Fall Festival 2026

Fall Festival 2026

Join us for a fun-filled day at the Garden, where nature meets adventure! This year’s Fall Festival celebrates trees and is proud to be featured as part of ReLeaf Cville’s Tree Week.

Enjoy a day of hands-on activities and outdoor exploration, including arts and crafts, tree walks, a tree planting, and a tree care workshop and demonstration with Bartlett Tree Experts. Visitors can also take part in outdoor finger labyrinth guided meditation among the trees and explore tabling activities from local organizations.

This event is free and open to the public, with activities for all ages. Our full schedule and registration information will be available soon.

Don’t miss Fall Festival 2026—a day of fun, discovery, and celebrating the trees that make our community special!

Save time checking in, fill out your waiver online now!

Event Waiver

Register Now

Fall Festival Event Schedule

*Please note that the Fall Festival 2026 schedule is subject to change. In the event of thunder or lightning, all activities at the Garden will be canceled.

9:30am-10:30am

Register Now

Tree WalkJoin us for a unique outdoor experience that brings the trees of Piedmont Garden to life. Guided by our knowledgeable Tree Identification experts, Donna and Tom, this walk offers an engaging way to connect with nature. As you stroll beneath the canopy, you’ll learn how to identify a wide variety of native and non-native trees. Each species tells a story, and our guides will help you uncover the hidden details that make every tree special.

9:30am-1:00pm

Register Now

Fall Poetry WalkWhile strolling the Garden view excerpts of nature inspired poems.

9:30am-1:00pm

Register Now

Explore to ReadExplore the garden trails while discovering enlarged storybook pages.

9:30am-1:00pm

Register Now

Garden Craft Table – All AgesEnjoy a creating a craft inspired by the season.

9:30am-1:00pm

Explore the Garden with our New NEST Adventure PacksBorrow this special gear bag that creates your own Garden adventure! Each NEST backpack includes an array of materials to help you as you explore. Become a Community Scientist with our binoculars, field guides, and iNaturalist instructions. Check off being a Explorer with our scavenger hunts and compass. Check out a bag from the Fall Festival event table. The first NEST adventurers will receive a special prize while supplies last!

10:00am-11:00am

Register Now

500 Year Forest Walk – All AgesJoin us for a Walk through with the 500-Year Forest Foundation and explore the history and management of the Garden’s forested landscape.

We’ll discuss habitat, forest succession, invasive species, rare plants, riparian buffers, and more while learning to identify trees and plants along the way.

10:00am-11:00am

Register Now

Tree Care Workshop and Demonstration with Bartlett Tree Experts – AdultsJoin Bartlett Tree Experts for a practical workshop on tree care, featuring a general tree care discussion, a tool-sharpening demonstration, and hands-on pruning demonstrations.

11:00am-12:00pm

Register Now

Music in the GardenThe Garden has received a generous grant to feature a classical music performance series in the Garden. Each concert will feature a different group highlighting a variety of instruments and musical arrangements. Enjoy this free outdoor concert and bring chairs or blankets as seating is limited in our mini amphitheater. If it rains, the performance will take place under the tent. This program will conclude our Music in the Garden performances for the season and include Vivaldi’s Autumn as part of the performance.

12:00pm-1:00pm

Tree Planting with Local Garden Clubs – All AgesLocal Garden clubs join together to plant trees in the Garden, contributing to its growth, beauty, and lasting legacy for the community.

1:00pm-2:00pm

Register Now

Finger Labyrinth Guided Meditation – AmphitheaterVisitors can also take part in a finger labyrinth outdoor guided meditation among the trees

Informational tabling by Charlottesville Waldorf School, Triple C Camp, Piedmont Master Gardeners, Dark Skies Charlottesville, Charlottesville Office of Sustainability, the Charlottesville Invasive Plant Partnership, and Botanical Garden of the Piedmont.

Community event in Charlottesville, Charlottesville city County, VA 22902.