Chicago Summer Botanic Garden Meetup

Join fellow Wharton alumni (+ families) and friends for a relaxing summer morning at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, IL. We’ll gather at 10:00 AM at the main entrance to stroll through the gardens, enjoy great conversation, and reconnect with the Wharton community in one of the Chicago area’s most scenic settings.

This summer’s visit is especially timely, as the Garden is hosting Shimmering Summer, a playful seasonal art experience featuring Evanescent—a collection of larger-than-life iridescent bubble sculptures created by internationally acclaimed artists Atelier Sisu. Installed throughout the Garden, these striking works reflect the surrounding landscape, sky, water, and visitors themselves, creating a unique and interactive way to experience nature through a new lens.

As we explore the gardens, we’ll have the opportunity to enjoy these captivating installations while taking in the beauty of the Garden at the height of summer bloom. After our walk, we’ll continue the conversation over brunch at the Garden View Café.

Whether you’re new to the Club or a longtime member, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow alumni across industries and generations while enjoying art, nature, and community in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, July 18
  • Time: 10:00 AM (meet at the main entrance and look for a Wharton vest/shirt); 10:15 AM–12:00 PM garden walk and conversation; approximately 12:00 PM brunch (optional)
  • Who: Wharton alumni (+ families — this is a child-friendly event) and friends

Special Offer

The first five attendees who RSVP and join the Wharton Club of Chicago as a new member will receive a complimentary adult admission to the gardens, generously sponsored by a Board member. Membership renewals are excluded from this offer.

Admission & Parking

This event is a meet-up, and each attendee is responsible for purchasing their own admission ticket to the gardens and for parking. Current pricing is approximately:

• Adults: $19.95–$21.95
  • Children ages 3–12: $13.95–$15.95
  • Children 2 and under: Free
  • Parking: $10–$12

Cook County residents receive a $2 discount on admission and parking.

If you are a member of the Chicago Botanic Garden, feel free to use your membership for complimentary admission and parking.

Please RSVP so that we know to expect you. We look forward to seeing you there!