Tuesday, September 9: An unforgettable evening of connection and impact at the National Arboretum
29TH ANNUAL DINNER UNDER THE STARS
FONA & THE ARBORETUM
Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA) was founded in 1982 as an independent 501(c)(3). FONA serves as the primary private partner of the U.S National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. We preserve and enhance this vibrant public space and facilitate experiential programs that instill a love of plants, nature, and the outdoors in all who visit the Arboretum. We also promote the overarching research and education mission of the Arboretum.
Past Accomplishments
We were instrumental in bringing the Capitol Columns to the Arboretum in the early ’90s. We funded the Flowering Tree Walk surrounding the meadow so all people can enjoy its beauty regardless of ability. Our volunteers planted over 30,000 native plants along the Springhouse Run creek to improve the Anacostia River’s water quality.
Current Work
Our Washington Youth Garden is the Arboretum’s largest community outreach program. Revenue from our venue rental program funds the Arboretum Director’s Fund which pays for things like consultants, supplies, and maintenance projects. Our plant sales and seasonal festivals support our mission and connect visitors to the Arboretum.
Future Plans
We developed a new Core Master Plan that provides a blueprint for future projects around the Arboretum. We invest in the future of horticulture by funding internships that support the collections. Our Meyer Kidder Fellows will increase the Arboretum’s research capacity and connect the Arboretum with world-class post-doctoral researchers.
Donate to Join
Make a donation of any amount to become a FONA member. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
Donate to Renew
Make a one-time contribution of any amount to renew your FONA membership. Or give monthly to become a Sustaining Member and support our work all year long!
David Fairchild Society
A passionate community of supporters with membership starting at $1,200.
Other Ways to Support
Support FONA through securities, donor-advised funds, planned giving, bench donations, and more.
SUMMER EVENING HOURS
Thanks to FONA and the generosity of our supporters, the U.S. National Arboretum will stay open until 8 PM from June 1st through August 30th. This extended access is part of the growing public-private partnership between FONA and the National Arboretum. Summer evening hours are part of FONA’s mission to ensure the Arboretum’s gardens and collections are accessible to the public, particularly the local community, and to connect people with nature.
FONA’s summer evening hours are made possible by our members and supporters like you! You can support our work and help us make these a permanent feature at the Arboretum by becoming a FONA member. Donate any amount to FONA and you’ll automatically join our dedicated member community. You can also become a Summer Evening Sponsor. When you become a sponsor at the $500 level, you have a whole night dedicated just to you (or your group)! Or sponsor at a higher level and gain recognition all summer long (email donations@fona.org to learn more about higher level sponsorships).
Important Details
June 1 to August 30: Arboretum grounds will stay open until 8 PM every day
Last admittance onto the grounds is at 7:30 PM
R Street Gate (2400 R St. NE): open daily 8 AM to 8 PM
New York Avenue Gate (3501 New York Ave. NE): open on weekdays 8 AM to 2 PM, open on weekends 8 AM to 4:30 PM
Parking is free at the National Arboretum
The Arboretum is not located on a Metro rail line, but is near Union Station. From there, you can take a bus, rideshare, or bike to the Arboretum.
Capital Bikeshare has a hub outside the R Street entrance for bike rentals
View and download a digital map of the National Arboretum
National Bonsai & Penjing Museum closes daily at 4:00 PM
Visitor Center closes daily at 4:30 PM
Restrooms and water after 4:30 PM: Arbor House, Grove parking lot, and Asian Collections parking lot
Vending machines after 4:30 PM: Arbor House
Food trucks will sell food at the Arboretum on select Fridays from 5 PM to 7:30 PM. View our calendar to see the vendor lineup.
If security assistance is needed, call the Arboretum Security at (202) 655-7264
AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
With a focus on serving under-resourced communities, FONA nurtures curious minds and healthy bodies by connecting youth to food, the land, and each other. Our youth education programs take place at Washington Youth Garden on the grounds of the U.S. National Arboretum and in partner schools across Washington, DC. They work with DC educators to create strong, sustainable school garden programs and connect students to garden education. Our programs also provide year-round employment opportunities and green career paths for DC high school students.
STAY IN THE KNOW
FONA’s publications and newsletters share the story of the U.S. National Arboretum and FONA with the world. Our FONA Field Notes newsletter is just one of the ways we tell this story. This award-winning weekly email newsletter that shares updates and insights about the U.S. National Arboretum, Friends of the National Arboretum, and the Washington Youth Garden. Sign up to receive FONA Field Notes in your inbox. See our Publications & Media page to see a full archive of all of our publications.
Make the Most of Evening Hours
Rock ‘n Roll in the Herb Garden
UPCOMING EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
Forest Bathing
Other Activities
RECENT SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
Friends of the National Arboretum Instagram
Kick off September with an outdoor concert at the National Arboretum! Join us on Friday, September 5th from 7 PM to 8:30 PM for our next Music in the Meadow concert. The Route 66 Band will play a medley of classic rock songs inspired by plants growing in the Herb Garden, like ‘Purple Rain’ peppers and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ sunflowers. Explore a “musical instrument petting zoo” and see instruments crafted from plants. @rocklandsbbq, @catalyst_hotdogs, @captaincookiedc, and @rightproperbeer will sell food and drink during the event. General admission costs $25 ($20 for FONA members), and a limited number of $15 community discount tickets are available. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free, but they must have a ticket. Link in bio to purchase your ticket. . . . 📸 by Zak Khaliqi @zawesomesauce, 2025 @buckforty9 concert #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #dcevent #dmv #dmvevent #dcevents #familyfriendly #dogfriendly #outdoor #outdoorevent #concert #outdoorconcert #foodtruck #picnic #summer #eveninghours #arboretum
It's time to vote for your champion 🐶 Help decide whether Gracie or Miles Morales will be crowned Dog of the Year of the National Arboretum! One of these dogs will win a photography session and wall art product credit graciously donated by @meganpurtellphotography — a prize worth $1,000! Link in bio to cast your vote. Voting closes at 5 PM on Wednesday, August 27th. We will announce the winner at our Dog Days Celebration at 5:30 PM on Aug. 27th. Stop by Arbor House at the National Arboretum and join us! @fetchpetcare_dcmetro will have free pup-cups for all attendees. . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dogfriendly #capitolcolumns #arboretum #photocontest #dogoftheyear #dcdogs #pawsinthedmv #dcdogsofinstagram #dogsofdc
FONA's Dinner Under the Stars is unlike any other event at the National Arboretum. Full of connection and impact, this event is an unparalleled opportunity to show your support for the Arboretum while engaging with leaders across agriculture, conservation, and local philanthropy sectors. Purchase a ticket and join us for this special fundraising event on Tuesday, September 9th from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. Set against the backdrop of the Capitol Columns, this open-air event features cocktails, a tented dinner, and engaging speakers. Link in bio to get your ticket now. . . . 📸 by @plumephoto #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dcevent #usda #usdaars #capitolhill #capitolcolumns #arboretum #horticulture #nurseryindustry #fundraiser #agriculture #agricultureindustry #conservation #conservationindustry
The Final 4 round of our Dog of the Year photo contest is upon us: Gracie vs. Mika and Chip vs. Miles Morales. The dogs who win this round will move onto the finals, and will be one step away from winning the title of Top Dog of the National Arboretum and a prize worth $1,000. Everyone who votes in the contest will be entered into a raffle to win a special prize! Link in bio to cast your vote now! Voting for the semifinals round will close at 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 24th. The final round of voting will run from 12 AM on August 25th through 5 PM on August 27th. We will announce the winner at our Dog Days Celebration on Wednesday, August 27th at 5:30. Stop by Arbor House at the National Arboretum to join us! . . . #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #usnationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dogfriendly #capitolcolumns #arboretum #photocontest #dogoftheyear #dcdogs #pawsinthedmv #dcdogsofinstagram #dogsofdc
Washington Youth Garden Instagram
Come move and groove in the Washington Youth Garden during our upcoming Family Workshop this Saturday, August 23rd at 11 AM. Explore the garden as we walk you through some movement activities and playful games. All ages are welcome to join! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #nationalarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #garden #youthgarden #washingtonyouthgarden #wyg #family #familyfriendly #familyevent #familyactivity #familyworkshop #gardenevent #outdoorevent #dc #dmv #freeevent #dcevents #dmvevents #kidfriendly
Calling all families! Join us next Saturday, June 21st for a free family workshop in celebration of Juneteenth! We'll be preparing a tasty harvest-to-table dish with fruits and veggies picked from the Washington Youth Garden. Come out to the garden from 11 AM to 12:30 PM for this special activity. Registration is required — link in bio to sign up. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #nationalarboretum #dc #dmv #dcevent #familyfriendly #kidfriendly #nature #farmtotable #urbangarden #arboretum #horticulture #washingtonyouthgarden #juneteenth #freeevent
Families, join us for a container gardening workshop on Saturday, May 10th and learn how to container garden! Together, we'll learn step-by-step how to grow fresh herbs or veggies in pots, right in your home. Come out to the Washington Youth Garden from 1 PM to 3:30 PM and have some fun! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden
Calling all families! Join us on a guided Nature Walk on Saturday, April 12th in the Washington Youth Garden. This is a free and enriching outdoor experience where you and your family can breathe, explore, and unwind together. Along the way, you'll learn fun, hands-on activities that you can take with you to explore on your own. Come out and have some fun!! Link in bio to register. . . . @fonarboretum #usnationalarboretum #nationalarboretum #nationalarboretumdc #dc #familyfriendly #dcevent #kidfriendly #nature #naturewalk #dmv #dmvevent #arboretum #washingtonyouthgarden