The Art of the Pumpkin at the Dallas Arboretum

You know it's fall when the Dallas Arboretum opens up the Pumpkin Village, the best pumpkin patch in all of Dallas-Fort Worth!  This year's them is The Art of the Pumpkin.

We have been bringing the kids to the Pumpkin Village every year since they were little.  It makes us fall in love with autumn all over again.  

The Pumpkin Village is the perfect place to take family pictures because it is just fun and full of fall colors.

There are four 20-foot tall pumpkin houses in Pumpkin Village!  Each pumpkin house has its own design and made from a gathering of beautiful pumpkins and gourds. 

Of course, the beautiful princess carriage is drawn by two straw horses in a field of pumpkins.

There are over 10,900 corn stalks and 1,200 bales of hay in Pumpkin Village.  Most of these are used in the maze that little kids just love to run through.

There are 24 different types of pumpkins, 18 different types of squash, and 4 different types of gourds.  I loved looking at them all spread out next to each other.  This picture is just a small part of the full presentation.

There is so much more going on at the Arboretum besides just the Pumpkin Village and don't forget to take the kids to the Rory Meyers Children's Garden!  Scroll down below and see the amazing list of events they have in store for this fall.

DEMONSTRATION COOKING

Dallas College Cooks

Every Monday

11 a.m.-Noon

A Tasteful Place

Participate in this popular demonstration cooking class, taught by Chef Lisa Roark, from the college's nationally recognized culinary school, formerly known as El Centro. She demonstrates two new recipes each month.

September: Grilled Eggplant Salad & Glazed Turnips

October: Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers and Grilled Artichoke with Lemon and Herbs

November: Broccoli and Greens Soup and Roasted Fennel Bruschetta

 

Chef-tastic Cooking Series

11 a.m.-Noon

A Tasteful Place

See how the pros do it, and sample a small bite of the fruits of their labor. Enjoy a demonstration from renowned chefs and restaurants as they take center stage in the demonstration kitchen.

September 19: Greenville Avenue Pizza Company and their famous pizza

September 30: Yelibelly Chocolates

October 1: One Great Vegan, one of her fabulous Vegan recipes

October 1: Terri Finazzo, demonstrates a pepper recipe

October 3: Josephine's Cakes, Sweets Treats and More, featuring her popular Pumpkin Bread

October 8: Terri Finazzo, demonstrates a tomato recipe

October 10: Whitness Nutrition, pumpkin recipe

October 14: Kuluntu Bakery showcasing her sourdough bread

October 17: Creative Cookies and Pops, demonstrates her gorgeous decorative cookies

October 28: White Rock Ale House

October 31: Custom Cafe Foods and a lovely fall recipe

November 4: CiboDivino shows off an Italian recipe

November 7: Charlie's Treats featuring his famous nuts

 

Mommy & Me Mondays

& Tiny Tot Tuesdays

Every Monday & Tuesday through October 27

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pecan Grove

Children's activities include painted body tattoos by A Fresh Perspective, Country Critters Petting Zoo, Fit4Mom White Rock Dallas Stroller Fitness at 10 a. m. and Kindermusik at noon. New safety precautions and socially distanced rules will be in place for all of these activities.Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark

 

Walk This Way

Every Monday 10 a.m.-Noon

September 21-October 26

Get fit by joining this walking class around the garden, led by Denise and Max Davis, long-time Dallas Arboretum volunteers.

 

Tasteful Tuesdays

Every Tuesday

11 a.m.-noon

A Tasteful Place

Every Tuesday, local flower store professionals show participants helpful tips and tricks for making their own floral arrangements and how to select the best grocery store flowers.

September 22: McShan Florist

September 29: Ruibal's

October 6: Enflowerment

October 27: McShan Florist

 

Daily Harvest

Every Tuesday and Thursday

10 a.m.

A Tasteful Place

Horticulture Manager Joseph Farmer harvests seasonal vegetables, fruits or herbs right out of the garden in A Tasteful Place.

 

Pumpkin Thursdays Scavenger Hunt

Every Thursday

September 24 through October 29

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

At the Information Booth on Thursdays, guests are invited to pick up a map leading them on a scavenger hunt throughout the garden and finding surprises in Pumpkin Village. Complete the hunt; turn in the card back at the Information Booth to receive a ticket to be redeemed by 4 p.m. for a brownie from the Terrace Café.

 

Learn to Grow Horticulture Presentation

11 a.m.-Noon

A Tasteful Place

Presented by the North Texas Master Gardeners and the Dallas Arboretum Horticultural Staff, speakers discuss summer and autumn gardening and tips.

October 16: Favorite Plants of the Dallas Arboretum - This class is for those new to the area, new to gardening or simply want to refresh their landscapes.

November 6: This is Texas State Arbor Day, a terrific time to plant trees all across the state. Visitors can learn the best selections for North Texas.

 

Fridays with Dave

October 2, 9, and 23

11 a.m.

A Tasteful Place

Dave Forehand, Dallas Arboretum's vice president of gardens, has kept the community informed of all the varieties of plants and floral displays during this pandemic. Garden guests are invited to meet him in person and hear his presentations on select Fridays.

 

Live Music & Performances Every Weekend

Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m. 

Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic or purchase food and kick up their feet every with live music and special performances on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn.

September 19: Reckless Angels - Classic Rock

September 20: Monkey Love Band - Party Rock Band

September 26: Don Diego Band - Jazz

September 27: DJ Sullivan Trio - Electro Mix

October 3: TBA Band

October 4: Marc Touissant Combo - Jazz

October 10: Mountain Natives - Folk

October 11: The Closers - Blues

October 17: Sierra Leone along with performances by the SMU Mustang Mavericks 

October 18: Missing Three Band - Classic to current Rock

October 24: For Love of Country 

October 25: The Closers - Blues

October 31: Missing Three Band- Classic to current Rock

November 1: Cool Side of Easy- Acoustic guitar duo

 

Oktoberfest

September 20

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The garden celebrates Oktoberfest with complimentary beer samples, tasty local and traditional food vendors, and live music all weekend! Compete in the pretzel toss and stein-holding competition, supported by White Rock Ale House. Monkey Love Band plays a concert from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Café on the Green's Oktoberfest menu, which is available from September 19 to November 1, features various bratwursts, carved pastrami sandwiches, warm apple strudel, black forest cake and assorted Oktoberfest beers.

 

National Coffee Day Celebration

September 29

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

A Tasteful Place

Free with Paid Garden Admission

Tastings and Products for Sale

Grab a cup of coffee from one of many of Dallas' favorite spots, listen to live music and choose from a selection of pastries, baked goods, and other coffee flavored treats such as ice cream and popsicles.

 

National Cookie Month

October is National Cookie Month, and the garden offers a variety of cookie vendors and demonstrations to celebrate.

October 7  11am Frankly Good Vegan Cookies

October 21 11am Hey Y'all Bakery

October 24 11am Full Circle Bakery

 

National Taco Day

October 4 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

A Tasteful Place

Free with Paid Garden Admission

Tastings and Products for Sale

A Tasteful Place features a variety of specialty tacos for sale ranging from street to gourmet from favorite local spots as well as fresh salsa, tortillas and paletas, while festive live music plays. Stop by for a beer taste test to guess the Mexican beer brands versus domestic ones.

 

All American Weekend

October 9-12

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Friday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. - Eddie Coker

Saturday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Mountain Natives, a Dallas folk rock band

Sunday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. - The Closers, a rock and variety band

Saturday, Sunday and Monday activities also include body tattoo painting by A Fresh Perspective and Country Critters Petting Zoo in Pecan Grove from 10 a.m.-2 p.m

 

Mum Day! Homecoming returns to the Dallas Arboretum

October 17-18

Don a homecoming mum on Saturday and Sunday. Snap a selfie in front of the Octagon Pumpkin House wearing the mum, and post with the hashtag #dallasarboretummumday to receive a special treat from the Lula Mae Slaughter Terrace

 

"Owl-O-Ween" with Window to the Wild

October 24 Noon-2 p.m.

Pecan Grove's Pumpkin Village

Join Window to the Wild for a meet and greet with their owls including Hermes, a great horned owl, and Pigwidgeon, the tiniest, Eastern screech owl. Guests can meet and take pictures with these owls as well as ask questions of their handlers. Don't miss this unique "Owl-O-Ween" opportunity.

 

Family Fun Weekend

October 31-November 1

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Don't miss the annual Halloween extravaganza weekend with trick-or-treating throughout the garden, pumpkin decorating, body art tattoos and a petting zoo. 

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Saturday's live music from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. features The Missing Three, and Cool Side of Easy on Sunday from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Window to the Wild Bird Flight Show

November 1, 10:30 a.m.

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Join Window to the Wild for a 45-minute outdoor education flight training show. At the end of the show, come to the stage to meet and greet with the birds and their trainers.

 

DISCOUNTS:

Early bird tickets

People can purchase tickets online from September 1-18 to receive $1 off per ticket; these tickets are valid for admission during the festival dates, September 19-November 1, 2020.

BOGO Wednesdays

Every Wednesday

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday.

C.C. Young Senior Living Thursdays

Every Thursday

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Seniors 65 and older receive $1 off general garden admission on Thursdays as well as receive a 20% discount in the Hoffman Family Gift Store. 

About the Arboretum:

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.  Festival admission is $17 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and older, $12 for children 2-12, and free for Arboretum members and children under two.  Parking is $15 or $10 purchased online. 

For more information, call 214.515.6500 or visit www.dallasarboretum.org.

Jack Carter Pool in Plano

We met up with some friends at Jack Carter Pool in Plano.  We have never been to this pool before.  I can't believe we had never even heard of it.  It has some really fun features!

First there are three big water slides.

We couldn't believe when we saw this FlowRider Surf Simulator!  How cool is that?!  Water flows and you get to ride the waves on a little surf board.  It looked like a lot of fun but I couldn't get up the courage to try it myself.  But the kids loved it!

There is also a real rock climbing wall.  It sits above a 12 foot pool and includes waterfalls and real rocks to climb.  It looked challenging but both of our kids love rock climbing so this was a big hit for them.

There is also a lazy river that we moms enjoyed walking and floating around while we chatted with each other.  

There is even a little kid area to splash around in.

Jack Carter pool was a fun discovery and we will definitely be back!  It is located at 2601 Pleasant Valley Road in Plano, TX.  Admission is included with the Plano parks membership.  If you don't have a membership then the admission cost is only $5 for ages 16 and under and $9 for adults.  Check them out at the Jack Carter Pool website.

Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum

Christmas is a magical time of year!  There are so many wonderful events in the Dallas area to help families celebrate this joyous holiday season but one of our favorite Christmas traditions is to visit Dallas Arboretum, especially their 12 Days of Christmas exhibit!  There are lights, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, beautiful gardens, plus lots of fun activities for the whole family!

The 12 Days of Christmas exhibit features twelve beautiful Victorian-style gazebos throughout the gardens.  Each gazebo is numbered and represents one of the 12 Days of Christmas complete with charming people and whimsical animals that move and spin around the gazebo as if dancing to the Christmas carols that are playing outside. We have visited the 12 Days of Christmas exhibit for several years now but we have never attended it at night.  Wow!  It is even prettier at night!


One of my favorites is Gazebo 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming.  Look how beautiful it is!

But pictures just can't capture the beauty of the swans swimming around the frozen fountain.  You will have to see it to believe it.

Here is a snippet of video of the Gazebo 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming...


Reliant is a major sponsor for the 12 Days of Christmas event and you can get a cool light-up Reliant Santa hat just like we did.  They are available November 29, December 5, 13, 14, 23 from 6-9 p.m. at the main ticket booth.

I think the guys enjoyed Gazebo 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping the most because all of the Lords were all on ice skates!  And yes, even my teen wore a light-up hat!

There is a map to show you where each of the gazebos are located but you can just wander along the paths and find each one of them. 

While you are strolling the gardens, make sure you stop by the 30-foot spruce Christmas tree in the center of the garden.  It is so beautiful.

Near the Christmas tree you will find the Café on the Green which offers special holiday drinks like pumpkin lattes, mulled wine, and Mexican hot chocolate as well as treats like pumpkin bars, holiday paninis, and even a bowl of soup in a Sourdough bread bowl. We didn't have time to stop in at the Café but we did find several stations along the main path for warm beverages and even a station for snacks.

I was such a happy momma spending the evening with my family among the gardens filled with all of the sparkle of the Christmas season!

Of course, even without all of the extra dazzle of Christmas, the Arboretum is still an amazing garden full of the wonders of nature so take your time as you are walking through to be sure you don't miss a thing!

There are so many exciting things to see at do during Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum.  Here is a listing of some of them....

The 12 Days of Christmas, Daily, 9-5, November 9-December 31

Adult: $15, Seniors (65 or older): $12, Children (2-12 years): $10
Enjoy elaborately decorated Victorian-style gazebos on display every day during the holiday festival.

The 12 Days of Christmas at Night featuring 500,000 lights, Wednesday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m., November 14-December 30

Adults: $20, Seniors (65 or older): $15 Children (2-12 years): $10
The garden will be open late five nights a week for a special, lighted night-time experience.

Holiday Tea, Daily, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring family and friends together and create an annual tradition with holiday tea at Restaurant DeGolyer, lavishly decorated for the season. Reservations required. Call 214-515-6511. Ages 13 and up are permitted in the tea room.

Visits with Santa, Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m., November 14-December 19, Saturday and Sunday, 12-4 p.m., November 25-December 24

Santa is back in the garden this year in the perfect holiday setting--Crape Myrtle Allee, resplendent with twinkling lights. Share Christmas wishes with the jolly old man and take a photo to commemorate the occasion. The Dallas Arboretum Volunteer Advisory Board will be taking pictures of the memorable moments for donations, and guests are welcome to take the photo home.

Elves Workshop

Children can visit the Elves Workshop in the Ann Stuart Courtyard where they can write a letter to Santa to let him know their Christmas wish list and then drop it in the mail box there to make its way to the North Pole.  They can also create a Santa hat, decorate a reindeer using candy canes, toss a "snowball", pin the nose on the snowman, or make a holiday hat or card to give to someone special.  The Elves Workshop will be open from 6:00 - 9:00 pm Wednesday-Sunday evenings through December 30th.

Outdoor Movie, "The Polar Express", November 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn
Nothing brings back holiday memories quite like the movie, "The Polar Express". Guests can take a ride on the joyful train and explore the mysteries of the North Pole all the way up to Santa's front door. Bring a friend, bundle up and enjoy one of the holidays most beloved movies.

Lake Highlands Wranglers Performance, December 2, 2 p.m. at the Entry Plaza

Watch the local Wranglers dance and perform to some holiday tunes.

Pride of Texas Music Festival, December 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Jonsson Color Garden and Café on the Green

Hear all the holiday classics as Dallas metroplex students perform songs of the season. Ensembles perform at Jonsson Color Garden and choirs perform in front of the 30-foot Christmas tree.

Holiday Activities for the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden

Animal Adventures with the Dallas Zoo (Appropriate for all ages), November 12, 11:15 a.m.-Noon

The Dallas Zoo is bringing a few of their favorite friends for an animal encounter in the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden. Stop by for a wild adventure with interesting critters.

TECH Truck (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up), November 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at The Moody Oasis

Tinker, Engineer, Create, Hack!  Join the TECH Truck staff from the Perot Museum in the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden for a hands-on experience.

Holiday Hunt for Santa's Helpers (All ages can participate!), November 24-December 24, throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

Help look for Santa's helpers, like a frog on a log, a deer right here, a fox in the rocks, a squirrel on a whirl, an owl on a trowel, or a bobcat in a hat. Take a picture with four (4) of Santa's helpers and bring them to the Exploration Center to redeem a prize.  

Letter-Writing to Santa (Appropriate for Ages 5 and up), Mondays-Fridays Only, All Day, November 26-December 24 in the Exploration Center

Come to the letter-writing workshop to write a letter to Santa. Special paper, pens, stickers; everything you would need to catch Santa's attention is provided. Some of Santa's helpers may stop by with some inside tips.

Creative Corner: Oh What Fun! (All ages can participate!), Saturdays and Sundays Only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., December 1-25 in the Exploration Center

Stop by the Exploration Center and create a holiday craft to take home.

Plant Lab: Let It Snow (Appropriate for ages 6 and up), December 3-23, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the Exploration Center

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... in the Plant Lab this December! Explore the wonders of melting, snowflakes, and endothermic reactions.

Plant Lab Extravaganza (Appropriate for ages 6 and up), December 24-30, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. in the Exploration Center

December 24 - Strawberry DNA
December 26 - Elephant's Toothpaste
December 27 - Monster Molecule Mist
December 28 - Starchy Night
December 29 - How Sweet It Is
December 30 - Let It Snow

Creative Corner: New Year's Wishes Sponsored by Neiman Marcus, December 27-31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Exploration Center

As the new year sneaks closer, warm up in the Exploration Center and create a wishing wand.  Using plant parts and other natural objects, decorate wands to take home and bring joy to those around. Frolic through the garden, using a wishing wand to wish New Year's good luck to everyone.

Discounts!!  

BOGO Wednesdays

Every Wednesday through December 26
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Buy one, get one admission every Wednesday. 

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas.  For questions, please contact the staff at 214-515-6615.  You can also visit their website or follow the Dallas Arboretum Facebook page.

Autumn at the Arboretum {Family Fun in Dallas}

It's Pumpkin Time at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden!  Everywhere you look you are surrounding by autumn beauty.  There are pumpkins and beautiful fall plantings throughout the garden.  

However, the highlight of the Arboretum is Dallas' most anticipated fall festival, Autumn at the Arboretum.  For the 12th year, Autumn at the Arboretum includes the nationally acclaimed Pumpkin Village featuring pumpkin houses and creative displays utilizing more than 90,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash, along with hay bales and cornstalks.  The Pumpkin Village theme this year is “Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds, Oh My!” based on the beloved book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  How fun!

It all begins at Autie Em's house which was picked up by a tornado and plopped down in Munchkinland.  My daughter had us all act out the story as we went along.

The house landed on top of one of those mean wicked witches.  These witch feet are just the cutest touch!

The best part?  We got to travel through Pumpkin Village on an actual yellow-brick road, spiraling through Pecan Grove with stops at each major occurrence in the story of Dorothy and her adventures in the Land of Oz...re-imagined with pumpkins, squashes and gourds!

We met the Scarecrow.

We met the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

But watch out!  The Flying Monkeys captured us and flew us to the Witch's Castle.

We finally made it to the wonderful land of Oz which greeted us with more pumpkins.

We pretended to ride in a carriage carried by the colorful horses of Oz.

My kids both had fun re-living the magical story of Dorothy and her friends as they were surrounded by pumpkins.  What a delightful fall festival.  You really must check it out but have fun with your kids while you are there and let your imagination take you away to Oz.

Over the bridge that crosses the river of pumpkins and swan-necked gourds, lies more pumpkins galore and a great setting for those obligatory pictures of your kids surrounded in a sea of orange.

There really are pumpkins everywhere you look.

And there are more than a few great spots for posed family pictures.

I love that the displays of squash, gourds, and pumpkins are educational.  There are several of each kind so you can see variants in their appearance and they are nicely labeled.  Spend some time here with your kids.  Ask them what differences they notice between them in color, size, and texture.  Ask them why they think they are named the way they are.

Ask your kids which is their favorite and why.  Let them think about whether any of the squash, gourds, or pumpkins remind them of something else?

I asked my kids to look around the grounds and find the most unique item to show me.  Nicholas found a scary spider looking one and Rachel found one that looks like a tulip.  These kids are so very different from each other...and I love it!

Here are some fun stats on this year's Pumpkin Village.  Challenge your kids to look for some of these during your visit:

150,000: Fall blooming flowers and plants

90,000: number of pumpkins, gourds, and squash that make up the Pumpkin Village

12,000: Bricks along the yellow brick road

2,000: Square Feet of the Yellow Brick Road

3,000: Ears of corn
1,500: Corn stalks in the Pumpkin Village 900: Bales of hay 48: number of workers it takes to decorate the garden for Autumn Festival

22: number of pumpkin types
21: the number of days it takes to build the Pumpkin Village17: number of types of squash
7: number of gourd types4: number of pumpkin houses

3: Flying Monkeys

1: number of acres in the Pumpkin Village

Emerald City: Green Hexagon Pumpkin House

Witch’s Castle: Square Pumpkin House accented with dark plants

Munchkin Land: Circle Pumpkin House

Auntie Em’s House: Small Pumpkin House 

This little squirrel found his favorite pumpkin and was chewing heartily away at it!

The Arboretum will even amaze you in the parking lot....look at this giant oak leaf Rachel found!

A myriad of activities take place throughout the garden on weekdays and weekends during Autumn at the Arboretum:

Cool Thursdays Concerts

Thursdays, September 7 - October 26

7-9 p.m.

Dallas' premier outdoor concert series, presented by Wells Fargo, returns this fall with a fabulous band lineup. Gates open at 6 p.m. All concerts include some of Dallas/Fort Worth's favorite food trucks. Concerts are already beginning to sell out. To purchase tickets and view the band lineup, visit the Cool Thursdays Concerts page.

Weekly:

Oktoberfest Garden

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Café on the Green

The menu at Café on the Green features traditional German cuisine, including various kinds of sausage and beer. Take a break and enjoy a delicious Octoberfest-inspired meal through November 22.

Mommy & Me Mondays and Tiny Tot Tuesdays

Mondays & Tuesdays through November 21

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sponsored by: Kimberly-Clark

Enjoy fun, kid-friendly activities in Pecan Grove, adjacent to the pumpkin village. Activities include face painting, a petting zoo, silhouette artist and music by KinderMusic.

Harvest Tea

Monday-Friday (September 25-November 22)

11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Elegant seated tea service served inside the beautiful historic DeGolyer House, includes a seated, three-course high tea experience, while taking in the breathtaking fall displays. Tea prices begin at $49 per person and also include garden admission and parking. Add champagne service for $59 per person.  Reservations required.  Book online at www.dallasarboretum.org or call at 214-515-6511.

Zumba in the Gardens

Wednesday evenings (September 27-October 11)

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Join high-energy Zumba instructor, Martha Palacios, for a one-hour Zumba class.

Dallas County Master Gardners in the Garden (NEW)

Thursdays (September 29-November 16)

11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Members of the Dallas County Master Gardeners are on-site to answer any questions guests may have regarding what's growing in the garden.

Every weekend:

Beer Tastings (NEW)

Saturday, September 23 and 30: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Sunday, September 24 and October 1: 12-3 p.m.

Café on the Green

Enjoy a beer tasting at Café on the Green, located centrally in the garden.  It is the perfect spot to take in the beauty of the garden while enjoying a beer. $10 per tasting, which allows each guest to try four 2 oz. pours of each beer.

Live Music

Saturdays: 12-3 p.m.

Sundays: 1-4 p.m.

Musicians specializing in a variety of music, such as Spanish guitar and folk guitar, play throughout the garden every weekend during autumn. Bring a picnic and relish in the music. Check the website for specific locations, line-ups and artists' bios.

Garden Sized Games (NEW)

Saturdays & Sundays

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pecan Grove

Enjoy giant-sized games like Connect Four, Yardzee, Corn-Hole and Jenga in Pecan Grove. Games are available to play on a first come, first served basis.

Special Weekends:

Urban Wildlife Photography Workshop

September 23 & 24

11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

Pecan Grove

Back by popular demand, Urban Wildlife photographer Chris Jackson will be conducting two workshops per day. No reservation is necessary and this activity is free with paid garden admission.

NEW Chula Hoop Performance and Class

September 30 & October 1

11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. each day

Chula Hoop USA Performance & Hoop Jam

Hoop Jam: Terrace at the Camp House

Join internationally renowned hula hoop group, Chula Hoop USA, for an Oktoberfest themed hula hoop performance, followed by a hand's on class on the Terrace at the Camp House.  While most hulahoops are one size fits all, Chula Hoop gives garden guests the unique opportunity to find the perfect fit, along with instruction from a seasoned professional.  This activity is free with paid garden admission.

Columbus Day Weekend

Eddie Coker Children's Concert

Monday, October 9, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Eddie Coker, sponsored by Dallas Child, performs children-friendly music on the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage.  Family fun activities, Friday-Monday, 10 a.m. - 2p.m, face painting and petting zoo in the Pecan Grove.

Live Music:

Randy Vradenburg, Saturday, October 7, 12-3 p.m.

The sounds of pop, country, rock, jazz, blues, adult contemporary, and classical. 

Tomás Sclar, Sunday, October 8, 1-4 p.m.

Named "Best Flamenco Guitarist in DFW" by The Dallas Observer 2012.

  

Pumpkin Carver Weekend (NEW)

Saturday, October 21 & Sunday, October 22

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Martin Rutchik Concert Stage & Lawn

Master Piece Pumpkins' Gene Granata carves pumpkins for all ages through live demonstrations. Purchase pumpkin carving kits in the Hoffman Family Gift Store and pumpkins at the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch.

Family Fun Weekend

Saturday, October 28 & Sunday, October 29

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating throughout the garden, face painting, a petting zoo, and a magician in Pecan Grove. Guests are encouraged to bring their own trick or treat bag.

Ghoul's Night Out (NEW)

Wednesday, October 18

6-8 p.m.

Crape Myrtle Allee

Join the Dallas Arboretum "Ghoul's Night Out," featuring fun activities such as palm readings, handwriting analysis and a caricature artist drawing guests in a "ghoul-y" fashion. No "Ghoul's Night Out" would be complete without wine, live music and food trucks. Wine will be available for purchase, and three food trucks will be on-site. Guests are also welcome to bring a picnic.

North Texas Gourd Association Demonstrations

Every Thursday in October, and November 2

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Crape Myrtle Allee

The North Texas Gourd Association creates items, such as jewelry and decorative accessories, with gourds.

National Pumpkin Day

Thursday, October 26

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

There is no better place to celebrate National Pumpkin Day during the fall festival. Celebrate this holiday by indulging in pumpkin flavored foods at select dining areas; visit the website for more specific items.

Dia de los Muertos (NEW)

Wednesday, November 1

6-8 p.m.

Celebrate the "Day of the Dead" with activities located throughout the garden including, a face painting competition, a henna tattoo artist, a DJ and mask-making. Wine and beer are available for purchase, along with three food trucks. Guests are welcome to bring picnics.

Día de Los Muertos Face Painting Competition

Guests are encouraged to paint their faces in the style of the holiday at home and then celebrate the Day of the Dead by entering a face painting competition. Judges assess all competitors present by 6:30 p.m. and the winner is announced at 7:30 p.m. First place gets a great, Mexican-themed gift basket. See website for full competition rules and details.

Hoffman Family Gift Store Book Signings/Events:

Book Signing-Saturday, September 23

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join the creator of The Round Top Collection, Jeff Krause, to purchase a signed piece of art from this popular line of gifts and home décor.  Additional book signings and highlights include gourd craft demonstrations, Imported Gourmet Foods and Eating Well Seriesbook signings.  Visit website for full list of Gift Store events.

Book Signing--Saturday, September 30

11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Join author Diane Box for a book signing of Fred's Texas Stampede.

Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden:

Children's Adventure Garden Fourth Birthday Celebration

Friday, September 22

6-8 p.m.

$10 General Admission

Celebrate the Children's Adventure Garden's Fourth Birthday with a special guest, an OmniGlobe presentation, lively music and a Birthday Lab.

Evening Trick-or-Treating in the Children's Adventure Garden

Friday, October 28-Sunday, October 30

6-9 p.m.

$10 General Admission

Come in dressed in a Halloween costume for a spooky maze tour, glowing programs and a Halloween-themed Lab.

Johnny Appleseed Weekend

September 23 & 24

Throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day with a Johnny Appleseed puppet show, apple-themed programs, and a special apple tasting.

TECH Truck

September 30 & November 11

The Moody Oasis

1-3 p.m.

Tinker, Engineer, Create, Hack! Join the TECH Truck staff from the Perot Museum for a hands-on experience where there is no limit to creativity.

Dinosaurs Rock

October 22

The Glade

11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. & 2 p.m.

Explore the prehistoric world with DINOSAURS ROCK®! Get up close with life-size dinosaur fossils, eggs, skulls and skeletons. Learn amazing facts about the history behind these fascinating creatures.

National Chemistry Week

October 22-28

Throughout the Children's Adventure Garden

12 p.m. & 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy an entire week of chemistry magic in the Children's Adventure Garden. Explore the Plant Lab for Milk Macromolecules and a different chemistry program every afternoon.

Discounts:

BOGO Wednesday and Arboretum After Hours

Wednesdays (September 27-October 18)

9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Buy one, get one free admission every Wednesday; offer is valid for Arboretum After Hours.

C.C. Young Senior Thursdays

Thursdays (September 28-November 16)

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Seniors can enjoy $11 admission and a 20 percent discount at the Hoffman Family Gift Store. Discount is only available at the ticket booth.

$2 State Fair Discount (September 29-October 22)

Present ticket stub for $2 off general admission.

Tom Thumb $1 off General Garden Admission (September 23-November 22)

Tom Thumb offers $1 off general garden admission tickets, available at area Tom Thumb and Albertson's locations. 

About the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden:  
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is located on the southeastern shore of White Rock Lake at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218. The Dallas Arboretum is also the home of the internationally acclaimed Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $10 for children 3-12 and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. There is an additional cost of $3 per person for entrance into the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. On-site parking is $15; pre-purchased online parking is $8.