Upcoming Events & Exhibitions
Below is a list of upcoming Garden events and exhibits. The Garden also has lots of great adult classes and children’s program options. Visit our calendar to see and search for more events.
Threads of Unity
January 20 – February 24, 2026
Chief Babs has used his art to remember and celebrate the customs of his homeland, Northern Ghana, Tamale. His artwork honors traditional African dance, music, village life, hard work, and family.
Love Our Staff Art Show
February 3, 2026 – March 29, 2026
This annual exhibition invites you to experience artwork created by our talented staff, showcasing a wide range of unique mediums, styles, and creative visions.
Reichenbachia: A Coterie of Orchids
February 7, 2026 – March 24, 2026
Come and see pieces of our stunning collection of late 19th century orchid prints produced by Frederick Sander, also known as the “Orchid King”. Each chromolithography piece will be accompanied by a scientific description written by German botanist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach, for whom the project was named.
The Great Backyard Bird Count
Saturday, February 14th, 9am-1pm
Come contribute to a global, recurring ornithological event! Count birds in the Garden, meet a feathered ambassador from the Virginia Wildlife Center up close, take part in bird-themed crafts, and much more.
Virginia Orchid Society Show & Sale
February 27 – March 1
Join the Virginia Orchid Society at the 2026 “Symphony of Orchids” Orchid Show and Sale.
Virginia Orchid Society Art Show
February 27 – March 29
Robin’s Visitor Center Gallery
How Does Our Garden Grow?
March 27 – May 26
Lora M. Library Art Gallery
Bon Air Artists Association Show
April 1 – May 28
Kelly Education Center Community Art Gallery
African Violet Society Show
April 17 – April 19
Groovin’ in the Garden Concert Series
April 21 – St. Paul & The Broken Bones
The beloved concert series, Groovin’ in the Garden, is back with national music acts performing throughout the spring, summer and fall against the spectacular setting of the Cochrane Rose Garden.
Central VA Iris Society Show
April 25 – April 26
Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dreamworld (indoor)
May 29 – August 18
Lora M. Library Art Gallery
Blossoms and Bugs (David Amoroso)
June 2 – August 27
Kelly Education Center Community Art Gallery
Daylily Show & Sale
June 12 – June 13
Groovin’ in the Garden Concert Series
July 9 – Straight No Chaser
The beloved concert series, Groovin’ in the Garden, is back with national music acts performing throughout the spring, summer and fall against the spectacular setting of the Cochrane Rose Garden.
Our Garden is Growing
We’re expanding our Conservatory and gardens to offer exciting new guest experiences and programming. As a result, we will not have our Butterflies LIVE! exhibit in 2025 while we expand the Conservatory to include a permanent butterfly house.