Frequently Asked Questions

How can I buy tickets for the Show?

Tickets for the Show are available at the box office during show hours. Alternatively, you may buy advance tickets from Ticketmaster.

Where can I park for the Show?

Parking is available at the Showgrounds for $5 per vehicle, collected by Earl Warren Showgrounds to support the facility.

I’m taking the train to Santa Barbara. How do I get from the train station to the Orchid Show?

Earl Warren Showgrounds is just over three miles from the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station. The fastest transportation is a six to seven minute trip by taxi, which will cost $15 to $18.

Buses will take some walking and 45 minutes or more. From Amtrak, walk or take the 25 cent Downtown Shuttle up State Street to Carrillo. Walk a block to the Transit Station on Chapala. Take Bus #3 to San Onofre & Las Positas and walk the five minutes to Earl Warren Showgrounds. Click here for MTD schedule and route information.

Will any part of the Orchid Show be cancelled if it rains?

No, the exhibits are housed indoors within the main hall, and all Orchid Show vendors are located in an adjacent building. In case of inclement weather, we’ve made provisions for the orchid workshops and demonstrations to be held on a covered patio. Extra indoor seating will also be provided to accommodate those taking advantage of our onsite food services.

Is there food at the Show?

The newly renovated Mike's Diner is adjacent to the Exhibit Hall. During the show, two or more upscale food trucks will be at Earl Warren Showgrounds adding to the variety of food available on-site. Seating will be available inside as well as outside. Since there are no drinking fountains in the Exhibit or Vendor Halls, some visitors bring a water bottle. Visitors are encouraged not to bring food into the Exhibit Hall.

Can I bring my dog or other pet?

Pets of any kind, including dogs, are not allowed in the Show. For the safety of your pet, please leave it at home rather than in your car while you are at the Show; there is no shade in the parking lot. Service dogs are, of course, allowed by law.

Are wheelchairs or motorized chairs available at the Show?

A limited number of non-motorized wheelchairs are available for check-out at the Show on a first-come, first-served basis.

What should I wear to the Show?

Our Santa Barbara weather in March can be beautiful and sunny or cold and rainy. The exhibits and vendors are indoors, but it is a good idea to dress in layers on cool days or bring a light jacket even if the day is sunny. Of course, comfortable shoes will help you enjoy the Show!

Can I take photographs at the Show?

Many visitors to the Show are eager to capture images of the displays and orchids. Photographs are permitted; however, visitors may not touch the plants or enter the exhibits. In the interests of safety, tripods are discouraged, particularly during peak attendance hours; the Show reserves the right to request photographers to put away equipment that may pose a tripping hazard.

What is the etiquette at the Show?

To avoid damage to the exhibits, visitors are not allowed to touch the orchids or enter the displays in the Exhibit Hall. Visitors who have purchased orchids in the Vendor Hall are not allowed to return to the Exhibit Hall with their purchased plants.

Will there be orchids available to purchase at the Show?

Vendors from Santa Barbara County, California, the US, Australia, and Asia will have thousands of blooming orchid plants for sale at the Show. A list of vendors is available on the Show web site at www.sborchidshow.com.

What can I do with my purchased orchids if I want to revisit the Exhibit Hall?

The Show provides a plant hotel free of charge to visitors. The plant hotel is conveniently located just outside the exit of the Vendor Hall.

How can I learn more about growing orchids?

There will be several resources for visitors to learn more about orchids, including potting demonstrations several times daily with opportunities for questions and answers.

Once I have left the Show, may I enter again?

Visitors with a single day ticket who wish to return to the Show may have their hand stamped for same-day admission. Visitors who take a break for lunch should have their hand stamped to guarantee same-day re-admission to the Show. Visitors who return to the Show on a subsequent day must purchase another ticket.

Alternatively, in 2012, visitors may purchase a 3-day pass wristband, which allows multiple re-entries and a return to the Show on subsequent days for a single individual.

I’m coming from out of town. What hotels are available?

A number of online sites have excellent listings of available hotels and motels, including www.santabarbaraca.com.

Are there any local orchid nurseries open during the Show?

Local orchid nurseries hold open houses in conjunction with the Show. For more information, visit The California Orchid Trail web site at www.californiaorchidtrail.com.

I can't find an answer to my question, how do I contact you?

Please email your question to: sborchidshow@gmail.com; we may add it to the FAQs!