About the Orchid Festival

April 6 & 7, 2024
9am – 4pm

Welcome to Bonnet House’s 15th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival presented by the Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Bonnet House was once the winter residence of Evelyn Fortune Bartlett and her husband, Frederic Clay Bartlett. Both Evelyn and Frederic were artists, and if you opt to visit the Main House, you will see a collection of their paintings. Orchids play an important part in Bonnet House’s history as growing them was a favorite hobby of Evelyn’s. Many of Mrs. Bartlett’s plants are still here at Bonnet House and form the heart of the museum’s collection. That shows that with the right care, these plants can live for many years. You have come to the right spot to learn more about orchids and to find beautiful new specimens to add to your collection. Be sure to visit the Orchid Display House (part of the Shell Museum Complex) to see a sampling of Evelyn’s collection.

Festival Photos

Event Features

Orchid and Exotic Plants: Featuring over 30 local and international vendors including tropicals, fruit trees, butterfly garden plants, bamboo, garden art, and much more. All on the 35-acre historic Bonnet House Estate on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Edible Bites: Food vendors throughout the property offering edible bites.
Bloody Marys, Mimosa, Wine & Beer: Enjoy an invigorating mixture as you wander through the garden.
Live Music – Live music on the Dry Fountain at the end of the Allée.
*New* Tropical Luau Lunch presented by John Knox Village – This year we’ve added a Tropical Luau Lunch with live Tahitian music and Hula dancers on the beautifully decorated waterfront Veranda. A fully catered affair by Hugh’s Catering.
Orchid Supplies: Vendors to provide all you need to plant and grow orchids.
Garden Art: Attractive and unusual orchid and/or garden-related items from several vendors.
Orchid & Garden Lectures: SATURDAY, APRIL 6 10:00 – 11:00 am ~ Mounting Orchids, Olivier Turina, Award-winning hobbyist orchid grower focusing on species and primary hybrids. 11.30 am – 12:30 pm ~ Growing Roses in South Florida Julieta Ross. 1:00 – 3:00 pm ~ Book signing: Florida Orchid Growing: Month by Month (both English and Spanish version) Dr. Martin Motes, Award-winning hybridizer, renowned author, and internationally recognized expert on vandas.” SUNDAY, APRIL 7 10:00 – 11:00 am ~ Florida’s Unique Ecosystems and Native Orchids Endemic to the Region, Jason Alvarez. 11.30 am – 12:30 pm ~ Growing a Butterfly Garden, Julieta Ross. 1.00 – 2:00 pm ~ Growing Cattleya Orchids, Lou Lodyga.
Book Signing with Dr. Martin Motes: Dr. Motes will be onsite at the Gift Shop signing his book “South Florida Orchid Growing Month by Month”. Available in Spanish and English.
Self-guided tours of the House and Grounds: Stroll through the grounds and house at your leisure and experience the charm and beauty of the Bonnet House Estate.
Rest Areas: Where you can sit and relax in the shade.
Bonnet House Museum Shop: Near the main house, offers a unique choice of interesting books, jewelry, and an array of gift items.
Free Parking and Free Shuttle Service – Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the Festival.

Admission is $15 for the festival
(Rain or Shine)

Includes Orchid Festival and Self-Guided Grounds Tour.
Self-Guided House Tours Are An Additional $10.
Children 12 & under are Free. No Discounts or Group Rates Apply.
There will be no guided house tours during the festival weekend.

Admission is $100 for the Tropical Luau Lunch and includes festival & house admission.

Purchase Festival Tickets Purchase Tropical Luau Lunch Tickets

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.

NEW! Tropical Luau Lunch on the Veranda presented by John Knox Village

Saturday, April 6th & Sunday, April 7th | 11 AM– 2 PM
Enjoy a fully catered affair by Hugh’s Catering on the beautifully decorated waterfront veranda during the 15th Annual International Orchid & Garden Festival. Lunch tickets include a delectable tropical buffet, unlimited Mai tais, wine & beer, live Tahitian music and Hula dancers, as well as access to the house for a leisurely stroll through the rooms and Orchid Display House. Tickets also include access to the Festival and orchid & garden care demonstrations. Tropical Luau Lunch on the Veranda Tickets: $100

Free parking – Limited parking is available onsite at 900 N. Birch Rd. Additional parking is available on the east side of the Galleria Mall south of Sunrise Blvd. on NE 26th Ave which is one block west of the Intracoastal bridge. Shuttle service is available to take attendees to and from the Galleria Mall and Bonnet House from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Our pedestrian-only south entrance is located at 750 Breakers Avenue off Vista Mar Street and will also be open for attendees.

Purchase Luau Lunch Tickets

All ticket sales are final and non-refundable.