Special Events

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

• Winter Wellness Walks

  SATURDAYS | 10:30am - 11:30am
  SUNDAYS | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Led by an experienced Volunteer Guide, these brisk walks will stick to the paved paths and get your heart rate up.

  
  

  

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  Winter Witchhazel Walk

  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 15 & 22
  1:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Discover many varieties of colorful and fragrant witchhazels. These delightful winter beauties are some of the first harbingers of spring and boast beautiful flowers in a range of colors. Tours begin at Widener Visitor Center.

  Download the map!

  
  

  

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  Witchhazel is your Favorite?

  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15
  1:00pm - 3:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Bring your family to Morris Arboretum for a day of outdoor fun and garden exploration. Follow the prepared scavenger hunt map to discover more than 70 varieties of colorful and fragrant witchhazels growing in the garden. Children may create a witchhazel related craft in the Upper Gallery of the Visitor Center. An Arboretum expert will be available in the Upper Gallery to answer questions on the variety and cultivation of witchhazels. The 1pm guided tour will focus on the Arboretum’s witchhazel collection.

  Download the map!

  
  

  

• Winter Wellness Walks

  SATURDAYS | 10:30am - 11:30am
  SUNDAYS | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Led by an experienced Volunteer Guide, these brisk walks will stick to the paved paths and get your heart rate up.

  
  

  

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  Signs of Spring Tour

  SATURDAY, MARCH 7 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join an experienced guide for our featured tour of the month. Explore the early signs of spring emerging at Morris Arboretum. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  Storytime at the Arboretum

  SATURDAY, MARCH 13 | 10:30am - 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join us for fun and engaging reading sessions with local librarians. Each session is tailored to the changing seasons and complements the natural setting of the Arboretum. Storytime is held outdoors in nice weather, at the Outdoor Children's Classroom, next to the Widener Visitor Center. In the case of inclement weather, Storytime is held in the side tent or classroom at the Visitor Center.

  
  

  

  Register now

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  Winter Witchhazel Walk

  SATURDAY, MARCH 14 & 28
  1:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Discover many varieties of colorful and fragrant witchhazels. These delightful winter beauties are some of the first harbingers of spring and boast beautiful flowers in a range of colors. Tours begin at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  Building Philadelphia’s Science Capital

  Dr. Darryl Williams, Senior Vice President of Science and Education Franklin Institute
  WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
  2:00pm - 4:00pm
  Upper Gallery
  Members: $15 | Non-Members: $20

  A city like Philadelphia, with all of its assets, can lead in executing the new national STEM education strategy by focusing on building our own community’s science capital. Yet, these assets lack cohesion, which further disconnects our city’s most vulnerable demographics. The Franklin Institute understands the role it plays in supporting the city’s STEM education ecosystem.

  
  

  

• Spring Buds and Blooms Tour

  SATURDAY, APRIL 4 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join an experienced guide for our featured tour of the month. Celebrate spring and discover flowering trees and colorful blooms. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  Storytime at the Arboretum

  FRIDAY, APRIL 10 | 10:30am - 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join us for fun and engaging reading sessions with local librarians. Each session is tailored to the changing seasons and complements the natural setting of the Arboretum. Storytime is held outdoors in nice weather, at the Outdoor Children's Classroom, next to the Widener Visitor Center. In the case of inclement weather, Storytime is held in the side tent or classroom at the Visitor Center.

  
  

  

  Register now

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  Cherry Blossom Days

  SATURDAYS, APRIL 11 & 18 | 10:00am - 3:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  In the early 20th century, John and Lydia Morris (founders of the Morris Arboretum) established one of the finest collections of Japanese plants and gardens in the region at their home, Compton, which would later become the Morris Arboretum. Commemorate this heritage and experience the beauty of Morris Arboretum’s cherry tree collection in bloom during Cherry Blossom Days. Both Saturdays will feature traditional Japanese cultural activities.

  • Saturday, April 11

    Cherry Walk

    11:00am
    Meet at the Garden Railway

    Visitors are invited to discover and appreciate the variety of cherry species planted throughout the Arboretum. This 45 minute walk will be led by an Arboretum expert. Space is limited.

    
    

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    Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew

    10:30am & 12:00pm
    Haha Wall

    Taiko drumming has been practiced in Japan for hundreds of years at festivals, battles, and as a means of communication over long distances. A combination of choreography and drumming, taiko drumming is physically demanding and visually compelling. KyoDaiko, under the sponsorship of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, is a community-based taiko drumming group offering classes in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.

    
    

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    Japanese Garden Elements Tour

    1:00pm
    Meet at the Garden Railway

    A Japanese garden speaks to all of the senses, providing a place for rest, repose, meditation and pleasure. Explore the many locations throughout the Arboretum where traditional Japanese elements meld into the Victorian landscape created by John Morris.

    
    

  • Saturday, April 18

    Cherry Walk

    11:00am
    Meet at the Garden Railway

    Visitors are invited to discover and appreciate the variety of cherry species planted throughout the Arboretum. This 45 minute walk will be led by an Arboretum expert. Space is limited.

    
    

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    Kyo Daiko Drumming Crew

    10:30am & 12:00pm
    Haha Wall

    Taiko drumming has been practiced in Japan for hundreds of years at festivals, battles, and as a means of communication over long distances. A combination of choreography and drumming, taiko drumming is physically demanding and visually compelling. KyoDaiko, under the sponsorship of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, is a community-based taiko drumming group offering classes in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia.

    
    

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    Japanese Garden Elements Tour

    1:00pm
    Meet at the Garden Railway

    A Japanese garden speaks to all of the senses, providing a place for rest, repose, meditation and pleasure. Explore the many locations throughout the Arboretum where traditional Japanese elements meld into the Victorian landscape created by John Morris.

    
    

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    Traditional Japanese Tea Demonstration

    2:00pm
    Oak Allée Plaza (Rain location: Upper Gallery)

    Ryurei is a table-style tea ceremony developed in the late 19th century to accommodate foreign visitors to Japan. The misonodana, or imperial garden table, is featured in this presentation. Weather permitting, the demonstration will be outside.

    
    

  
  

  

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  Arbor Day Family Day - Unearth the Science of Flowers!

  SATURDAY, APRIL 25 | 11:00am - 2:00pm
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Did you know that flowers are just one organ on a plant? And that their main purpose is to make the next generation of plants? Dig into the science of flowers with Morris Arboretum scientists who will show you the four whorls of a flower, introduce you to some plant families, and consider how humans use flowers and fruits. Craft your own artfully designed bandana using flowers. Explore the secret meaning of flowers and create a personal card using this age-old language.
  
  Included with garden admission. Girl Scouts earning the flower badge must register and pay through GSEP.org.

  
  

  

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  MORE Hidden Gems Tour

  SATURDAY, APRIL 25 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join a knowledgeable guide for a walking tour highlighting garden features not often viewed on an average visit. Go off the beaten path to discover garden gems you haven’t seen before. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

• Delightful Dogwoods and More

  SATURDAY, MAY 2 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join an experienced guide for our featured tour of the month. Explore the Arboretum’s collection of flowering dogwoods in many shapes and forms and other spring bloomers with a dazzling range of flower colors and scents. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  Irish Day

  SUNDAY, MAY 3 | 11:00am - 3:00pm
  Throughout the gardens
  Included with garden admission.

  Enjoy performances of traditional Irish music at various locations throughout the garden. Meet historians and brothers William E. and J. Francis Watson and learn about the infamous Duffy’s Cut tragedy.

  Slogan for the day – “May the tree lined path rise up to greet you on May 17, Irish Day at Morris Arboretum, which is always dressed in green.”

  
  

  

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  Storytime at the Arboretum

  FRIDAY, MAY 8 | 10:30am - 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join us for fun and engaging reading sessions with local librarians. Each session is tailored to the changing seasons and complements the natural setting of the Arboretum. Storytime is held outdoors in nice weather, at the Outdoor Children's Classroom, next to the Widener Visitor Center. In the case of inclement weather, Storytime is held in the side tent or classroom at the Visitor Center.

  
  

  

  Register now

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  MORE Hidden Gems Tour

  SATURDAYS, MAY 9 & 23 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join a knowledgeable guide for a walking tour highlighting garden features not often viewed on an average visit. Go off the beaten path to discover garden gems you haven’t seen before. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  A Celebration of Spring
  Mill Day at Bloomfield Farm

  SUNDAY, MAY 17 | 11:00am - 4:00pm
  Bloomfield Farm
  Included with garden admission. Farm only $5 admission for ages 3 & up

  Join us at the first Mill Day of the Season! Shop the beautiful plants that will be on offer from the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, the Delaware Valley Chapter of the North American Rock Garden Society and the Delaware Valley Fern and Wildflower Society. Find containers for your new plants as well as other original ceramics on sale by the talented artisans of the Allens Lane Art Center. Take a tour of the historic mill and relax on the adjacent lawn listening to the original, live music of local favorites the Humbleman Band. Visit with animal guests from neighboring Erdenheim Farm. Pack a picnic and invite your family and friends to join you for an enjoyable afternoon at Bloomfield Farm.

  Member Dividend Day at Bloomfield Farm

  11:00am - 12:00pm

  Premier level members, Chestnut level and above, are invited to stop by the west wing of the Bloomfield Barn to select their dividend plant(s).

  12:00pm - 4:00pm

  All members are invited to pick up their dividend plant and stay for the celebration at Springfield Mills’ first open demonstration day of the season. This historic mill has been restored and is stone-grinding corn for meal and flour. Come and explore revolutionary technology, local history and a beautiful setting along the Wissahickon Creek. Bring a picnic and relax on the lawn while enjoying live music.

  
  

  

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  Garden Railway Seasonal Opening

  SATURDAY, MAY 23
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  The Garden Railway opens for the summer season Saturday, May 23, Memorial Day weekend. The Garden Railway display is a miniature world with a quarter mile track running through it. It features loops and tunnels, bridges and trestles and all of the small-scale buildings are created entirely of natural materials. The trains will be open daily through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, and then on weekends only through Monday, October 14.

  
  

  

• Moonlight & Roses

  FRIDAY, JUNE 5 | 6:00pm - 11:00pm
  Rose Garden
  

  Moonlight & Roses is the Morris Arboretum’s annual fundraising gala to support all aspects of the Arboretum’s mission. The evening begins with cocktails in our stunning Rose Garden at the peak of its bloom. Dinner follows underneath of a clear-top tent with a live band, dancing and open bar. More information, including how to purchase tickets, can be found at www.MorrisArboretumGala.org.

  
  

  

  Purchase Tickets

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  Small Trees for Small Spaces

  SATURDAY, JUNE 6 | 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join an experienced guide for our featured tour of the month. Tour begins at Widener Visitor Center.

  
  

  

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  Storytime at the Arboretum

  FRIDAY, JUNE 12 | 10:30am - 11:00am
  Visitor Center
  Included with garden admission.

  Join us for fun and engaging reading sessions with local librarians. Each session is tailored to the changing seasons and complements the natural setting of the Arboretum. Storytime is held outdoors in nice weather, at the Outdoor Children's Classroom, next to the Widener Visitor Center. In the case of inclement weather, Storytime is held in the side tent or classroom at the Visitor Center.

  
  

  

  Register now

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  Celebrate Father's Day
  Mill Day at Bloomfield Farm

  SUNDAY, JUNE 21 | 1:00pm - 4:00pm
  Bloomfield Farm
  Included with garden admission. Farm only $5 admission for ages 3 & up

  Bring your family to explore the Arboretum’s historic grist mill situated along the picturesque Wissahickon Creek. Watch one-ton millstones grind corn kernels and observe 160-year-old machinery transport and sift the ground corn to produce meal. Guided tours.

  
  

  

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  Garden Railway: Circus Week

  SATURDAY, JUNE 27 - SUNDAY, JULY 5
  Garden Railway
  Included with garden admission.

  Listen for the call of the ringmaster as you watch the colorful railroad cars bring the “Big Top” to the garden.

  
  

  

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