SEASONAL FESTIVALS & PLANT SALES
GARDEN FAIR & PLANT SALE
Join us for the annual Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Saturday, April 25th from 9 AM to 4 PM. Shop from thousands of plants hand-selected by our team of garden experts, browse from 25+ local vendors selling plant-related products, and enjoy free family activities. Thank you to Bartlett Tree Experts for sponsoring this year’s event!
Please register below to let us know you’re coming and to receive important event-related updates.
EVENT DETAILS
Scroll through the tabs to learn the schedule, where to park, how to get to the event, and important reminders.
8 AM: Arboretum opens to the public. Members may start lining up outside the Plant Sale tent for members-only hours.
9 AM – 11 AM: Members-only hours in the Plant Sale tent. The Vendor Village is open to the public during this time. Donate any amount to become a FONA member and get early access.
11 AM – 4 PM: Both the Plant Sale tent and Vendor Village are open to the public. Free family-friendly activities are offered by DC Child Care Connections from 10 AM to 2 PM.
4 PM: Event ends. All visitors must pick up their plants from plant sitting by this time.
5 PM: Arboretum closes to the public.
Attendees must park at either the R Street parking lot near the Visitor Center or the Grove parking lot. Parking is free.
A free shuttle service will run from 8 AM to 5 PM between the parking lots and the event, which will be held in the New York Avenue parking lot. Pets are not permitted aboard the shuttle, but service animals are welcome. Foldable strollers can be brought on board.
A limited number of handicap parking spots are available in the New York Ave lot. No other event parking is allowed in this lot.
There are no discounts on plants.
Plan to pay with a credit or debit card in the Plant Sale tent (no cash sales).
Dogs are not allowed in the Plant Sale tent, but are allowed on leash in the Vendor Village. Bringing your dog is not recommended since the event can get very crowded.
You are welcome to bring your own wheeled cart, wagon, or boxes into the Plant Sale tent. You can leave your cart with our plant sitting volunteers while you get your car.
A limited number of shopping carts are available. Shopping carts must stay in the Plant Sale tent area.
In the event of inclement weather, we will send an email with alternative arrangements.
Click the map to view in full screen.
EVENT OFFERINGS
Scroll through the tabs to learn more about the event.
9 AM – 11 AM: Members-only hours for the Plant Sale tent. Donate any amount to join and unlock this perk
11 AM – 4 PM: Public hours for the Plant Sale tent
Shop from thousands of annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, and rare plants curated by FONA’s garden experts. Whether you’re looking for herbs for your apartment balcony or shade-loving perennials for your yard, the Plant Sale tent has great options at great prices. No matter your gardening experience level, our garden experts can answer your questions and offer advice. Plan to pay with a credit or debit card for purchases from the Plant Sale tent (no cash sales).
Check out the list of plants that our garden experts have ordered:*
*Plant availability subject to change
From 9 AM to 11 AM, FONA members get early access to the Plant Sale tent. From 11 AM to 4 PM, the Plant Sale tent will be open to the public. Donate any amount to become a FONA member and get the first pick of these one-of-a-kind plants!
Free plant sitting is available next to the Plant Sale tent so you can put your plants down while you enjoy the rest of the event. When you are ready to pack up your plants, you can drive your car right up to the plant sitting tent and we will help you load your car.
9 AM – 4 PM: Vendor Village is open to the public all day
Shop from over 25 local plant, gardening, home goods, food, and beverage vendors!
PLANTS & GARDEN
- 6 Kings Farm: Wool fertilizer and soil amendment
- Boujie Plants: Customized plants, containers, and soil blends
- Cultivate the City: Plants (including houseplants) and garden-related products
- Embrace the Succ: Rare cacti and succulents
- Herb Society of America: Potomac Unit: Herbs
- Pitcheresque Plants: Carnivorous plants
- Plants & What Knot: Kokedama, air plants, and living wall art
- Plant Bazaar DC: Indoor and outdoor plants
- Radical Roots Organic Farm: Specialty organic fruit and vegetable seedlings
ART & HOME DECOR
- Bruce Ciske Pottery: Ceramic vases and ikebana containers
- D’Boho Mama: Handmade cards, journals, and macrame
- Down2Earth Pottery: Functional and wearable ceramic art
- Lita + Ro: Hand-poured soy candles
- Marcella Kriebel Art + Illustration: Watercolor prints, towels, aprons, and tote bags
CLOTHING, JEWELRY, BEAUTY
- Bailiwick Clothing Company: Clothing and accessories with unique DC and DMV designs
- bianca + jean: Handmade accessories and curated gifts
- Earth Essentials by Erica: Small-batch skincare and self-care products
- Heiress Oils: Organic essential-oil based mosquito repellent
- One Seed Designs: Landscape-inspired handmade silver and stone jewelry
- Silver Quill Studio: Jewelry and sun catchers made from recycled materials
FOOD & DRINK
- Black Sesame Rolls: Korean and Japanese onigiri and rice rolls
- Blossom Bakery: Fresh-baked breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads
- Frosty Softy: Soft serve ice cream, milkshakes, shaved ice, and other desserts
- Pearl Fine Teas: Premium high quality loose leaf teas
- Phowheels: Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist
- Taco Dirty To Me: Freshly made fusion tacos
- Zeke’s Coffee of DC: Fresh hot coffee and cold brew, plus coffee beans
* Vendors are subject to change.
10 AM – 2 PM: Free family-friendly activities
DC Child Care Connections will offer free child-centered, family-focused activities for children ages 2 to 12. These will include face painting, arts, crafts, and games. Adult supervision is required during all family activities.
Thank you Bartlett Tree Experts for sponsoring this year’s Garden Fair & Plant Sale! We are grateful for in-kind plant donations from Adcock’s Nursery, Brotzman Nursery, Edelweiss Perennials, Far Reaches Farm, Hawksridge Farms, Hoffman Nursery, Hopewell Nursery, Lancaster Farms, Manor View Farm, McCorkle Nursery, Monrovia, Old Glory Nursery, Piedmont Carolina Nursery, Plant Delights Nursery, and Youngblood Nursery.
What happens if there is inclement weather on April 25th?
In the event of inclement weather, some or all of this event may be moved to Sunday, April 26th. Check our website on the afternoon of April 24th for details.
If I registered for this on Eventbrite, does that mean I can access members-only hours in the Plant Sale tent?
No, registering for the Garden Fair & Plant Sale on Eventbrite does not qualify you to access the members-only hours in the Plant Sale tent. Only FONA members can enter the tent from 9 AM to 11 AM. Please donate any amount to become a FONA member to access this benefit.
Can I bring my dog to this event?
Dogs are not allowed in the Plant Sale tent, but are allowed on leash in the Vendor Village. Dogs are not recommended since the event can get very crowded.
Do I have to carry my plants all the way back to my car?
Free plant sitting is available next to the Plant Sale tent so you can put your plants down while you enjoy the rest of the event. When you are ready to pack up your plants, you can drive your car right up to the plant sitting tent and we will help you load your plants.
Do I have to pay for the shuttle service to transport me between the parking lot and the event?
No, the shuttle service is provided free of charge. It will run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No, all parking at the National Arboretum is free. Please park at either the R Street lot or Grove parking lot, and a free shuttle bus will transport you to the event.
How do I become a volunteer for the Garden Fair & Plant Sale?
We couldn’t make this event possible without volunteers! Fill out our Garden Fair volunteer interest form and we will get back to you with more details.
What else is there to see at the National Arboretum this time of year?
There is lots to see! The Azalea Collections are often in full bloom this time of year. Visit the National Arboretum’s website to learn more about what the Arboretum has to offer.
EVENT REGISTRATION
Registration for this free event is encouraged but not required. Please let us know you’re coming and to receive important event updates.
GARLIC PLANTING PARTY & BULB SALE
Our annual Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale is a great way to celebrate fall and FONA’s community at the National Arboretum! This event takes place each year in the Washington Youth Garden on the last Saturday in October. Attendees can plant garlic, harvest sweet potatoes, try fresh sugar cane juice, and enjoy free nature-based family activities. They can also buy edible and ornamental bulbs to plant in their own gardens. We will share information about the 2026 event in the late summer or early fall of 2026.
WINTER FESTIVAL & CHRISTMAS TREE SALE
Get in the holiday spirit with FONA’s Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale! This important annual fundraiser supports our work at the National Arboretum. We hold this event each year in early December. We will share more information about the 2026 Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale in the late summer or early fall of 2026.
LAHR NATIVE PLANT SYMPOSIUM & NATIVE PLANT SALE
The National Arboretum’s Lahr Native Plant Symposium brings together expert speakers for an engaging day of presentations about native plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. FONA’s Native Plant Sale hosts a small number of native plant vendors from across the mid-Atlantic region to sell spring ephemerals and other choice perennials and woody plants. These events are held in conjunction with each other in late March. Information for the 2027 events will be announced in early 2027.
BECOME A VENDOR
Apply today to be a vendor at one of FONA’s 2026 seasonal festivals! Our seasonal festivals draw thousands of visitors to the National Arboretum throughout the year. Each event is unique: the Native Plant Sale connects with native plant enthusiasts; the Garden Fair & Plant Sale provides everything a gardener needs to get growing in the spring; and the Winter Festival offers holiday cheer and a gift market. Apply today if you are a local business, nursery, or food truck interested in vending at one or multiple 2026 seasonal festivals. A limited number of booths are available at each event and space fills quickly.
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS
FONA offers many corporate sponsorship opportunities throughout the year at our community events, visitor programs, and annual Dinner Under the Stars. These events connect thousands of people from the D.C. region and beyond to nature, science, and plant stewardship at the National Arboretum. Corporate sponsors gain digital and in-person visibility leading up to and at these events. FONA has over 16,000 engaged followers across Instagram and Facebook and reaches 17,000+ subscribers through FONA Field Notes, our weekly e-newsletter.
Sponsorships are available for a variety of events of different sizes and audiences. They include but are not limited to the Garden Fair & Plant Sale (April), 5K races (March and November), Summer Evening Hours (June through August), Dinner Under the Stars (September), Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale (October), and Winter Festival & Christmas Tree Sale (December). Email donations@fona.org to learn more about becoming a corporate sponsor.
Photo by Josh Peterson
EVENT VOLUNTEERING
Volunteering at FONA’s events throughout the year is a great way to support our work building community at the National Arboretum. Spend a day enjoying plants and people by volunteering at our annual Garden Fair and Plant Sale, or help with other seasonal festivals, concerts, 5K races, and more. No experience is required, but we greatly appreciate when people can commit to volunteering at multiple events throughout the year. Fill out our event volunteer interest form and we will get back to you with more details.
