Nestled in the heart of Arcadia, California, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden spans 127 lush acres of diverse landscapes, from cascading waterfalls and serene lakes to exotic plant collections and historic landmarks like the Queen Anne Cottage. Established in 1948, this iconic destination isn’t just a haven for nature lovers—it’s a vibrant hub for community gatherings, educational experiences, and seasonal celebrations that bring the beauty of botany to life. Whether you’re a local seeking outdoor adventures in Los Angeles or a visitor exploring family-friendly activities in Arcadia, the Arboretum’s events calendar for 2025 promises something for everyone. From spooky Halloween festivities to enchanting holiday light displays, these botanic garden events in LA blend nature, culture, and whimsy, making them perfect for date nights, family outings, or solo explorations.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top upcoming events at the LA County Arboretum, highlighting what makes each one special. With semantic SEO in mind, we’ll cover everything from plant workshops and gardening classes to outdoor concerts and kids’ nature programs, ensuring you have all the details to plan your visit. As fall transitions into winter, the Arboretum’s 2025 lineup emphasizes immersive experiences that connect you deeper with the environment—think pollinator habitats, full-moon forest bathing, and eco-friendly holiday cheer. Ready to bloom into an unforgettable year? Let’s explore.
Fall into Fun: October Events at the LA Arboretum
Autumn at the Los Angeles County Arboretum is a symphony of golden leaves, blooming silk floss trees, and cooler evenings ideal for outdoor escapades. October 2025 kicks off with a bang, featuring pet-inclusive parties, monstrous-themed evenings, and classic movie nights under the stars. These events showcase the garden’s ability to transform its pathways into interactive playgrounds, drawing crowds eager for Halloween vibes in a natural setting.
Start with Barks & Boos: Howl-o-ween, a tail-wagging extravaganza presented by Fera Pets on Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This dog-friendly event invites you and your furry companion to don costumes for a parade, craft stations, and a costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Expect photo ops amid the Arboretum’s peacocks (who might just steal the show), local craft brews for humans, and treats for pups. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members, with free entry for leashed dogs. It’s a prime example of how the Arboretum integrates pet-friendly activities in Los Angeles, promoting community bonds while celebrating the spooky season sustainably—no candy overload, just nature-inspired fun.
Just a week later, on October 11 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., immerse yourself in The Monstrous Garden, a family-oriented Halloween bash that turns the grounds into a creature-filled wonderland. Picture pumpkin carving amid towering cacti, storytelling sessions about mythical plants, and “monster” makeup tutorials using eco-friendly materials. Priced at $20 per person (kids under 5 free), this event highlights the Arboretum’s educational twist on holidays, teaching about biodiversity through playful narratives—like how carnivorous plants “hunt” like garden ghouls. It’s especially appealing for parents seeking Halloween events in Arcadia that blend scares with science.
Film buffs won’t want to miss the Movies in the Garden: Beetlejuice screening on Friday, October 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Hosted by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation, this outdoor cinema experience unfolds on a giant screen against the backdrop of the garden’s silhouette at dusk. Bring blankets and picnics for the Tim Burton classic, complete with themed snacks from on-site vendors. Tickets start at $15, with premium seating options for comfort. This recurring series exemplifies the Arboretum’s tradition of al fresco entertainment, pairing cinematic magic with the rustling sounds of eucalyptus groves.
For history enthusiasts, the Historical Tour of the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden on Thursday, October 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers a deep dive into the site’s multicultural roots. Led by expert guides, you’ll wander from the Baldwin legacy (Elias J. “Lucky” Baldwin’s opulent estate) to modern conservation efforts, uncovering tales of Indigenous plants and immigrant influences. At $25 per ticket, it’s a low-key way to appreciate Arcadia’s hidden gems. These fall events not only fill your calendar but also underscore the Arboretum’s role as a cultural anchor in greater Los Angeles, fostering appreciation for its 15,000+ plant species.
Holiday Sparkle: Winter Wonderland Events to Light Up Your Season
As the days shorten, the LA County Arboretum transforms into a festive oasis with holiday events that rival the best Christmas attractions in Los Angeles. 2025’s lineup emphasizes sustainable celebrations, from illuminated trails to nostalgic gatherings, ensuring the magic feels both timeless and eco-conscious.
Topping the list is Lightscape, the Arboretum’s signature holiday light installation returning in late November through early January 2026. This immersive experience features over a million twinkling lights woven into sculptures of dragons, flowers, and wildlife, synced to music along a one-mile path. Past visitors rave about the Chinese acrobat performances and gourmet food stalls, making it a sensory feast. Tickets go on sale in October, priced around $35–$45 per person, with timed entry slots to manage crowds. It’s more than a light show—it’s a botanical light art exhibit that highlights the garden’s nocturnal beauty, perfect for romantic evenings or group outings in Arcadia.
For a cozier vibe, join An Old-Fashioned Holiday: A Celebration at the Queen Anne Cottage on December 7–8 and 14–15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Step back in time at this Victorian gem, where Santa Claus holds court amid twinkling trees, carolers, and craft workshops like wreath-making from native evergreens. Admission is $18 for adults and $10 for kids, with members entering free. Families love the photo ops and storytelling sessions, which weave in lessons about holiday plants like poinsettias’ Mexican origins. This event captures the essence of Los Angeles holiday traditions, blending heritage with horticulture in a way that’s accessible and heartwarming.
Don’t overlook the broader LA County Holiday Celebration tie-in on December 24 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which may feature Arboretum pop-ups with live music and multicultural performances. Free and open to all, it’s a nod to the garden’s community roots. These winter events at the botanic garden in LA not only spread joy but also promote environmental awareness, encouraging visitors to choose reusable decorations inspired by the Arboretum’s collections.
Bloom with Knowledge: Educational Programs and Workshops in 2025
The Los Angeles County Arboretum shines as an educational powerhouse, offering workshops and classes that demystify gardening, ecology, and conservation. In 2025, expect a robust schedule of hands-on programs for adults, kids, and families, designed to empower participants with practical skills amid Southern California’s unique climate.
For grown-ups, the Adult Education Courses series in November and beyond includes topics like “Wasp Ecology: Guardians, Predators, Pollinators” and sustainable gardening techniques. These workshops, often held on weekends, cost $40–$60 and feature expert-led sessions in the Arboretum’s classrooms or outdoor labs. Imagine learning to create butterfly habitats using native milkweed—perfect for urban gardeners tackling LA’s drought challenges. The Horticulture Internship at the LA Arboretum through UCLA Extension provides deeper immersion, with hands-on fieldwork starting in spring 2025.
Kids get their turn with the Spring Nature Camp in April (Weeks 1: April 7–11; Week 2: April 14–18), a full-day adventure for ages 5–10 at $425 for members. Daily themes cover wildlife tracking, plant identification, and art projects, all within the garden’s safe confines from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For younger ones, Tiny Tots sessions (recurring monthly) introduce toddlers to sensory play with leaves and flowers, priced at $15 per child.
Family workshops like the Butterfly Habitats Workshop (dates TBA, around March 2025) teach the butterfly lifecycle through crafting and planting, emphasizing pollinator conservation. At $25 per family, it’s an ideal entry into nature-based learning in Los Angeles. These programs align with the Arboretum’s mission to foster environmental stewardship, offering certificates and resources for home application. Whether you’re a novice botanist or seasoned green thumb, these botanic garden workshops in Arcadia equip you to cultivate your own slice of paradise.
Recurring Favorites: Concerts, Classes, and Community Gatherings
Beyond one-off spectacles, the Arboretum’s 2025 calendar brims with recurring series that keep the energy flowing year-round. The Arboretum Summer Nights Series, though wrapping up its 2025 edition in August with live music, food trucks, and crafts on Friday evenings, sets the tone for similar pop-ups. Look for echoes in fall with acoustic sets during events like Forest Bathing: Full Moon walks (monthly, $25).
Community Classes and Cultural Events recur weekly, from yoga amid the roses to storytelling circles under the oaks. The Parent & Me Classes and Nature Club weekends cater to families, blending play with subtle education on topics like invasive species. Free Community Days, like the June 29 event, pop up seasonally, waiving admission for locals to explore exhibits and demos.
Music lovers should mark calendars for potential Pasadena Symphony & Pops collaborations, including holiday candlelight concerts. These staples make the LA Arboretum a go-to for outdoor concerts in Los Angeles, where melodies mingle with birdsong for an unparalleled ambiance.
Pro Tips for Your Arboretum Adventure
To maximize your experience at these botanic garden events in LA:
- Tickets and Timing: Book early via arboretum.org—popular nights like Lightscape sell out fast. Arrive 30 minutes ahead for parking (301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia).
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for trails, sunscreen, water bottles (refill stations abound), and picnic blankets for screenings. Leashed pets welcome at select events.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths and ASL interpreters available; contact ahead for accommodations.
- Sustainability: Follow Leave No Trace principles—pack out waste and support the Arboretum’s conservation fund.
- Combine with Exploration: Pair events with self-guided tours of the Tropical Conservatory or Peacock Pavilion for a full day.
Parking is $15 on event days, but Metro access via the Gold Line makes it easy for eco-commuters.
Why the LA Arboretum Events Are a Must in 2025
In a city buzzing with urban energy, the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden events offer a refreshing escape into nature’s rhythm. From the playful chaos of Barks & Boos to the serene glow of Lightscape, each gathering reinforces the garden’s legacy as a living classroom and joyful retreat. Whether you’re hunting for kids’ activities in Arcadia, romantic outings in Los Angeles, or enriching plant workshops, 2025’s calendar delivers with style and substance.
