Upcoming Garden Events in Washington, D.C. – October 2025
Washington, D.C. is bustling with a variety of garden-related activities this October. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a family seeking outdoor fun, or someone interested in cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this fall season. Below is a curated list of upcoming garden events in the city, complete with dates, locations, and details.
1. Garlic Planting Party & Bulb Sale
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM EDT
Location: Washington Youth Garden, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
Details: Celebrate the fall season with an event full of hands-on activities such as garlic planting, vegetable harvesting, family-friendly crafts, and garden tours. The event features an edible and ornamental bulb sale, food tastings, and encourages visitors to wear costumes. The event is free and open to all ages.
2. Seasonal Highlights Tour
Date & Time: Tuesday through Sunday, September 9 to October 31, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM daily
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Details: This guided walk offers a comprehensive look at plants in bloom and other seasonal features. Led by trained Garden Guides, the tour provides a free opportunity to observe and learn about the seasonal changes in the garden, with similar experiences potentially available in Washington, D.C.
3. Guided Forest Bathing Walks
Date & Time: Friday, October 3, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Details: Immerse yourself in nature during a tranquil forest bathing experience led by a certified guide. This walk emphasizes mindfulness, sensory awareness, and a deep connection with the natural environment. Tickets are priced at $35, with $30 available for members.
4. Girl Scout Outdoor Art Badge Workshop
Date & Time: Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM; Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Details: Girl Scouts can earn their Outdoor Art badge through creative activities inspired by the gardens. Each session costs $12 per participant, offering a chance to engage with art and nature in a meaningful way.
5. Gardener’s Focus Tour: Plants of the Fall
Date & Time: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM
Location: Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Details: Explore the transition of plantings from summer to autumn, highlighted by tens of thousands of chrysanthemums. This tour is included with a suggested donation for admission and provides insight into fall gardening.
6. Fierce Flora: Tales of Survival and Demise
Date & Time: Ongoing through October 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
Location: U.S. Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20001
Details: This multisensory exhibit showcases the fierce aspects of plant defense mechanisms and their impact on ecosystems and humans. It offers an engaging, educational experience for visitors of all ages, with free admission.
7. Fall Plant Sale
Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM; Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or while supplies last)
Location: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Details: Shop a curated selection of houseplants and garden plants to enhance your outdoor and indoor spaces. While this event is held in New York, similar sales are often organized in Washington, D.C. for local gardening enthusiasts.
8. Snallygaster
Date & Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd and 7th Streets, Washington, DC
Details: A lively craft beer festival featuring over 450 brews, live music performances, a makers’ market, and dedicated zones for families, including a kids’ area. Tickets are available for $75 for general admission.
9. Turkish Festival
Date & Time: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Location: Pennsylvania Avenue NW, between 3rd and 6th Streets, Washington, DC
Details: Celebrate Turkish culture with vibrant art exhibits, folk dancers, concerts, and demonstrations of traditional Turkish coffee and tea. The festival also features a bazaar with a variety of food and artisanal goods.
10. Fall Harvest Festival
Date & Time: October 19–20, 2025
Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA
Details: Experience the historical harvest season with activities such as a corn maze, bread sampling, and demonstrations of traditional techniques like wheat treading and candle-making. This event offers a unique glimpse into 18th-century traditions.
These events provide a comprehensive and diverse glimpse into the outdoor, cultural, and educational opportunities available in Washington, D.C. this October. Be sure to check the event websites or contact organizers directly for additional details or updates.
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
