The New York Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show is back, and you can experience it in a totally different way! Orchid Nights are the Garden’s exclusive evenings for the 21+ crowd, with cocktails, dancing and more taking place on select dates all spring. This year’s special theme is Mexican Modernism!
Enjoy these vibrant nights throughout the Spring on March 8, 15, 22, and 29 and April 5, 12, 18 19, 25, and 26. Relax in the warmth of Mexico without ever leaving the Bronx. This year’s vibrant orchid arrangements are inspired by Mexican modernist architect Luis Barragán.
NYBG is located at 2900 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx, and NYC Latinos are being represented to the fullest at Orchid Nights! DJ nights will be happening, and Bronx’s own Hellotones, “El hijo de PueblaYork,” will be spinning cumbia sonidera tunes. Cumbia, originating in Columbia, can be seen as foundational when it comes to the music of Latin America.
You can learn some moves from Queens native, choreographer and instructor Mark Saldana (aka Coolmarx). Dancers Kacia Flórez and Cinthya Perez will be on the dance floor. Flórez is Ecuadorian-Colombian from Queens, and Perez is at home at the NYBG since she’s from the BX!
Pop-up bars at Orchid Nights will also serve handcrafted cocktails and mocktails inspired by Mexico. During each Orchid Night, you can have dinner at the Hudson Garden Grill until 8 p.m. with a reservation, or drop by the restaurant’s bar area all night long to enjoy drinks and light bites.
Drinks include the Rose Paloma, Garden Margarita (available in prickly pear, mango, passionfruit and spicy). Some non-alcoholic beverages include Horchata and Spiced Hibiscus tea. Anyone who has a sweet tooth has to dive into an orange blossom tart, a Nube de Guayaba and more at the Hudson Garden Grill!
There’s also a pre-fixe lunch at Hudson Garden Grill includes one appetizer, one entree and one dessert. For appetizers you can choose street corn chowder, zucchini chips, and a cold chayote and squash salad. Entrees include a choice of grilled Norwich Farm Carrots, Sustainable Salmon Verzcruz or Roasted Murray’s Chicken Breast. Choose between cinnamon churros or a variety of gelato!
The orchid display is just as enchanting at night. There are plenty of photo ops, and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and co-workers or get a teeny dose of Spring for yourself!
The Orchid Show: Mexican Modernism is a glimmering taste of Spring this February and will be open until April 27th. Don’t miss out on limited evenings throughout to enjoy Orchid Nights.