EVENTS & PROGRAMS
FEATURED EVENTS
Photo by Zak Khaliqi
Music in the Meadow: Daisy Road
Friday, September 4: 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Celebrate the National Herb Garden’s Rock (‘n Roll) Garden exhibit with an electrifying rock concert by Daisy Road! Bring your picnic blanket, try out a local food truck, and sing along to classic tunes the whole family will enjoy. Event proceeds benefit FONA.
Photo by Josh Peterson
Dinner Under the Stars
Tuesday, September 22: 5:30 PM – 9 PM
Join champions of agriculture, conservation, and policy for an unforgettable evening of impact. Engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, D.C. government, and local philanthropy while enjoying cocktails and a seated dinner in view of the Capitol Columns. Event proceeds benefit FONA.
Photo by A2Z Photography
Fall 5K & Festival
Saturday, October 31: Race Start 8:30 AM | Festival Start 10 AM
Soak in the National Arboretum’s spectacular fall foliage as you run or walk the race. Plus, compete in a Halloween costume contest, enjoy free seasonal family activities, and buy bulbs for your garden! Event proceeds benefit FONA.
WASHINGTON YOUTH GARDEN
Washington Youth Garden (WYG) is a one-acre education garden at the National Arboretum and is a destination for garden-based education and nature play. It was originally established in 1971 to teach local elementary students horticulture and life skills.
Today, the Washington Youth Garden is a welcoming and inviting place for the D.C. community to learn and grow together. WYG’s sensory garden, innovative growing techniques, and Nature Explore Classroom encourage visitors of all ages to engage with agriculture, farming, and environmental education. Thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in WYG each year, all of which are distributed to students and families in the D.C. community to fight food insecurity.
Visit the Garden
The garden is open to all Arboretum visitors and has parking nearby. Please follow our three garden agreements during your visit:
- Stay on the path
- Pick with permission
- Respect all living things
Attend an Event
We host many events open to the public throughout the year, including family workshops and our fall Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale. See our calendar for upcoming events in Washington Youth Garden.
Photo by Jason Dixson and NEEF
Get Involved
Individual, group, and youth volunteers provide crucial help with gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, mulching, and pest control from April through mid-November. You don’t need prior experience, but you must be willing to make friends with the soil and the bugs! See our garden page to learn more.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
With a focus on serving under-resourced communities, FONA nurtures curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. Our youth education programs take place at Washington Youth Garden on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum.
Garden Education
Science Program Reaching OUT (SPROUT) field trips welcomes classes to the Washington Youth Garden during the school year. Field trips are 90 minutes long and explore the garden and Nature Explore Classroom.
Green Ambassador Program
The Green Ambassador Program provides summer employment and development opportunities for D.C. high school students. Youth enter the program in the Farm Crew and progress to become Crew Leaders, staff, and alumni.
VISITOR EVENTS & PROGRAMS
We host visitor events and programs throughout the year that encourage a connection to nature, science, health, and wellness. Check out our calendar below to see what’s available.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Slow down and connect with nature and yourself at the National Arboretum through forest bathing walks and sound bathing experiences. See the calendar below for upcoming events.
Recreation & Fitness
Stay active at the Arboretum by participating in FONA’s 5K race series or outdoor yoga classes. Email us to learn about 5K sponsorship opportunities. See the calendar below for upcoming events.
Full Moon Events
Spend an evening exploring the Arboretum’s moonlit gardens and collections on a Full Moon Hike. Or slow down and connect with nature during a guided Full Moon Forest Bathing session. FONA periodically hosts these events throughout the year. See the calendar below for upcoming events.
Garden Fair & Plant Sale
The spring Garden Fair & Plant Sale takes place every year on the last weekend of April. Shop from thousands of plants as well as dozens of local gardening, lifestyle, and food vendors. You can also get advice from our expert gardeners and enjoy free family activities.
Fall 5K & Festival
The Fall 5K & Festival celebrates peak fall foliage. Soak up spectacular fall foliage on the 5K course, compete in a Halloween costume contest, buy bulbs for your garden, enjoy free family activities, and more!
Holiday Market & Tree Sale
Join us for the annual Holiday Market & Tree Sale in early December. There is a gift vendor village with dozens of local artisans as well as free family activities. Visitors can also buy Christmas trees and other holiday greenery at the Arboretum, or pre-order a tree and have it delivered to their house.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Dinner Under the Stars will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns. Join fellow champions of agriculture, conservation, and policy for an unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the U.S. National Arboretum. This open-air event features cocktails, a tented dinner, and opportunities to engage with key figures from industry, Capitol Hill, D.C. government, and local philanthropy.
The Spring Soirée is held annually each spring in the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. Connect with friends and neighbors while supporting the science, beauty, and community impact of the National Arboretum. This open-air event is hosted by FONA’s Board of Directors and will feature a cocktail buffet and delicious drinks in the Museum. Stay tuned for the 2027 date!
CALENDAR
Events with green tiles are hosted by Friends of the National Arboretum. Events with black tiles are hosted by the U.S. National Arboretum. Events with purple tiles are hosted by other stakeholder partners. Use the filter function to narrow down the list of events. Proceeds from events hosted by Friends of the National Arboretum benefit FONA.
September
October
November
December