On Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, 2025, bring your family and friends to The Morton Arboretum to explore the cultures and traditions of Asia. Taste delicious food from local vendors, experience new music, and take in traditional dances and performances that pay homage to this part of the world. This family-friendly weekend will be the cultural event of the summer!
The Destination Asia Festival celebrates the cultures of Asia, where many trees and plants at The Morton Arboretum originated. The Arboretum’s scientists and arborists continue to work with colleagues in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, China, and Taiwan to support research and encourage policies that improve the conservation and management of forests and trees in the face of rapid changes in these countries’ economy, ecology, and culture.
Ticket Details
Admission to the Destination Asia Festival is included with Arboretum general admission.
Schedule of Events
A schedule of performances, demonstrations, and activities will be available closer to the event date.
Bonsai Show
Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing and developing trees and other woody-stemmed plants in pots. The Prairie State Bonsai Society is proud to present an exhibition of bonsai at The Morton Arboretum’s Destination Asia Festival. View a display of mature bonsai trees and trees in training at the Bonsai Show on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, 2025.
Bonsai Workshops
Discover the art of bonsai, develop your styling and wiring skills, or receive advice on your own bonsai tree. Bonsai workshops take place on-site at The Morton Arboretum on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3. Details will be available soon.
Food Options
Food trucks will be on-site selling food and beverages throughout the event. Details will be available closer to the event date.
Food and beverages are available at the Ginkgo Restaurant and the Ginkgo Café, both located in the Visitor Center. The Ginkgo Restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the Ginkgo Café offers prepackaged salads and sandwiches, bakery items, espresso beverages, hot tea, and drip coffee.
Accessibility
The Destination Asia Festival takes place along the paved walking paths of the Visitor Center area, Meadow Lake Trail, and the Conifer Walk. These paths are fully accessible for wheelchairs and walkers but do include a few hills. The stages will be stationed on the grassy areas near these walking trails.
See Accessibility at The Morton Arboretum for more information.
