The Dog Days of Summer are almost upon us — but we’re not just talking about how hot and humid it is outside. During the month of August, FONA will honor the canine companions that also enjoy the Arboretum! FONA will host dog meetups and community group pop-ups during summer evening hours. 

We will also hold a Dog of the Year photo contest! Nominations will open on Wednesday, July 30th. Only FONA members will be able to nominate dogs, but the entire public will be able to vote on which they think is the top dog of the Arboretum. All contest participants will receive FONA swag. The winner will receive a professional dog photo shoot at the Arboretum, other goodies donated from local dog businesses, and will be featured in FONA materials.

To join the nomination, donate any amount to become a FONA member or renew and make sure your membership is up to date.

Learn More About FONA Memberships >

Our Summer Institute for Garden-based Teaching is taking place this week in the Washington Youth Garden. Teams of educators, administrators, and specialists from 14 D.C. schools are learning how to build stronger garden programs at their schools. While FONA has worked with teams from a number of these schools before, we’re excited to welcome to the Institute five schools that are new to our programs.

The Summer Institute shares gardening basics, prepares teachers with resources and ideas to teach in the school garden, and builds a strong community of support both within and between schools. Allie Arnold, our School Garden Program Manager, was excited at how much the garden teams were already communicating with each other over group chat before the program even began. “They just started sharing their intros and pictures of their gardens… This work feels impossible to do in a silo, which is so often how working in a school is. My hope is that by the end of the training, they have a number of people at their school and beyond who can keep them motivated to keep going.”

Allie is excited to help participants build mindful connections to the Washington Youth Garden, FONA, and the National Arboretum as a whole. On Tuesday, Yalonda Thomas, our Visitor Programs Manager, helped with this initiative by guiding educators on a short tour of the Arboretum to introduce them to the collections and the horticultural work being done here.

Enjoy authentic Venezuelan food from Arepa Zone during your evening visit to the National Arboretum this Friday, July 18th. They will sell food from 5 PM to 7:30 PM near the Visitor Center.

Please check FONA's social media pages (Instagram, Facebook) for any weather-related Food Truck Friday updates.

Grab your picnic blankets and your dancing shoes — it's almost time for our Music in the Meadow summer concert! Join us on Friday, July 25th at 6 PM in the Ellipse Meadow for some foot-stomping music by Buck Forty Nine. Come enjoy this local D.C. band with Americana vibes while watching the sun set over the Capitol Columns. Timber Pizza, Catalyst Hot Dog Cart, and Frosty Softy will all have food for sale, too!

This concert is free to attend, but a $15 suggested donation to FONA is encouraged. Registration is not required, but please register to let us know you're coming and to receive weather-related event updates.

Learn More About the Concert & Register >

Experience peak water garden bloom! Check out the Lotus & Water Lily Festival happening this Friday, July 18th through Sunday, July 20th at the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens. The festival includes a full slate of free art, wellness, music, and cultural events. Some of these events have a limited capacity and require in-person registration the day of the event.

Learn More About the Festival >

Summer Evening Hours

June 1 - August 30, 5 PM - 8 PM

Arboretum grounds stay open to the public

Important Evening Hours Details >

Evening Yoga

Select Wednesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

July 23, August 6, August 20

Outdoor yoga for all skill levels

Class Schedule & Registration >

Evening Sound Bathing

Select Tuesdays, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

July 29, August 12, August 26

Refresh your mind with soothing soundscapes

Class Schedule & Registration >

Food Truck Friday: Arepa Zone

Friday, July 18, 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Food vendors on select Friday evenings

Morning Member Walk

Friday, July 25, 8 AM - 9:30 AM

Casual morning stroll with FONA members

Donate to Join FONA & Enjoy Members-Only Events >

Food Truck Friday: Timber Pizza, Catalyst Hot Dog Cart, Frosty Softy

Friday, July 25, 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Food vendors on select Friday evenings

Music in the Meadow: Buck Forty Nine

Friday, July 25, 6 PM - 8 PM

Free outdoor concert with Americana vibes

Learn More & Register >

Food Truck Friday: Cousins Lobster Truck

Friday, August 1, 5 PM - 7:30 PM

Food vendors on select Friday evenings