit, visit the Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale (March 26) to bring some of these vibrant orchids into your home. 
 

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

Beyond the Event: Exploring the Gardens 
Along with taking in the show, add a seasonal walk to embrace nature in a variety of landscapes that change throughout the year. The outer circuit of the Garden is an ideal place for a fitness walk, high-intensity run, or leisurely stroll to explore freestyle or with walking guides (during regular hours). Download the GardenGuide App to use these enlightening tours on your phone. Head out to disvoer McDonald Woods, Malott Japanese Garden, English Walled Garden, or the handy connecting path between the North Branch and Green Bay trails.
 

Hometown Coffee & Juice, Glencoe

Gourmet Casual in Downtown Glencoe
Attention to detail in a pretty setting also applies to nearby eateries. Get something to go or linger at Hometown Coffee & Juice (Glencoe) for breakfast or lunch with their specialty coffee and tea selection. Continue the theme with Garden Caprese Hometown Toast and Tropical Escape Smoothie. Guildhall Restaurant (Glencoe) serves lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch featuring signature Guildhall Cinnamon Rolls or a veggie quiche with salad. Dinner delivers with maki, hand-crafted cocktails, desserts, and mains like Garganelli with mixed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, Fresno peppers, balsamic butter, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Mensch’s Deli (Glencoe) tempts with an extensive menu including five versions of the Reuben, the Boychick open-faced bagel dressed with lox cream cheese, tomato, caraway, and chives, and a traditional matzo brei for a cozy, satisfying bite.
 

Di Pescara, Northbrook

Flavors for Your Flowery Day Out
Area restaurants complement your outing to do to taste buds what the flora does for other senses. Morton’s The Steakhouse (Northbrook) maintains their legendary reputation for prime-aged steaks and mouth-watering dishes like Oysters Dynamite, Rack of Lamb, plus specialty cocktails. Modern and lively Di Pescara (Northbrook) specializes in fresh, meticulously-selected seafood, hand-rolled sushi, and a range of faves like the fitting Orchard Salad. Max and Benny’s (Northbrook) perfected the restaurant/deli/bakery trifecta. Pancakes, omelets, or lox and bagels in the morning (or any time!); jam-packed deli sandwiches and salads for lunch; or a Roast Brisket dinner.