Exhibits and Events
Upcoming Events
Fall for the Arb
Celebrate fall with a series of events and happenings throughout September and October! The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with nature programs, education, music, art and more!
Fall Plant Sale and Market
Calling all garden lovers! Join us on Friday and Saturday, September 25 and 26 for our annual Fall Plant Sale and Market! The Market features unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and includes over 30 local growers and businesses. Shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts to the sounds of live music!
Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan
“Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan” features Ronan Donovan’s stunning images and videos of wild wolves in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Ellesmere Island in the high Canadian Arctic. Since 2014, National Geographic Explorer and photographer Ronan Donovan has examined the relationship between wild wolves and humans in order to better understand the animals, our shared history, and what drives the persistent human-wolf conflict.
The Botanical Series: First Pour
Join us for the first taste of a collaboration rooted in Western North Carolina. The North Carolina Arboretum and Chemist Spirits have come together to create a one-of-a-kind botanical vodka featuring botanicals harvested from the Arboretum and transformed by Chemist Spirits. Your ticket includes one specialty cocktail featuring the new botanical vodka, along with light bites. Additional beverages will be available for purchase.
Carolina Craft Day
The Appalachian region has a rich history of crafts and art. Join us for demonstrations in paper making, broom-making, quilting, woodworking, natural dyes and more. Purchase crafts from local artists and enjoy a drink from the Gardener’s Shed.
The Botanical Series: The Reserve
An elevated evening. A distinct Arboretum experience. The North Carolina Arboretum and Chemist Spirits have come together to create a one-of-a-kind botanical vodka inspired by the plants and landscapes of Western North Carolina. Developed through months of collaboration, the spirit features botanicals thoughtfully harvested from the Arboretum and transformed by Chemist Spirits into a distinctive expression of place.
Music in the Mountains Day
Enjoy live music by local musicians surrounded by the gardens and beautiful mountain vistas!
Fall Trail Day
Hike, bike or run to join us for Trail Day at the Arboretum! Join us October 17 as we celebrate all things trails! Nearly all our 10 miles of hiking and biking trails are reopened, so you can also choose your own adventure.
Tricks-n-Treats Dog Festival
Our Halloween dog festivities are back and bigger than ever! Join us for a day full of paw-some activities including a scavenger hunt, pet-focused vendors, a virtual costume contest, and more!
Group Visits & Guided Walks
Hit the trails and learn more about The North Carolina Arboretum’s botanically diverse forest with a guided trail walk! April through October, this free hiking program is led by trained volunteer guides who take small groups of participants along woodland trails and through a variety of forest types.