ORCHIDS AFTER DARK (21+) 
Fridays & Saturdays, February 13 – March 14, 6–8 PM

Experience the elegance of Elevated: An Orchid Exhibition in a whole new light during this exclusive after-hours event. Each evening features a cash bar, light bites available for purchase, and live performances by talented local musicians. Photo-worthy moments among captivating orchid displays, breathtaking aerial works of artist Cicely Carew, and creative lighting exclusive to Orchids After Dark await. Must be at least 21 to attend. Outside alcohol is not permitted. 

Members receive early access to Orchids After Dark tickets starting January 2 through January 9. Click here to become a member. 

Note: If your membership is set to expire before your desired Orchids After Dark ticket date, you will receive an error message and will have to renew your membership to purchase tickets at the member discount rate. 

TICKETING

Tickets must be reserved in advance. General admission discounts and passes do not apply to this special event. All ticket sales are final. 

Tickets coming soon. 

Ticket price includes one free beverage: choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink. 

Member: $22; Non-member: $32 

  • Looking up at the skylight of the conservatory from inside, with lights and paper orchids hung up in the background, while white and pink orchids appear in the foreground

SCHEDULE

Stay tuned for a schedule of performances! 

FAQs

Orchids After Dark is a special event which offers visitors an exclusive experience to view our annual orchid exhibition after hours. Each evening features live music and drinks and light bites available for purchase. Visitors will also be able to explore the exhibition which integrates over 2,500 live orchids with large-scale sculptural art and colorful lighting. 

Doors open and the event begins at 6 p.m. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 6 p.m. This event is free flowing, so you may arrive at any time and may stay as little or as long as you like until the event ends at 8 p.m. 

New England Botanic Garden will be closed from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. If you arrive early, please wait in your vehicle until 6 p.m. when doors open and the event begins. 

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

Orchids After Dark takes place indoors in our Visitor Center and subtropical conservatories. Our outdoor gardens and trails will not be accessible during these evenings. 

Each ticket includes one free beverage (choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink). Additional drinks and light bites will be available for purchase during the event. Menu coming soon. Outside alcohol is not permitted at the Garden. 

Yes, the Garden Shop will be open during this event. 

 

While we love our furry, four-legged friends, pets are not permitted during special after-hours events like Orchids After Dark. Service animals are welcome throughout the property during all open hours. 

Orchids After Dark is an indoor event that takes place in all weather conditions. In the case of hazardous weather, New England Botanic Garden may decide to cancel an evening. If an event is cancelled, you will be notified by email as soon as possible on the day of your visit and you will receive a full refund for your reservation. 

Tickets for Orchids After Dark are non-refundable and are only valid for the date selected. Tickets can be rescheduled to a different evening of Orchids After Dark for a $10 fee but only if tickets are still available for a different evening. If all events in the Orchids After Dark 2026 series are sold out, tickets cannot be rescheduled. Ticketholders must call 508-869-6111 x174 to reschedule by 5pm the day before the date on their original ticket. 

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. 

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 ends at 8 p.m. We recommend scheduling rideshares in advance.