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Fall Color Festival at Morton Arboretum

September 25, 2024

FALL COLOR FESTIVAL

The Morton Arboretum’s annual Fall Color Festival celebrates the most popular season at the 1,700-acre tree museum. Hike 16 miles of trails through vibrant tree collections, drive or cycle 9 miles of scenic roads, or enjoy fall-themed special events all season. From glass pumpkins and scarecrows to seasonal brews and wine tastings, the tree-focused botanical garden is offering a festive lineup of fall fun for all ages. The Fall Color Festival is supported by Duly Health and Care and PNC.






Walking Plays: “The Grimmest of Tales”

Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 23 through Oct. 22 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. (approximately)

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.

The Grimmest of Tales
The Brothers Grimm were famous for their fairy tales and folklore, and equally notorious for their spooky, twisted, and more gory tales. As the shadows grow longer and the Halloween season approaches, we dare to delve into the darker side of these original horror stories. Even the brothers themselves become ensnared by a mysterious enchantress from their past, who bewitches them into telling their Grimmest of Tales. This performance is recommended for 10 years of age and older due to scary content and mentions of death and gore.

September 28 and 29
October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27






Scarecrow Trail

Daily in October | 7 a.m. to sunset

Included free with timed entry admission to the Arboretum.

Stroll the path along Meadow Lake to see the friendly faces of the Scarecrow Trail. Each scarecrow is handmade by a local Scout troop. After walking the trail, guests can cast a vote for their favorite scarecrow. Voting information will be available around the trail and in the Visitor Center. For more information, visit mortonarb.org.




Fall Color 5K Run and Walk

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 | 8:00 a.m.

Registration is $55 for the on-site 5K and $45 for the virtual 5K.

On Saturday, October 26, at 8:00 a.m., run or walk a 5K course that winds through the Arboretum’s wooded East Side, enjoying the crisp autumn air under a canopy of beautiful trees. After the race, attend a post-race party with live music, food trucks, and a complimentary beverage.






The 14th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch

Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, through Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entry included free with timed-entry admission to the Arboretum.

Explore an artfully displayed collection of thousands of one-of-a-kind, hand-blown glass pumpkins and other autumnal designs by participating artists in the 13th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch. The Glass Pumpkin Patch event has several components:

•Glass Pumpkin Patch Preview: On Friday, the preview will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm before the shopping starts at 1 p.m.

•Glass pumpkins will be available to purchase from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Presale viewing will take place on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

•Watch artists dramatically turn bits of glass into stunning one-of-a-kind molten masterpieces during the glassblowing exhibitions. Starting at 10:30 a.m., demonstrations will be held every thirty minutes through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The final demonstration will begin at 4:30 p.m. each day.