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.
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Walking Plays: “Anne of Green Gables”
Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 23 through Oct. 22 | 4 to 5:30 p.m. (approximately)
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children.
Enjoy a live, outdoor performance of “Anne of Green Gables” during The Morton Arboretum’s fall Walking Plays. The audience will join Anne for a wondrous adventure as she finds friends, fun, mischief, and finally, her first true home. L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel, including Anne’s famous line, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers,” comes to life in the autumn scenery of the Arboretum, transformed into Avonlea. For tickets and more information, visit mortonarb.org.
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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.
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Saturday, Oct. 7 | 8 a.m.
Registration is $55 for the on-site 5K and $45 for the virtual 5K.
Spend a fall morning running or walking through a scenic course at The Morton Arboretum with trees just at the cusp of their full autumnal color change. The on-site shotgun starts at 8 a.m. A Virtual 5K option is also available. After the race, enjoy a post-race party with a complimentary beer (participants age 21+) and live music provided by the yacht rock band Anchors Away. New this year: Both an alcoholic beer option provided by Woodridge-based Ike & Oak and a nonalcoholic option provided by Naperville-based Go Brewing will be available. The Fall Color 5K Run and Walk is supported by Duly Health and Care, PNC, ALDI, Inc., Dick Pond Athletics, and Boxed Water is Better. For more information and to register, visit mortonarb.org.
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The 13th annual Glass Pumpkin Patch
Friday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 15 | 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: from 10 a.m. to 12:59 p.m. on Friday before the shopping starts at 1 p.m.
•Shop at the Glass Pumpkin Patch: starting at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, through 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. Glass pumpkins are only available for sale on these dates and during these hours.
•Browse the artwork, meet the artists, and watch artists dramatically turn bits of glass into stunning molten pumpkin masterpieces at the Glass-Blowing Demonstrations every day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 through Sunday, Oct. 15.
