Experience the 2026 Michigan Bonsai Show at Meijer Gardens

A large indoor event space featuring various bonsai trees displayed on black tables, with attendees engaging and exploring the exhibits.

This annual show was held on May 9-10, 2026 at the Frederick Meijur Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a world-class sculpture park and gardens, this beautiful park features art and horticulture events year-around. This weekend the bonsai public was also treated to the Chihuly Exhibits both indoors and throughout the park. Dale Chihuly is a renowned American artist who revolutionized studio glass, moving it from functional craft into large-scale, vibrant, abstract installations well known internationally.

A bonsai exhibition featuring multiple bonsai trees displayed on tables with black tablecloths, surrounded by visitors admiring the art. The venue has large windows and overhead lighting.

A display of various bonsai trees on a long table covered with a black tablecloth, set against a black curtain backdrop. The environment appears to be an indoor space with natural light filtering in from a nearby window.

A detailed view of a bonsai tree in a black pot, showcasing intricate twisted branches and vibrant green foliage against a dark backdrop.

A carefully shaped bonsai tree with a twisted trunk and vibrant green foliage, displayed in a decorative pot with moss on the soil surface.

A lush green bonsai tree displayed on a dark wooden stand, with a textured brown pot containing moss around the base.

A vibrant bonsai tree with bright pink azalea flowers and lush green leaves, displayed in a decorative pot with moss, against a dark background.

There are many bonsai organizations throughout the state and they all work together combining their talents to host the bonsai show featuring their beautiful bonsai for the public to enjoy and appreciate. There were several demonstrations each day in addition to workshops where the public and bonsai community could work on their bonsai skills to improve and create new bonsai for their personal collections. Over one dozen vendors brought their best ware for sale, which the bonsai community and public found valuable.

A bonsai tree with delicate green leaves and a textured trunk, displayed in a blue pot surrounded by moss, set against a black background.

A bonsai tree displayed on a table, with a traditional hanging scroll behind it featuring a mountain landscape. A floral arrangement is placed on the table to the right.

Two traditional Japanese ceramic containers displayed in glass cases, labeled with information about the artist Kisaburo Mizuno from Kyoto, Japan (1890-1970).

Three traditional Japanese ceramics displayed in a glass case. The left bowl is on a wooden base with a black and gold placard, the middle bowl is red and round, and the right piece is a flat, circular bowl. Each piece has an informational placard in Japanese.

A display featuring two bonsai trees on wooden stands against a black backdrop. The left bonsai is small with bright yellow-green leaves and a rounded shape, while the right bonsai is larger, with dense green foliage and a more traditional tree shape.

A detailed view of a bonsai tree with lush green foliage set against a dark background, displayed in a brown pot on a wooden surface.

A miniature bonsai depiction featuring multiple thin, leafless branches with bright green leaves sprouting, set in a round clay pot filled with moss.

A close-up view of a ginkgo tree with vibrant green leaves emerging from its brown branches, set against a dark background.

A lush green bonsai tree displayed on a wooden stand, with a black curtain backdrop.

A vibrant bonsai tree with lush green foliage, displayed in a decorative ceramic pot filled with moss, against a dark backdrop.

A detailed bonsai tree display featuring multiple green foliage clusters and textured, gnarled trunks, set in a round pot on a wooden surface against a dark background.

A rusty toy dump truck with a small tree growing out of its bed, displayed on a black table against a dark curtain backdrop.

A decorative bonsai tree with lush green leaves, placed in a round pot surrounded by small rocks and miniature figures, set on a textured surface.

A bonsai tree with lush green foliage, artistically pruned and positioned in a traditional patterned ceramic pot, displayed on a black pedestal against a dark curtain.

The park also has an impressive bonsai collection and garden which is well maintained. A large-size Japanese yew bonsai masterpiece welcomed visitors to the show with a huge, well balanced trunk featuring dead wood. The tree was originally about 15 feet tall before the late Bruce Baker collected it and transformed it to an impressive bonsai. The first backhoe he used to dig the massive tree broke and another was necessary to complete the digging before he began training it.

A collection of bonsai trees displayed on a wooden shelf with a black curtain backdrop. The arrangement includes various bonsai styles and pots, showcasing an artistic and serene presentation.

A detailed bonsai tree with lush green leaves, showcasing intricate bark and roots, displayed in a decorative pot on a wooden stand.

A beautifully shaped bonsai tree with dense green leaves, displayed in a blue ceramic pot on a dark surface against a black background.

A beautifully shaped bonsai tree in a ceramic pot, displaying green foliage and intricate branches, placed on a wooden stand with a smaller bonsai in a gray pot nearby.

This is a well-organized show hosted by the friendly bonsai club members who made everyone welcome to their art they are all proud of and enjoyed sharing. I’ve seen countless shows throughout the world, and the All-State Michigan Bonsai Show is one of the well-organized and hosted shows I’ve has the pleasure of participating and sharing my knowledge and skill.