Join us on Tuesday, April 26th from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to celebrate the 200th birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted! There will be treats, live music, games and activities for all ages throughout the day.
Join the Fun!
The Education Department will be hosting a variety of activities for children celebrating Olmsted’s love of the outdoors. Check back for more details!
Guests of all ages can enjoy lawn games on the Event Lawn.
Bring Home a Tree!
Join us at noon and 3:00 p.m. for a tree seedling giveaway, so you can bring a piece of the Arboretum to your own yard!
Food & Drinks
Bent Creek Bistro will be open for extended hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and drinks (soft drinks, beer, wine, cider) will be available for purchase at Green Gardener’s Shed.
Free birthday treats will also be available for guests.
Special Guided Trail Walks and Extended Hours
Free Guided Trail Walks will be offered at 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. Guided trail walks are limited to 15 people, including the guide, and are not recommended for guests under 16 years of age. Groups depart from the Baker Visitor Center Lobby and last 1.5 – 2.5 hours (approximately one to two miles in length.)
See the new Thanks FLO exhibit in the Baker Visitor Center, open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Bent Creek Bistro and Connections Gallery gift shop will be open for extended hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Live Music
Join us at Blue Ridge Court for live music throughout the day. Expect performances from:
12:00-2:00 p.m. Hope Griffin
2:00-4:00 p.m. Ryan Furstenberg
4:00-6:00 p.m. Liz and Elizabeth
Book Signing
Join us for an onsite book signing with Dennis Drabelle as part of the Olmsted Birthday Celebration on Tuesday, April 26, at 3:30 p.m., 2nd Floor, Baker Exhibit Center. (The signing will be outside the Thanks, FLO exhibit and Connections Gallery.)
The Power of Scenery: Frederick Law Olmsted and the Origin of National Parks with Dennis Drabelle
Dennis Drabelle provides a history of the national park concept, adding to our understanding of American environmental thought and linking Olmsted with three of the country’s national treasures. Published in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park on March 1, 2022, and the 200th birthday of Frederick Law Olmsted on April 26, 2022, The Power of Scenery tells the fascinating story of how the national park movement arose, evolved, and has spread around the world.
We invite you and your family to learn, play, and enjoy nature in celebration of Olmsted’s legacy.
All programs and activities are free (regular parking fees apply). Members of The North Carolina Arboretum Society always park for free.
This event includes activities for adults, children and families.