Exhibits and Events
The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years
The Arb in Focus: 40 Views for 40 Years is a photography project celebrating the Arboretum’s 40th anniversary. We have selected 40 people connected to the Arboretum, either as staff, members, or volunteers to take ‘point and shoot’ digital cameras onto the grounds to photograph what matters most to them.
Arbor Evenings
Sip and stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens in the glow of the golden hour, while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists. Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through September 18.
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.
Fall for the Arb
September 19 – October 25, 2026
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!
Upcoming Events
Monarch Butterfly Day
September 19, 2026
Join us at The North Carolina Arboretum on Sept 19th for a day dedicated to the Monarch Butterfly! Enjoy a variety of activities, including a mini-live monarch tagging and release demonstration, crafts and educational exhibitors, a monarch-focused story walk.
Fall Plant Sale and Market
September 25 – 26, 2026
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.
Wolves: Photography by Ronan Donovan
Open September 26, 2026 – January 10, 2027
“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.
Carolina Craft Day
October 3, 2026
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.
Music in the Mountains Day
October 10, 2026
Enjoy live music by local musicians surrounded by the gardens and beautiful mountain vistas!
Fall Trail Day
October 17, 2026
Hike, bike or run to join us for Trail Day at the Arboretum! Join us 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
October 25, 2026
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!