What can I expect during an evening of Music in Bloom?
Music in Bloom features small ensembles of musicians in five simultaneous performances that span the gardens along a short walking route (approximately a half-mile). Each of the five stations offer unique instrumentation, from clarinet, horn, and piano to cello and percussion. You will receive a program when you arrive that contains a map of the stations and a list of music that will be played by each group of musicians.

The flow of this event is not linear. There are many ways to enjoy Music in Bloom and we encourage you to make it your own. Linger as long (or as little) as you like at each station. Stop and smell the roses. Choose your own musical adventure!

How long does each performance station play for?
Each of the five stations plays approximately 30-minute sets of music on repeat throughout the evening. After each set, the musicians will take a 5–10-minute break. Not every station will be taking a break at the same time. While you won’t be able to sit through every song at every station, we recommend spending 15-20 minutes at each station if you would like to see them all.

If I attend at the later ticketed entrance time, will I miss out on any music?
No, each station will repeatedly perform their sets of music in loops throughout the entire evening. Ticketed entrance times help stagger visitor arrival times in increments to make for a better visitor experience. You won’t miss anything if you arrive during the later entry time.

I attended Music in Bloom previously. Will the same music be played?
Each year of Music in Bloom features a brand-new program of music and different groups of instrumentation at each station. There is always something new to enjoy!

Will there be seating?
While each station will have limited seating available, if you would like to ensure you always have a seat, we encourage you to bring your own picnic blanket or lawn chair.

Will there be anything to eat/drink during this event?
A selection of beer, wine, and light snacks will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden.

What should I wear?
The majority of this event takes place outdoors, so we recommend dressing in comfortable shoes and clothing for walking around the gardens.

Are pets allowed at this event?
While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like Music in Bloom. Leashed dogs are allowed to visit the Garden year-round during our general admission hours. Service dogs are welcome throughout the property during all open hours.

What happens in the case of inclement weather?
In the case of inclement weather, we may decide to reschedule the event to the designated rain date. If so, you will be notified by email as soon as possible and all tickets will be automatically transferred. Refunds will not be issued.

In some cases, we may decide to move forward with the event on the original date and use precautions such as pop-up tents or indoor spaces for certain performance stations.

Can I reschedule or get a refund for my tickets?
Tickets for Music in Bloom are non-refundable and are only valid for the date and time selected. Tickets can be rescheduled to a different evening of Music in Bloom for a $10 fee but may only be rescheduled if tickets are still available for a different evening. Ticketholders must call 508-869-6111 x174 to reschedule by 5pm the day before the date on their original ticket.

If the event is pushed to the rain date due to inclement weather, all tickets will be automatically transferred and refunds will not be issued.

How does check-in work and do I have to bring my printed email confirmation to the event?
Please arrive as close to the entry time listed on your ticket as possible. After parking your vehicle, proceed up the path into the Visitors Center. Please have your ticket/confirmation email printed or available to show on your phone for our front desk staff to check you in.

Can I come and enjoy the gardens before the event begins?
New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5pm to 5:45pm. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 5:45pm. If your tickets are for later in the evening, please arrive as close to the entry time listed on your ticket as possible. Doors open at 5:45pm and music begins at 6pm.

If you are visiting during general admission hours but have tickets to Music in Bloom that evening, we ask that you please exit the property and return at the time listed on your event ticket.

Is there parking? Can I use a rideshare service?
We have a large, well-lit parking lot on site. There is no charge for parking.

Accessible parking is located closest to the building in the first parking lot on the right. You can learn more about accessibility at the Garden here.

If you choose to use Uber, Lyft, or another taxi service, please note that our entry gate on French Drive will close automatically for arriving vehicles at the end of the event. Please plan to be picked up before the event’s end time at 8:45pm.