EVENTS
Botanical gardens are evolving into vibrant cultural destinations—places where lush landscapes, creativity, and connection come together. At McKee Botanical Garden, this transformation is in full bloom. Through innovative exhibitions, engaging programs, and immersive experiences, we invite you to see nature and the arts in a new light—and to discover the joy they bring when they flourish side by side.
- Saturday, January 17th through Sunday, May 24, 2026
Details
FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN – McKee’s Centennial Exhibition
Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, May 24, 2026
FLORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN is a monumental outdoor sculpture exhibition by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box. The show presents a fresh look at paper folding in the 21st century with large-scale, origami-inspired metal sculptures. Emerging butterflies, big birds, grazing deer, and blooming flowers all celebrate the process of plant pollination. The colorful, whimsical and kinetic sculptures were created in collaboration with modern masters of paper folding: Te Jui Fu, Robert J. Lang, Michael G. LaFosse and Beth Johnson.
- Tuesdays | January 20th – April 28th
- 10:30AM
Details
Join a guided stroll through McKee’s historic garden every Tuesday and discover the remarkable story behind this tropical oasis. Learn how plant explorers brought back exotic specimens in 1926, which landscape architect William Lyman Phillips wove into his visionary design, and how the garden’s architectural icons came to be. Hear how Vero’s first visitor attraction was saved from development, meticulously restored and reopened as the beloved community treasure it is today. Not intended for groups or school tours.
- Saturday, February 14th
- 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Convertibles, Roadsters, Hot Rods, Racers & Motorcycles
Details
McKee’s Annual Motor Car Exhibition is one of the most anticipated traditions, drawing car collectors, enthusiasts, and families alike. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of McKee’s historic landscape, the exhibition showcases an extraordinary array of classic, antique, and modern vehicles – both foreign and domestic. This family-friendly event delights crowds each year, blending automotive artistry with the beauty of nature in one unforgettable experience.
Preschoolers (up to age 4)
-
February 19 – May 30
Every Thursday and Saturday
- 10:00 – 10:30 am
Details
Our beloved early childhood garden programs are sprouting back up. Designed especially for our youngest nature lovers, these hands-on sessions invite children to explore the wonders of science, nature, and the Garden through play, discovery, and creativity. Each week, little explorers will dig into activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Join us as we grow, learn, and play together in the Garden!
Free with Membership or paid Garden Admission
Registration not required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
-
February 21 & 22
April 18 & 19
July 18 & 19
October 17 & 18
Details
As McKee celebrates its Centennial, we’re opening our gates wider than ever. On four special Community Days weekends, Indian River County residents are invited to enjoy McKee Botanical Garden for just $5 admission. (ID Required)
From peaceful jungle trails to inspiring exhibitions, these weekends are our way of saying thank you, to the community that saved, supported, and continues to sustain the first, the oldest and the only award-winning cultural landscape in Vero Beach.
2026 Community Days
- February 21 & 22
- April 18 & 19
- July 18 & 19
- October 17 & 18
By Invitation for Gatekeepers of McKee
- Wednesday, March 4th
- 8:15 AM until 6:30 PM
Details
Following the success of last year’s inaugural road trip to the Palm Beaches, we discovered a strong interest in a thoughtfully curated journey south – featuring a visit to the Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, lunch at a popular local restaurant, and private garden tours. Due to the customized nature of the itinerary, participation is limited and offered by invitation only to McKee’s Gatekeepers. A formal invitation will follow.
By Invitation for Gatekeepers of McKee.
- Saturday, May 9th
- 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM
Details
Few days are as joyful and fun at McKee as the annual Pirate & Fairy Festival. Children of all ages are welcome to dress in their fairy finest or swashbuckling best for a day full of games, make and take crafts, entertainment and fairy hair applications.
- May 16 – September 7
Free Admission to active-duty military personnel and their families
Details
McKee Botanical Garden is a proud participant in the Blue Star Museums partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of War and museums across America, offering FREE ADMISSION to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including Nation Guard and Reserve.
This year’s program will begin on Saturday, May 16 and run through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.
- Saturday, June 13th
- 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM
Details
Waterlilies have enchanted visitors at McKee since 1932. Admire over 100 varieties—51 of which are part of the prestigious “Certified Collection of Excellence”, a distinction held by only eight gardens worldwide. Enjoy photo contests, plein-air artists, re-potting demos, and specialty vendors during this colorful celebration.