The San Francisco Botanical Garden is a beautiful, relaxing green space that provides refuge in the city for tourists and long-time residents alike. If the Garden’s 8,000+ plants across 55 acres weren’t enough, they are bringing in an extra-special addition in September. That’s right, Flower Piano has arrived: check it out from September 8-12, 2023.
Twelve public pianos will be placed around the gardens so you can enjoy lovely music in an even lovelier setting. The event is free for SF residents but you’ll still need to reserve ahead of time as it’s one of the garden’s most popular events of the year.
This year the garden will host a “Flower Piano Lounge” in the Celebration Garden each evening, for which you’ll need special event tickets. Opening night features Latin Grammy winner and tango pianist Pablo Estigarribia, followed by performances throughout the week from jazz flamenco virtuoso pianist Alex Conde, eight-piece band Lavay Smith and the Red Hot Skillet Lickers, and more.
As usual, the rest of the days are stacked with additional performances throughout the gardens from morning through evening. See the full schedule here.
Flower Piano has had 7 successful years at San Francisco Botanical Garden despite a break in 2020 due to the pandemic. The Garden usually puts up 12 beautiful pianos around the area, which are free for the anyone to play during the week, and reserved for professional performances at select times. The Botanical Garden works in collaboration with Sunset Piano, a local artist duo known for placing beautiful, sculptural pianos around the Bay Area.
Pianos will be located in the following gardens:
- Great Meadow
- Celebration Garden
- Garden of Fragrance
- Rhododendron Garden
- Ancient Plant Garden
- New Zealand Collection
- South Africa Collection
- California Native Plant Garden
- Redwood Grove
- Conifer Lawn
- Moon Viewing Garden
- Zellerbach Garden
Keep an eye on the San Francisco Botanical Garden’s website and social media for updates on this exciting event, which will be here before we know it!