Explore the vibrant cultures and traditions of Latin America in the beautiful natural settings of The Morton Arboretum at Celebración de los Árboles on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebración de los Árboles honors the vibrant cultures of Mexico and Mesoamerica, where the Arboretum does important work to protect and conserve threatened trees and the ecosystems they support.
Tickets
Admission to Celebración de los Árboles is included with Arboretum general admission. Buy general admission online to save $2 per ticket and save time in line.
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Highlights
The two-day cultural festival features traditional music, dance, food, and storytelling. Read more about festival highlights and see a full performance schedule.
Join The Morton Arboretum during Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of people whose ancestors came from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. From September 15 to October 15, experience a variety of special events and programs highlighting Latino, Latina, and Latinx communities as well as partners in the Arboretum’s important work to protect and conserve threatened trees and ecosystems in Latin America.
Science and Conservation
The Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program is helping scientists and local residents in Baja California Sur, Mexico, and Costa Rica conserve endangered oak species. Wherever trees need help or trees can help people—in Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods or far away—The Morton Arboretum is The Champion of Trees.
Visit Arbor Court, Tram Road, and Frost Hill to purchase handcrafted goods, art, and traditional foods from more than a dozen local artists and vendors.
A list of vendors will be available closer to the festival weekend.
Science is the foundation of The Morton Arboretum’s work for trees. Learn how Arboretum researchers conduct on-the-ground tree conservation action projects with local partners in Mexico and Mesoamerica to benefit ecosystems while supporting local communities.
Global Tree Conservation Program
Working around the world, the Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program is dedicated to safeguarding tree species in biodiversity hotspots like Mesoamerica through global collaborations. Arboretum staff lead integrated, science-based conservation action projects that support sustainable livelihoods and respect local cultures and traditional knowledge.
Conservation Gap Analysis of Native Mesoamerican Oaks
Recently published in 2025, The Arboretum’s Conservation Gap Analysis of Native Mesoamerican Oaks was a landmark report that identified key concerns and areas of opportunity for conserving threatened oak species. The report is available in both English and Spanish.
Chicago Region Trees Initiative
The Chicago Region Trees Initiative is The Morton Arboretum’s urban and community forestry program, working to improve people’s lives by supporting the health, diversity, and equitable distribution of trees in the Chicago region and throughout Illinois.
Opportunities in Science
The Arboretum’s Center for Tree Science offers many opportunities for students and young people to get involved in tree conservation and STEM. Learn more about youth volunteer opportunities and the Arboretum’s Integrated Mentorship Program.
