We can't wait to celebrate fall with you this weekend at our Fall Festival & Bulb Sale. Join us this Saturday, October 1st, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Stock up on bulbs for your garden, shop at local vendors, and have fun with the family through nature-based activities.

This event will be held across from Arbor House near the R Street entrance (see adjacent map).

We are monitoring this weekend's weather and will soon make a decision regarding any changes. We will share any updates on the event listing and with event registrants. Click the link below to register and receive updates.

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale Event Details >

Thanks to a generous $2,500 grant from the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, we recently renovated our Nature Explore Classroom. Certified Nature Explore Classrooms (NEC) are dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces, designed to provide opportunities for children to connect with the natural world.

Originally installed nearly 10 years ago, WYG hosts the only certified NEC in the District. Our NEC is next to the Washington Youth Garden, and provides tools for visitors and groups to independently and creatively explore the outside world. The classroom has a sandbox, tree stumps for jumping, musical instruments, and a stage. We look forward to welcoming our neighbors from Capitol Hill — and all Arboretum visitors — into this classroom this fall!

See a List of All Certified NECs to Visit >

For the past two years, the National Arboretum has been voted one of the top date activities in Washington, DC. In a recent Washingtonian article about a late summer Arboretum wedding, the couple remarked that they chose to get married at the Arboretum because it held sentimental value to them from their early dates.

Whether going on a date or exchanging vows, the National Arboretum is a fantastic backdrop to any big day. Inquire with our event partner MTG Hospitality to learn more about wedding and private event options for 2023.

Request Information About Available Dates >

Multiple Mid-Atlantic Units of the Herb Society of America will host a Chile Celebration at the National Arboretum on Saturday, October 8th from 1 PM to 4 PM. Visitors can learn about chile peppers, try different varieties, and taste an array of foods infused with chiles like salsa, hot chocolate, and pickled peppers.

This event is free and open to the public. It will be held in the National Herb Garden near the Visitor Center.

Potomac Unit Events >

Want to attract more hummingbirds and other pollinators to your garden? Peggy Riccio, the president of the Potomac Unit of the Herb Society of America, recently wrote an article about the different Monarda species she has incorporated into her garden.

Known commonly as bee balm, these plants are native perennials which attract pollinators, and also have culinary and medicinal properties. 

Monarda: Native Herbs & Beautiful Flowers >

Fall Festival & Bulb Sale

October 1, 10 AM - 2 PM

Unique bulbs and family activities

Details & Tickets >

Full Moon Hike

October 7, 7 PM - 9 PM

Night hike through moonlit gardens

Register for the Waitlist >

Garlic Planting Party

October 29, 11 AM - 2 PM

Fall planting and crafts in WYG

Details & Tickets >

Fall 5K

November 12, 9 AM

Run or walk through stunning fall foliage

FONA Members, use your discount code

Register for the Race >

Procrastinator's Holiday Market & Tree Sale

December 10, 9 AM - 4 PM

Shop local vendors and holiday greenery

Details & Tickets >

Yoga

Various dates and times

Find your flow with Bluebird Sky Yoga

FONA Members, use your discount code

Purchase Your Ticket >

Forest Bathing

Various dates and times

Meditation and mindfulness

Purchase Your Ticket >