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November 14 through January 4
Giving Tuesday
Your gift will support the Garden's learning, science, and urban agriculture programs.
Today's Events Block
View Calendar
Sogetsu School of Illinois Ikebana Exhibition
Saturday & Sunday
April 11: noon – 4:30 p.m.
April 12: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
American Daffodil Society National Convention
Friday-Saturday
April 24: 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
April 25: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Northern Illinois Hosta Society Display & Sale
Saturday & Sunday
June 6 – 7
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cactus & Succulent Society of Greater Chicago Show & Sale
Saturday & Sunday
July 18 – 19
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mid-America Bonsai Show & Sale
Friday, Saturday & Sunday
August 14
noon – 5 p.m.
August 15 & 16
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ikenobo Ikebana Society Chicago Chapter Show
Saturday & Sunday
August 22 – 23
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fall Bulb Sale
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns
Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns
October 8 – 12, 15 – 19, 22 – 26
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Buy Tickets Now
President Circle Members only
JOL Tickets
Buy Tickets Now
President Circle Members only
We grow scary
Dare to walk an eerily enchanting path, aglow with artist-carved pumpkins for Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns—featuring glowing tributes to Chicago sports teams, plant monsters, famous vampires, pets in Halloween costumes, and fan favorites from ten seasons of ghostly gourds. Among them, 75 giants tip the scales at 150 pounds each. Watch live carving in action, meet costumed characters, and enjoy playful frights around every corner. With five extra nights to explore and light bites available for purchase, it’s a spirited evening of family-friendly fun—just creepy enough to keep you on your toes.
Night of 1,000
Jack-o'-Lanterns
October 8 – 12, 15 – 19, 22 – 26, 6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Price Table
Tickets | |
Adult | |
Child (3 – 12) | |
Child (2 & under) | Free |
| $75 adult | $50 child (3 – 12) | children (2 & under) are free |
| $65 per person | children (2 & under) are free |
Free for members | $18 – $25 per car for nonmembers | |
Tickets | |
|---|---|
Adult Ticket | From $26 Member / $29 Nonmember |
Child Ticket (3 – 12) | From $14 Member / $16 Nonmember |
Child Ticket (2 & under) | Free |
Arrive any time on your chosen date. | $75 adult / $50 child 3 - 12 (includes parking for one car) |
Exclusive to President's Circle Membership. | $65 per person, child 2 & under free |
June 7 – September 21
June 7 – September 21
From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style
This summer, celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired art that’ll stretch your imagination. Discover installations and garden beds featuring dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion.
Special Event Highlight
Garden Game Nights and Puzzle Hunt
June 26, July 17 & 31, August 14 & 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Life-sized lawn games on the Esplanade
- Pop-up bars stocked with refreshing cocktails and mocktails
- A special puzzle hunt game designed by The Mystery League
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Subbrand Hero
preschool
The Chicago Botanic Garden’s nature-based, developmentally appropriate preschool provides a unique learning experience for 3 to 5-year-olds. The emergent curriculum focuses on exploration and discovery in nature each day. The curriculum promotes learning and prepares children for kindergarten as they develop an appreciation for the natural world. Registration for 2025-2026 opens on January 29 at 10 am.
How is a nature-based preschool different from a traditional preschool?
- The natural world is the catalyst for the curriculum.
- Daily time spent outdoors in all weather (approximately half of the class time) allows for discovery in an ever-changing environment.
- Discovery-based learning includes a hands-on approach to education.
- Time is built in for children to observe, explore, discover, and reflect in learning activities.
Please note: All children must be fully toilet trained before attending classes.
Any Questions?
Contact: Ann Halley, director of early childhood programs and preschool director
Email: @email
Phone: (847) 835-8238
Nature Preschool is a member of the Alliance for Early Childhood and a member of Natural Start Alliance.
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Coming Up
View All Events
Sogetsu School of Illinois Ikebana Exhibition
Saturday & Sunday
April 11: noon – 4:30 p.m.
April 12: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Horticulturist Tour: English Walled Garden
Members-Only
Wednesday, April 15
9 – 10 a.m.
Sold Out
Orchid Show Landing Page
A Celebration of Color in Full Bloom
Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India. Behold a magnificent floor-to-ceiling peacock, its sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms. Marvel at a towering banyan tree with cascading roots and branches intricately enmeshed with vibrant orchids. Discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.
Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember
Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember
Children 2 & under: Free
Plus and donor member Free Tickets
You have free tickets to the Orchid Show as part of your member benefits. Log in to your online account (or create one). Click “View Benefits” to reserve your tickets. Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out, especially on weekends, so reserve your timed tickets early to guarantee entry. You can upgrade your membership to receive free tickets.
General Public
Orchid Show tickets include Garden admission, but parking is not included; and free Garden admission days do not include Orchid Show ticket.
Orchids After Hours
February 21, 28
March 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
5 to 8 p.m.
Every Friday of the Orchid Show and select Thursdays come mingle with the colorful blooms and enjoy a vibrant night out featuring cocktails and delicious bites for purchase. Separate ticket required.
Photographers’ Hours
Tuesdays: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.
& 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Pre-show ticketed access for photographers; capacity is limited.
Weekend Orchid Marketplace
February 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22– 23
March 1 – 2
Shop for orchids, growing supplies and more from featured vendors.
Illinois Orchid Society Show & Sale
Saturday & Sunday, March 8 – 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See orchid displays, arrangements, a judged show, plus shop orchid products.
Indian Community Marketplace
Saturday & Sunday, March 22 – 23
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet and shop for Indian products from local small businesses.
Rare Book Exhibition
February 8 – March 23
at the Lenhardt Library
See Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora
Free Talks: Friday, February 21 & Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m.
Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale
Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
Buy plants from the Orchid Show while supplies last.
Interested in orchids?
Orchid Show Landing Page 1
A Celebration of Color in Full Bloom
Through the harmony of tradition and modern design, the Orchid Show immerses you in the beauty of India. Behold a magnificent floor-to-ceiling peacock, its sweeping tail crafted from hundreds of orchid blooms. Marvel at a towering banyan tree with cascading roots and branches intricately enmeshed with vibrant orchids. Discover bursts of pigmented powders reflecting the vivid hues of Holi, the festival of colors.
Adult: $12 member / $22 nonmember
Children ages 3 – 12: $8 member / $15 nonmember
Children 2 & under: Free
Plus and donor member Free Tickets
You have free tickets to the Orchid Show as part of your member benefits. Log in to your online account (or create one). Click “View Benefits” to reserve your tickets. Please note that tickets are limited and may sell out, especially on weekends, so reserve your timed tickets early to guarantee entry. You can upgrade your membership to receive free tickets.
General Public
Orchid Show tickets include Garden admission, but parking is not included; and free Garden admission days do not include Orchid Show ticket.
Orchids After Hours
February 14, 21, 28
March 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
5 to 8 p.m.
On Valentine’s Day, plus every Friday of the Orchid Show and select Thursdays come mingle with the colorful blooms and enjoy a vibrant night out featuring cocktails and delicious bites for purchase. Separate ticket required.
Photographers’ Hours
Tuesdays: 8:15 to 9:45 a.m.
& 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.
Pre-show ticketed access for photographers; capacity is limited.
Weekend Orchid Marketplace
February 8 – 9, 15 – 16, 22– 23
March 1 – 2
Shop for orchids, growing supplies and more from featured vendors.
Illinois Orchid Society Show & Sale
Saturday & Sunday, March 8 – 9
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See orchid displays, arrangements, a judged show, plus shop orchid products.
Indian Community Marketplace
Saturday & Sunday, March 22 – 23
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meet and shop for Indian products from local small businesses.
Rare Book Exhibition
February 8 – March 23
at the Lenhardt Library
See Eye of the Artist: Rare Book Illustrations of India’s Flora
Free Talks: Friday, February 21 & Saturday, March 8, at 1 p.m.
Post-Orchid Show Plant Sale
Thursday, March 27 at 9 a.m.
Buy plants from the Orchid Show while supplies last.
Interested in orchids?
Night of 1,000
Jack-o'-Lanterns
October 16 – 20 & 23 – 27
6:30 – 10:30 p.m. (last entry at 10 p.m.)
What's Blooming?
Get a sneak peek of seasonal highlights and learn where to find your favorite blooms before you visit.
Ticket Sales
Members: August 21
Public: August 27
Lightscape
Book in advance to secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!
Ticket Prices | Advance | Day Of |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | $30 member / $34 nonmember | $33 member / $37 nonmember |
| Child Ticket (3 – 12) | $17 member / $19 nonmember | $19 member / $21 nonmember |
| Child Ticket (2 & under) | Free | |
| Flex Ticket | $75 per person (includes parking for one vehicle) | |
| VIP Pass | $60 per person (President's Circle members only) Call the President’s Circle hotline for more information at (847) 835-6925 with any questions. | |
Book in advance to secure your preferred slot; popular dates and times go fast!
Ticket Prices | Advance | Day Of |
|---|---|---|
Adult Ticket | $30 member / $34 nonmember | $33 member / $37 nonmember |
Child Ticket (3 – 12) | $17 member / $19 nonmember | $19 member / $21 nonmember |
Child Ticket (2 & under) | Free | Free |
Flex Ticket | $75 per person (includes parking for one vehicle) | |
VIP Pass | $60 per person (President's Circle members only) | |
Patterned by Nature
at the Garden this summer
From polka dots to stripes—nature’s got style
Private Events Test
Impeccable Planning
Whether you’re planning a grand wedding celebration or a sophisticated corporate reception, we partner with the best in décor, entertainment, and event management.
Vendors
Join us in creating unforgettable experiences at one of Chicago’s most beloved destinations. We are always looking for high-quality vendors to enhance our events and provide exceptional services to our visitors. If you wish to be considered for our preferred vendor list, please reach out to us at @email for more information.
Questions? Read through our FAQs for more information or contact us at 847-835-8370.
