What Is the Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition?

The Mid-America Bonsai Exhibition is the Midwest Bonsai Society's annual judged bonsai show, held at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The 48th Annual edition runs August 14–16, 2026, and combines tree displays, vendor sales, workshops, and a Saturday night banquet. It is one of the region's largest bonsai exhibitions, and guest master Boon Manakitivipart will judge and critique the exhibited trees.

When and Where

What Happens at the Exhibition

The event is built around a judged show, but it offers several ways to participate beyond viewing trees:

• Tree displays — Exhibited trees are shown in a judged competition, with critique from the guest master.
• Vendor sales — Vendors from across the United States bring trees, supplies, pots, and more.
• Workshops — Hands-on sessions; the Society notes these are announced separately, so check the exhibition page for sign-up links.
• Saturday night banquet — A recurring social highlight of the weekend.
• Volunteer opportunities — Available for those who want to help run the event.

How to Take Part

If you want to show a tree, the Society provides an online tree registration page for entering the judged show. Workshop sign-ups, the full vendor list, the schedule of events, and volunteer information are all posted on the August Exhibition page of the Society's website. Because workshop details are released closer to the event, the exhibition page is the place to watch for updates.

Who Hosts It

The Midwest Bonsai Society is based at the Chicago Botanic Garden and works to promote public awareness, cultivation, and the living art of bonsai. The exhibition is its flagship annual event, supported by the Society's broader programming, which includes meetings, a Chicago Chapter, a newsletter archive, a bonsai gallery and videos, and a bonsai helpline.