Family Funday Sunday!
2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, September 28, 2025 is Paper Crafts, where we’ll discover all sorts of ways to create interesting crafts using paper.10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free!

B Inspired 5K Run/Walk
2025-10-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
B Inspired and get out into the woodlands, prairies and gardens of the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens for some good exercise in the Boone County fresh air!REGISTER HERE!

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-10-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, October 12, 2025 is Water Study, where we’ll discover all sorts of interesting facts about water and sources of water all around and near the Iowa Arboretum. 10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free!

Pressed Flower Art Workshop
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Pressed Flower Art Workshop – Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1:00pm-3:00pm RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Participants choose from a range of flowers and leaves picked, pressed right here at the arboretum and ready for your personalized creation!
Use chosen flowers to make: Designed & laminated bookmark, Styled arrangement on cardstock, Craft a frame for your creation, Bring your own frame from home (recommended sizes 5×7 or 8×10). We will also have a small supply of glass frames available for purchase at the workshop.
There are so many ways to use pressed flowers to create art, so come join us! Workshop space is limited!

Family Funday Sunday!
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for some learning and exploration fun! The topic for Sunday, October 26, 2025 is Spooky Science, where we’ll discover all sorts of interesting science facts that some people think are spooky! 10am-12noon, open house style. Activities are free with paid admission. Members are always free! AFTERWARDS, JOIN US FOR THE TRICK OR TREAT AT TREEHOUSE VILLAGE!

Trick or Treat in Treehouse Village
2025-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Costumed revelers of all ages and abilities travel the paved accessible trail at Treehouse Village collecting treats along the way! Halloween Scavenger Hunt, coloring contest, and more. Family friendly fun!
Included with regualr admission or discounted Museums for All admissions (with SNAP/EBT/WIC card + Photo ID). Members are always FREE! No extra charge for activities or trick or treating.

Dad's Belgian Waffles
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us from 9-11:30am on November 22, 2025 for all you can eat waffles! Waffles, sausages and beverages will be served with whipped cream, fun toppings and flavored syrups. $10 per person – age 5 and under eat FREE! We will also have some fall themed crafts and outdoor activities (weather depending)! A delicious & fun event for the whole family!

Forevergreens Holiday Fundraiser
2025-12-01 09:00 - 2025-12-05 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Support the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens by making your home festive for the holidays! These are great gifts for neighbors, friends and loved ones, as well. Stop by and choose yours during our open hours – weekdays 9am-4pm Monday, December 1, 2025 through Friday, December 5, 2025. Prices vary among the wide selection of living decorative greenery! All pieces are hand-crafted locally.

Winter is for the Birds!
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Saturday January 31, 2026 ~ 1pm-3pm ~ Join us as we explore, observe, and identify Iowa winter birds with guidance from avid and expert birder, Karl Jungbluth. This family oriented program includes outdoor activities, so dress for the weather! Program is FREE for Arboretum members. BECOME A MEMBER HERE Program is included with general admission for non-members. REGISTER HERE

ISU ~ Xi Sigma Pi Maple Syrup Day
2026-02-05 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 8am to 11am ~ Join us for all you can eat pancakes and a variety of demonstrations and educational displays about maple syrup & trees!

Dad's Belgian Waffles
2026-03-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us from 9-11:30am on Saturday, March 14, 2026 for all you can eat waffles! Waffles, sausages and beverages will be served with whipped cream, fun toppings and flavored syrups. $10 per person – age 5 and under eat FREE! We will also have some crafts and outdoor activities (weather depending)! A delicious & fun event for the whole family!

ISU Xi Sigma Pi Maple Syrup Day
2026-04-04 08:00 - 11:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Come for all you can eat pancakes and learn about the maple syrup process! Other demonstrations include timber sports, wood turning craft, and educational displays. Students running the day are from the ISU Xi Sigma Pi Forestry program. Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 8am-11am

2026 Spring Fever Symposium
2026-04-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SEED STORIES
Join us for our biggest education event of the year! We have an incredible lineup of speakers to pack this day with gardening goodness, all about seeds. Pre-registration is required. Open to the public… all are welcome!

April 11th, 2026; 9am-3pm
Lunch and refreshments provided with registration.

REGISTER HERE

Schdeule:

9:00 am – Doors Open9:30 am – Opening Remarks9:40 am – Maddy Stevenson: Seeds With a Story10:40 am – Break10:55 am – Vivian Bernau: Writing the Next Chapter of Our Seed Stories12:10 pm – Lunch12:55 pm – Marcus Jansen: Behind the Breeding2:10 pm – Break2:25 pm – Fatima Najar: Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Top Performers3pm – Adjourn

Presentation Descriptions:

Seeds with a Story – Maddy Stevenson
If a seed could speak, what story would it tell? Would it whisper about the perfect growing day, or proudly recall the cultures and cuisines it has shaped? Join Maddy as she shares plants encountered in her travels and the surprising, resourceful roles they play. Discover how these plants influence diets, brighten gardens, and sustain communities across the globe.

Writing the Next Chapter of Our Seed Stories – Vivian Bernau
Every seed has a story. And researching, crafting, and sharing those stories has been at the very heart of Seed Savers Exchange’s mission since its founding more than a half-century ago. In this presentation, Vivian will take a deep dive into why stories are such an important part of saving and stewarding seed varieties. She will share some of Seed Savers Exchange’s most interesting and inspiring seed stories and walk attendees through the organization’s accession policy—including why a documented seed story plays such a critical role in whether a seed donation is accepted into the Seed Savers Exchange Collection. Vivian will wrap up her presentation by showing how every gardener and seed saver can add their own chapter to a seed history by selecting and cultivating specific varietal traits.

Iowa Arboretum & Gardens 2025 Top Performers – Fatima Najar
After three rigorous seasons, the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program selected the first perennial Top Performers that began the program in 2023. The Trial Program Coordinator, Fatima, will go over the climatic patterns in Central Iowa for 2025 and the four perennials that proved to be the most resilient for Central Iowa’s landscape.

Behind the Breeding: The Journey of Developing New Garden Plants from Seed – Marcus Jansen
Have you considered what it takes to make some of your favorite plant varieties available to you? In this session, we will peek behind the curtain of plant breeding, exploring how new garden plants are bred, developed, and launched into the market. From perennial and annual ornamentals to cut flowers and vegetables, we will explore how seed is produced and plants are evaluated for gardeners in Iowa and gardeners around the world. Through this presentation, we will highlight some of the people that make these plants possible and some of the gardens that make it all worthwhile.

About the speakers:

Vivian Bernau
Vivian Bernau brings a lifelong passion for agricultural biodiversity and a wealth of experience in plant genetics to her new role as director of preservation at Seed Savers Exchange (SSE). She has devoted her career to safeguarding crop diversity and ensuring that seeds—and the stories they carry—are preserved for future generations. Before joining SSE, Vivian served as lead scientist and maize curator for the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Plant Introduction Research Unit. There, she managed one of the nation’s largest maize germplasm collections, developing innovative, data-driven strategies to maintain and distribute thousands of unique varieties to researchers and growers worldwide.

Vivian earned her doctorate in horticulture and crop science from The Ohio State University, where her research explored drought tolerance and local adaptation in chile peppers of southern Mexico. Her commitment to global food security has taken her beyond U.S. borders, including research collaborations with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia, where she studied crop wild relatives and strategies for conserving genetic diversity.

Marcus Jansen
Marcus Jansen, MS (He/Him) was raised in Quincy, Illinois and is an alum of the Iowa State University Department of Horticulture. He now lives and gardens in Batavia, Illinois and is a Product Manager for PanAmerican Seed of Ball Horticultural Company. In this role, Marcus oversees the Pro Landscape Performer Program and manages a portfolio of annuals and perennials in the PanAmerican Seed assortment, working to bring new plant varieties to growers and gardeners all over the world.

Maddy Stevenson
Maddy Stevenson is the Horticulture Technician at the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens. She plays a key role in designing and maintaining beautiful garden spaces for members and guests to enjoy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University and brings a diverse range of experiences to her role. Maddy started working in garden centers near her hometown of Story City, Iowa. During her time at ISU, she studied and shared horticultural practices as far away as Uganda and India. Maddy is excited to share her love of plants and create gardens that inspire people.

Fatima Najar
Fatima Najar has been with the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens Trial Program for three years, and wasinvaluable in helping start the program. Fatima grew up in Sioux City, Iowa later going to Iowa Stateto pursue her bachelor’s degree in Forestry. Before joining the arboretum, she worked as a field techniciancollecting data on native prairie plants and their importance to pollinators, and on a special project with Botrychium (moonwort).

As Curatorial Assistant, Fatima serves as a liaison between the public and horticulture industry while also collecting evaluation data on every perennial and shrub variety every two weeks. She does incredible work balancing those responsibilities with care of the garden and managing outreach. Fatima is passionate about conservation and sustainability, and loves to communicate those interests to diverse audiences.

Taking Time to See ~ a workshop in watercolor journaling
2026-04-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Taking Time to See ~ a workshop in watercolor journaling ~ with artist Jane Marie Degeneffe ~ Sunday, April 19, 2026 from Noon to 3pm ~ Registration is required and space is limited. $25 per person. REGISTER HERE
In this workshop, you begin with choosing one of the flowers or branches provided to focus on and paint. This first watercolor painting done in class will be an illustration for your writing , to inspire what you add to your journal at home. The blank watercolor pad and paints provided will be a take home starter for your journal. Quotes, reflections, poetry and goals or memories are always good topics for journaling. Workshop runs from 1-3pm with an opening reception from 12-1pm before class starts. Here is a link to more information about this workshop experience from the artist herself: WORKSHOP INFORMATION

Run for the Trees & NEW KIDS FUN RUN!
2026-04-25 08:15 - 10:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 ~ REGISTER HERE ~ Join us to support the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens by running the 5K or walking the 1K along our amazing gardens, prairie and woodland grounds during the heart of springtime – individuals, groups or families are welcomed to participate! NEW THIS YEAR – we have added a KIDS FUN RUN around the paved, accessible Treehouse Village trail loop – perfect for children of all abilities up to age 12 who will run, walk, or roll (wheelchairs, walkers and mobility chairs welcomed to participate)! 5K & 1K RUN/WALK starts at 9am ~ KIDS FUN RUN starts at 8:15am. RAIN DATE for all activities is Sunday, April 26, 2026.

ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION!
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2026 ~ 9am to 12noon Join us for our annual celebration of all things trees ~ from tree themed activities and crafts to Treehouse Village Playtime and KIDS CLIMB event with the Iowa Arborists Association on site to assist with tree climbing! We’ll also have scavenger hunts, snacks, tree planting ceremony and a free tree sapling for all attendees! General admission rates apply and include all Arbore Day Celebration activities ~ members are FREE! **RUN FOR THE TREES PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO FREE AFTER THEIR RUN/WALK!**

ANNUAL PLANT SALE!
2026-04-30 12:00 - 2026-05-02 16:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Enhance and beautify your garden with the best plants at the annual Plant Sale at Iowa Arboretum & Gardens!
Discover an outstanding selection of perennials and specialty plants carefully chosen for their beauty, performance, and suitability for Iowa landscapes. Whether you’re refreshing a garden bed, adding vibrant color, or searching for that one standout specimen, you’ll find high-quality plants hand-selected by our horticulture expert.
Knowledgeable staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and help you choose the right plants for your space. Plus, every purchase supports the Arboretum’s mission to connect people of all ages with nature.
Shop early for the best selection

Garden Social & Auction 2026
2026-05-09 17:00 - 20:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
Join us for our annual fundraiser to support the Iowa Arboretum & Gardens on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 5-8:30pm. This is a ticketed event and both individual tickets and table sponsorships for parties of 8 are available. GET TICKETS HERE

CLASSIC CAR SHOW
2026-06-07 11:00 - 14:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026 11am to 2pm ~ Bring your classic car to show or just show up and marvel at the classic beauties lining our lot and grounds! Food trucks will be on hand so you can have a bite while you peruse the collection. BRINGING A CAR TO SHOW? Arrive between 10 -10:45am to get set up.

TUNES IN THE TREES
2026-06-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026 5pm-8pm ~ Join us for this family friendly outdoor concert event featuring the award winning WEARY RAMBLERS! Food trucks open at 5pm. $10/Members; $15/General Public BUY A SEASON TICKET AND SAVE! Get 4 concert admissions for the price of 3!
BUY SEASON TICKETS HERE
Treehouse Village Playtime until 6pm ($5 per person/free for Members). Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blanket, the kids, your neighbors and the family dog! NEW THIS YEAR: Lawn activities for the kids!

TWILIGHT LIVE at Treehouse Village 21+
2026-06-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2026 from 6pm-8:30pm ~ featuring the bluesy grooves of the SOUL SEARCHERS ~ Join us for this age 21+ event set in the oak-hickory surroundings of Treehouse Village where the tunes echo through the branches. Each ticket includes live music under the trees, tasty bites, adult beverage, bar service, and themed activities to help everyone play around and explore the beautiful woodlands of the Iowa Arboretum … without the kids, of course!

TUNES IN THE TREES
2026-07-14 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026 5pm-8pm ~ Join us for this family friendly outdoor concert event featuring RYTHMIC REWIND! Food trucks open at 5pm. Treehouse Village Playtime until 6pm ($5 per person/free for Members). Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blanket, the kids, your neighbors and the family dog! NEW THIS YEAR: Lawn activities for the kids!

TWILIGHT LIVE at Treehouse Village 21+
2026-07-23 18:00 - 20:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2026 from 6pm-8:30pm ~ featuring Iowa born favorite JOSHUA SINCLAIR ~ Join us for this age 21+ event set in the oak-hickory surroundings of Treehouse Village where the tunes echo through the branches. Each ticket includes live music under the trees, tasty bites, adult beverage, bar service, and themed activities to help everyone play around and explore the beautiful woodlands of the Iowa Arboretum … without the kids, of course!

TUNES IN THE TREES
2026-08-11 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026 5pm-8pm ~ Join us for this family friendly outdoor concert event featuring THE NADAS! Food trucks open at 5pm. Treehouse Village Playtime until 6pm ($5 per person/free for Members). Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blanket, the kids, your neighbors and the family dog! NEW THIS YEAR: Lawn activities for the kids!

TWILIGHT LIVE at Treehouse Village 21+
2026-08-27 18:00 - 20:30 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2026 from 6pm-8:30pm ~ featuring singer-songwriter DAY ASHWORTH ~ Join us for this age 21+ event set in the oak-hickory surroundings of Treehouse Village where the tunes echo through the branches. Each ticket includes live music under the trees, tasty bites, adult beverage, bar service, and themed activities to help everyone play around and explore the beautiful woodlands of the Iowa Arboretum … without the kids, of course!

TUNES IN THE TREES
2026-09-08 17:00 - 20:00 | Iowa Arboretum & Gardens, 1875 Peach Avenue, MADRID, IA, 50156
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2026 5pm-8pm ~ Join us for this family friendly outdoor concert event featuring FAT TUESDAY & THE GREASEFIRE HORNS! Food trucks open at 5pm. Treehouse Village Playtime until 6pm ($5 per person/free for Members). Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blanket, the kids, your neighbors and the family dog! NEW THIS YEAR: Lawn activities for the kids!
