I once wondered if a garden show in February could feel like spring. Then I visited the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival — and everything changed.
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is an annual horticultural celebration held February 18–22, 2026 at the Seattle Convention Center, featuring over 20 massive display gardens, hundreds of seminars and a large garden marketplace under the “Spring Parade” theme. oai_citation:2‡gardenshow.com
This guide is your complete resource to plan a visit, choose tickets, and get inspired. I’ll walk you through the what, where, when, how much, and insider tips so you feel ready before you go.
What Is the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival?
I didn’t expect a February event to feel like spring. Yet it does, every single year.
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival is one of the largest garden shows in the U.S., held annually in Seattle each February with lavish display gardens, expert seminars, plant vendors, and creative exhibits.wiki
This festival — also called the NW Flower & Garden Show — brings thousands of gardeners, designers, and plant lovers together. Its 2026 theme, “Spring Parade,” promises vibrant colors, creative installations, and fresh ideas to kick off the gardening season.
Quick Facts
| Spotlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | February 18–22, 2026 |
| Location | Seattle Convention Center, WA |
| Theme | Spring Parade oai_citation:7‡gardenshow.com |
| Sponsor | Marketplace Events |
| Display Gardens | 20+ show gardens |
| Marketplace | 400+ vendors |
This event attracts both novice and experienced gardeners. You’ll see design trends, plant ideas, sustainable practices, and innovations all under one roof.
When & Where It Takes Place
Being clear on dates and times helps you plan your best visit.
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival runs Wednesday–Sunday, February 18–22, 2026, at the Seattle Convention Center — with daily hours from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday until 6:00 PM). citation:11‡gardenshow.com
Seattle’s downtown location makes it easy to pair the festival with other city highlights like Pike Place Market or waterfront parks. I like to plan at least half a day for the show and the rest exploring Seattle.
Visiting Details:
- Address: 705 Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98101
- Parking & Transit: Available nearby; public transit serves the area.
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly.
Tickets & Costs — What You Need to Know
I always plan my budget before booking trips.
You can buy tickets online in advance before prices rise at the door. citation: gardenshow.mpetickets.com
Ticket Types & Pricing (2026)*:
| Ticket Option | Price (Approx) |
|---|---|
| General Admission (1 Day) | ~$24 early / ~$29 standard |
| Student (13–23) | ~$14 |
| Half-Day (after 3PM Wed–Sat; after 2PM Sun) | ~$15 |
| Two-Day Pass | ~$42 |
| Five-Day Pass | ~$85 |
| Children 12 & Under | FREE |
* Prices vary slightly based on promotions and vendor offers. oai_citation:17‡gardenshow.mpetickets.com
How to Buy:
You can reserve tickets on the official site. (Search for Buy Tickets Online on the festival homepage.) oai_citation:18‡gardenshow.com
I recommend buying early — especially for weekends when crowds are bigger.
Major Festival Highlights
The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival isn’t just plants in pots. It’s an immersive experience.
Display Gardens — Main Attraction
These show gardens are built on site by designers. They are art and landscape inspiration in full bloom. Each tells a story — from modern outdoor living spaces to lush natural retreats. oai_citation:19‡gardenshow.com
You’ll find vibrant color, creative plant pairings, and landscape solutions you can adapt at home.
Seminars & Learning
The show features over 115 sessions including talks, demos, and hands-on activities for all skill levels.
Topics include:
- Container gardening
- Floral design
- Sustainable landscapes
- Houseplant care
- Seasonal planting ideas
These seminars are my favorite part — I always leave with at least one new tip to try in my own garden.
Garden Marketplace
More than just display gardens, the Marketplace is huge — with vendors from across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K.
Here you can find:
- Rare and specialty plants
- Tools & garden gear
- Artisanal decor
- Seeds, bulbs, soil blends
- Gifts, books, and home items
Shopping here makes it easy to recreate festival inspiration back home.
Special Features & Activities
The festival also includes:
- House of Plants — Daily “Ask Me Anything” sessions with plant pros.
- Container Showdowns — Live design battles.
- Blooms & Bubbles — Floral workshops with drinks.
- Traveler’s Tea & Garden Tours — In-depth experiences if you want more than just browsing.
Each year, these features grow — giving repeat visitors new reasons to return.
Video： A Stunning Tour of the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival’s Beautiful Gardens!
Here’s a video from a past Northwest Flower & Garden Festival to give you a real sense of the energy and ideas you’ll find:
How to Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
I like to treat festival days like mini itineraries. Here’s how I plan mine:
- Day 1 — Immersion: Walk all display gardens first. Take lots of photos for ideas.
- Day 2 — Deep Dive: Attend seminars and demos you marked as must-see.
- Marketplace: Break shopping into sessions so you don’t burn out.
- Off-Site Options: Seattle has great parks and plant nurseries worth visiting around the city.
Nearby Things to Do
Since you’re in Seattle:
- Explore Pike Place Market (fresh food & crafts)
- Visit Seattle Botanical Garden
- Walk the waterfront parks
Pairing the show with city exploration makes the trip richer.
Further Reading & Resources
Here are some helpful links I use when planning:
- Official Festival Website — Tickets & details: https://www.gardenshow.com/
- Show Features & Seminars Info — https://www.gardenshow.com/show-features
- Festival Frequently Asked Questions — https://www.gardenshow.com/plan-your-visit/hours-faqs
- Event Overview on Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Flower_and_Garden_Show
I suggest bookmarking the show guide as ticket prices and session details update closer to the event.
