Anime Night

Celebrate the culture and cuisine of Japan amid the summer blooms at The Morton Arboretum.

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, discover the traditions of Japan with family-friendly activities amid the summer blooms at The Morton Arboretum. At this special evening event, guests will listen to live performances of Japanese city pop, learn drawing techniques, and taste authentic Japanese foods.

Event Highlights

Guest teaching artist Mr. Pintamuro (ミスターピンタムロ)—a Chicago-based muralist, illustrator, and educator from the Little Village neighborhood—will demonstrate drawing techniques.

Authentic Japanese food and drinks will be available to purchase from food trucks.

Throughout the evening, enjoy a live performance by pioneering DJ Van Paugam, known for championing 70s and 80s Japanese city pop.

Discounted Admission

Special evening admission to the Arboretum after 5:00 p.m. is available on the day of the event, at a price of $5 per person aged 4 and older. Children aged 3 and younger are admitted free. Select the evening time slot when purchasing Arboretum admission for Thursday, August 21.

Anime Night is one of three special evening events for families at The Morton Arboretum this summer! Learn more about Pizza Party with Jules on Thursday, June 26, and Noche de Familia on Sunday, July 13.

Wonder Woods Mini Golf

Wonder Woods Mini Golf is open late for Anime Night! The imaginative, tree-themed course was specially designed for the Arboretum with the help of our research scientists. Wonder Woods Mini Golf tickets must bepurchased online in advance for a specific, reserved timeslot.

Destination Asia Festival

Anime Night is the perfect kickoff to the Destination Asia Festival on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, August 3, 2025. Bring family and friends to celebrate the cultures of Asia, where many trees and plants at The Morton Arboretum originated.

Event Highlights

Authentic Japanese food and drinks will be available to purchase from food trucks in Arbor Court from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Demonstrations, activities, and musical performances will take place throughout the evening. A schedule will be available closer to the event date.

Drawing Technique Demonstrations

Guest teaching artist Mr. Pintamuro (ミスターピンタムロ) will demonstrate various drawing techniques.

Mr. Pintamuro (ミスターピンタムロ) is a Chicago-based muralist, illustrator, and educator from the Little Village neighborhood. His work blends Indigenous Mexican symbology, Nahua philosophy, and the dynamic flair of Shōwa-era manga aesthetics. Merging ancient storytelling with contemporary urban life, Mr. Pintamuro (ミスターピンタムロ) invites a curious reengagement with the land, ceremony, and community, blending past and present in a celebration of heritage and resilience.

Japanese City Pop DJ Set

Throughout the evening, enjoy a live performance by pioneering DJ Van Paugam.

Van Paugam is known for championing 70s and 80s Japanese city pop, performing globally in cities like Tokyo, Paris, and Berlin. He blends Japanese aesthetics, ritual, and philosophy into a vinyl DJ style that’s both meditative and moving, earning recognition from outlets like NHK, CNN, and the Chicago Reader. Based in Chicago, he also works with the Japanese Culture Center and serves on the board of the Japanese Arts Foundation.