Calendar
Friends of the Conservatory offers a calendar of events that explores a wide range of topics, including horticulture, arts and music, cultural awareness, landscape and architecture, and more. All of our programming is made possible by the generosity of our donors and partners. Some of our most popular programs include:
Guided Tours ***Temporarily Unavailable***
Lectures and Workshops
Art and Music Events
Seasonal Celebrations: Special events held throughout the year, including our popular Holiday Open House, Spring and Fall Plant Sales, and more.
We strive to make educational and cultural experiences more accessible to everyone and are committed to offering affordable programming.
Horticulture & Plant Societies: Evergreen Chrysanthemum Association - Annual Show
The Evergreen Chrysanthemum Association is hosting their annual show at the Volunteer Park Conservatory in the Seasonal House and Priebe Wing. Brighten your day with a stroll through the dazzling blooms on display. Maybe you will develop a love for chrysanthemums, join the ECA, and enter their next show with your blooms!
Family Saturday - 1st Saturday Monthly
Family day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory! *12 and under are free on the first Saturdays of the month
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Pardon Our Dust: Temporary Closure of Seasonal and Cactus Houses
Temporary closure of Seasonal and Cactus Houses.
Annual Open House
Join us for our annual open house! Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa as you stroll through the Conservatory and witness the unveiling of our winter seasonal displays! It’s truly a magical experience! Free admission for all from 5pm-8pm
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Holiday in the Park
A holiday evening in the park. Free admission. Purchase a raffle ticket to win a model train set! Sip cocoa, enjoy cookies and admire the holiday lights and displays! Fun for the whole family!
Family Saturday - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
An Afternoon with "Shanta" Claus
Come have a visit and take your photo with our very own “Shanta” Claus! She’s just like Santa but better!! Fun for all ages! ***Suggested donation of $10 per photo***
Harpist, Xue Mei Jiang performing on the Chinese Guzheng (Harp)
Come enjoy live traditional Chinese harp playing by Xue Mei Jiang. Included with admission (standard admission is $6)
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn Performs Live
Classical harp music performed in the Bromeliad House by Bill McJohn.
An Afternoon with "Shanta" Claus
Come have a visit and take your photo with our very own “Shanta” Claus! She’s just like Santa but better!! Fun for all ages! ***Suggested donation of $10 per photo***
Harpist, Xue Mei Jiang performing on the Chinese Guzheng (Harp)
Come enjoy live traditional Chinese harp playing by Xue Mei Jiang. Included with admission (standard admission is $6)
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn Performs Live
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn performs live in the Bromeliad House.
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn Performs Live
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn perfroms live in the Bromeliad House.
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn Performs Live
Classical Harpist Bill McJohn perfroms live in the Bromeliad House.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Family Saturday - 1st Saturday Monthly
Family Saturday at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Horticulture & Plant Societies: Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society Show
Check out the diversity of plants at the Cascade Cactus and Succulent Society’s annual show at Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Family Saturday - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Family Saturday - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Concert in the Conservatory
The Northwest Edvard Grieg Society brings an evening of chamber music to the Conservatory.
FOC May Plant Sale
Mark your calendars! Friends of the Conservatory has announced the date of the annual May Plant Sale - Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th. This is your opportunity to buy plants for a good cause! FOC Members receive early access and a discount.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
FOC May Plant Sale
Mark your calendars! Friends of the Conservatory has announced the date of the annual May Plant Sale - Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th. This is your opportunity to buy plants for a good cause! FOC Members receive early access and a discount.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
PNW Begonia Society Branch Meeting
Discover the world of Begonias with the Pacific Northwest Begonia Society Branch. Join us in the Priebe Wing from 11 am - 1 pm for an educational session (lesson to be announced). This meeting is free to the public, although membership is strongly encouraged with the American Begonia Society and the PNW Begonia Branch. For more information, and to join, please visit https://pnwbegonia.wordpress.com/.
Horticulture & Plant Societies: Evergreen Chrysanthemum Association Sale
The Evergreen Chrysanthemum Association is hosting their annual sale at the Volunteer Park Conservatory in the Lower Greenhouse. This is your chance to take a peek inside the Lower Greenhouse and purchase plant starts. Maybe you will develop a love for chrysanthemums, join the ECA, and enter their next show with your blooms!
Monthly Guided Tour
Friends of the Conservatory is pleased to offer the public a gardener-guided tour of the five houses of Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Horticulture & Plant Societies: Seattle African Violet Society & Puget Sound Gesneriad Society - Annual Show and Sale
Visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory to attend the annual show and sale for both the Seattle African Violet Society and the Puget Sound Gesneriad Society. You’ll be dazzled by the flowers in the show and inspired to purchase a special plant at the sale.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Horticulture & Plant Societies: Sogetsu Ikebana Show
Visit the Conservatory to learn about Ikebana, observe a demonstration, and take in the annual show with displays created by local artists.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a friend or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a companion or take it in solo.
Lunar New Year Reception
Spend Sunday afternoon at the Conservatory where you’ll experience a traditional Chinese tea demonstration and two sets of live, traditional Chinese classical music while surrounded by the gorgeous flower art on display for Lunar New Year and the lush Conservatory plant collection.
Lunar New Year at the Conservatory
Include the Conservatory in your Lunar New Year celebrations! From February 6 to 25, the Palm House will feature Chinese floral arrangements, decorations, and a photo booth. Take part in the reception on February 11 to experience a traditional, Chinese tea demonstration and live music from 1 pm to 4 pm.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Saturday Monthly
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a friend or take it in solo.
Free Conservatory Admission - 1st Free Thursday
Free admission day at the Volunteer Park Conservatory!
Share this lush, indoor paradise with a friend or take it in solo.
Temporary Closure of Seasonal and Cactus Houses
Temporary closure of the Seasonal and Cactus Houses so our garden team may reset the Seasonal House. Please enjoy the Palm, Fern, and Bromeliad Houses this week. The Seasonal and Cactus Houses will reopen to the public on Friday, January 5th.