Festivals and Events

Winter Exhibit: Spiders Alive!

January 19 to April 14

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; RBG Centre

We've invited spiders and their arthropod friends to crawl on over for a visit this winter. Explore amazing adaptations and behaviours in our interactive exhibit, and join us for daily programs for all ages. Stay tuned for program updates!

 Included in your General Admission or Membership

Escarpment Train Exhibit

February 16 to 18

10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Rock Garden

RBG’s newest train experience takes you on a journey through four seasons of whimsical Canadian landscapes while telling the story of how railroads shaped our history. 

 Included in your General Admission or Membership

Pyjama Party

February 22, March 29, April 12

5 to 8 p.m.; RBG Centre

Put on your P.J.s and bring along your favourite critter plushie! Spiders Alive will be open late on the final Friday evening of each month and the last Friday of this special exhibit. Join us for activities, games, and everyone's favourite many-legged creatures.

 Included in your General Admission or Membership

38th Annual Spring Orchid Show and Sale

February 23 and 24

Saturday: 12 to 5 p.m.; RBG Centre
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; RBG Centre
Photographers Sunday: 8 to 10 a.m. RBG Centre

The Annual Show showcases the beauty and diversity of orchids. Judged by the American Orchid Society, it features orchid displays by societies and growers from across Canada and the USA. There are also exhibits of flower arrangements, painting, photographs and plant sales.

 Included in your General Admission or Membership

Natural Areas Open House

Tuesday February 26

6:30 to 9 p.m.

Join us for an evening of presentations highlighting the results from our 2018 environmental monitoring programs on water quality, plants and wildlife with a special focus on the forest marshes of Hendrie Valley Nature Sanctuary. Click here to register.

 Free Event, Registration Required.

Jazz Brunch Concert Series

Sundays, March 3, 10, 24, April 7, 14, 28

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Rock Garden

Sunday Brunches never “sounded” so sweet! Enjoy a delicious brunch complemented by the tranquility of the historic Rock Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens and the sweet sounds of live entertainment.

 Reservations Required

RBG After Dark: Spiders Alive!

March 7, April 4

7 to 10 p.m.; RBG Centre

TEQUILA. TACOS. TARANTULAS. Grab a drink, enjoy the music, and experience Spiders Alive after dark! On the first Thursday of each month, RBG's winter exhibit is transformed into a nightlife experience like no other. Join us for pub games, food and cocktails, unique programming, and special guests. Check back for tickets and more information.

 Event Tickets Required

Speaker Series: Pollinator Friendly Gardening

Friday March 8

Annie White, PhD, a landscape designer, educator and longtime pollinator advocate, shares her tales from the trenches as she continues to navigate the challenges and rewards of landscaping for pollinators and people alike. Register for the practical workshop in the morning, or the evening lecture.

 Pre-Registration Required

Speaker Series: Patrick Colgan Memorial Lecture

Thursday March 21

7 to 8:30 p.m.; RBG Centre

Join Dr. Mark Graham, vice president of Research and Collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature, who’s presentation takes a closer look at the role of taxonomy today and takes us see behind the scenes to the work of our botany experts, including their part in the historic 2017 Canada C3 research expedition.

 Pre-Registration Required

WNED Antiques Home Show - SOLD OUT

Saturday, March 23

Do you have an antique lamp sitting in your attic collecting dust? Or perhaps you’ve always wondered if the end table you inherited from Great Aunt Myrtle is worth anything. Come on down to the Royal Botanical Gardens for the WNED | WBFO’s Antiques Home Show and get the answers you’ve been looking for!

This is a third-party event. Please contact event organizers for more information.

 Event Tickets Required - SOLD OUT

Speaker Series: Human Evolution at a Crossroads

Tuesdays April 2 and 9

7 to 9 p.m.; RBG Centre

Join Dr. Mark Graham, vice president of Research and Collections at the Canadian Museum of Nature, who’s presentation takes a closer look at the role of taxonomy today and takes us see behind the scenes to the work of our botany experts, including their part in the historic 2017 Canada C3 research expedition.

 Pre-Registration Required

Plant Faire

Saturday April 27

Start off the gardening season right with our third annual Plant Faire! Shop local vendors, hear from gardening experts, and more! Check back for details.