ORCHIDS AFTER DARK (21+)
Fridays & Saturdays, February 13 – March 14 | 6–8 PM
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.
Ticket price includes one free beverage: choice of non-alcoholic, beer, wine, or the signature drink.
Member: $22; Non-member: $32
SCHEDULE
The Russo Bros Jazz Quintet features a blend of swing, blues, Latin, and rock music styles and has been performing in the Greater Worcester area for over a decade. The band was honored to receive the 2022 Worcester Music Award for “Best in Jazz” and has appeared in the Worcester Jazz Festival in 2020 and 2022. The group also performs at many live music venues and festivals.
Ruby Shabazz is a Soul/R&B singer-songwriter from Roxbury, Massachusetts, inspired by the area’s rich music history and artists who rose to national prominence. Influenced by R&B and Motown legends like Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, as well as Sade, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, she developed a passion for songwriting and performance. While attending UMass Lowell, Ruby officially pursued music, performing and recording throughout the Boston area. Her recent achievements include winning the 2025 New England Music Award for Soul/R&B Artist of the Year.
Dom the Composer is a Boston-based Haitian-American artist with a mission: to make music with some rhythm, a little bit of blues, and a whole lotta soul. Starting his musical journey in the All Saints’ Choir of Men & Boys in Ashmont, Dom draws inspiration from these early beginnings & mixes elements of Alternative Soul, Singer-Songwriter, R&B, & Pop. His latest single, “Dollah Song,” is out now on all platforms.
Inspired by the traditional sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Blues, The Jambalaya Krewe never fails to leave their audience feeling like they had just taken a walk down Frenchmen Street!
Paying homage to greats like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory, and Sidney Bechet, the group strives to bring listeners on a musical journey through time. Contemporary influences include Dr. John, Kermit Ruffins, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lettuce, and Trombone Shorty.
The group features Carlos Menezes Jr. on horns/vocals, Christian Towler on guitar, Gary Wolsieffer on bass/tuba, and Rick Geraghty on Drums. You can also catch the group with their larger 9-piece band, “The Jambalaya Horns.”
The O-Tones trio loves playing Jazz & R&B/Soul music. Mary Witt (sultry lead vocals & bass) is joined by John Caban (sizzling guitar solos & vocals), and Coleman Hovey (swinging & grooving piano) to create a wonderful atmosphere for any occasion. Whether performing Ella Fitzgerald or Marvin Gaye, they show their passion for the music they present.
Ron Smith & The G Notes are a trio of multi-instrumentalists based out of Western Massachusetts. Established musicians, educators, and entertainers, Ron Smith & The G Notes share their love and passion for all styles of jazz and instrumental Pop music. They have performed at First Night of Northampton, Deerfield Inn-Champney’s Summer Patio Music Series, Northampton Jazz Festival, Springfield Summer Music Series, and more. Prepare yourself for a night of soulful and energetic music.
2019 International Blues Challenge finalist, Misty Blues, is fronted by lead singer/band founder Gina Coleman. The band is based out of Berkshire County, Massachusetts playing original and traditional blues with hints of jazz, soul, funk, and tent revival gospel since 1999. The band has recorded with Eric Gales, Charles Neville, and Joe Louis Walker, and opened for contemporary blues artists like Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia, Tab Benoit, James Montgomery, John Primer, Roomful of Blues, Albert Cummings, and Michael Powers. Misty Blues performs extensively throughout New England and has toured the continental U.S., Canada, and the UK. The band has been nominated for a few Independent Blues Music Awards, and their original recordings have broad international airplay.
Keith Muhammad, also known as K Fingers, is a New England-based musician, composer, producer, songwriter, and live performer. His blend of R&B, Hip-Hop, Pop, and Jazz-Funk can be heard on his solo projects, as well as collaborations with local recording artists Sunta Africa, and DJ Master Sun.
The K Fingers band consists of producer K Fingers on keyboards, piano, and drum machines, Bobby J on soprano and alto saxophone, and Paul Yu on lead and rhythm guitar. Their brilliant contributions can be heard on the latest K Fingers Band EP Up Next. Bass player Duane Rawls, and drummer Ernie Floyd are the newest editions to The K Fingers Band.
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.