Arboretum Expo: Tree Day + Plant Sale
About this Event
Looking for a way to get outside this fall and enjoy a family-friendly event? On Saturday, September 12th, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the annual Arboretum Expo, presented by Skyjack, returns to the University of Guelph Arboretum. Join us on the West Lawn, in the Gardens, and at the OAC Centennial Arboretum Centre for a community celebration of nature, science, and community.
By attending, you directly support The Arboretum’s mission to conserve endangered species, restore natural habitats, and connect people to nature through research, teaching, and outreach.
Here is what you and your family can enjoy:
- The beloved Arboretum Plant Sale
- Information Booths by Community and U of G Campus Groups
- Tree and Food Sustainability Demonstrations
- Nature Hikes and Guided Tours
- Family-Friendly Activities
- Food Trucks
- Live Music
The Plant Sale features over 150 species of unique, rare, and native plants grown by our dedicated volunteers in the Henry Kock Propagation Centre. Selections include hard-to-find varieties that you won't find anywhere else in Canada.
Quantities are limited, so be sure to check our website in mid-August for the full list of available plants to plan your garden early.
All proceeds directly aid the ongoing maintenance and development of our 408-acre living museum.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you on September 12th!
All Day
🕑: 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
All Day Booths and Activities (10am to 3pm) in the Arb Centre / West Lawn
Info: The Arboretum Plant Sale -
The Arboretum Naturalists Table -
Guelph Wellington Master Gardeners -
The Guelph Hiking Trail Club -
Honey Bee Education & Honey Sales -
Guelph Urban Forest Friends (GUFF) -
Yorklands Greenhub -
Guelph Centre for Urban Organic Farming (GCUOF) -
City of Guelph Healthy Landscapes -
Wildlife Preservation Canada -
Nokom's House -
Ignatius Guelph -
Tree Trust -
Forest History Ontario -
Pollination Guelph -
The Guelph Public Library Bookmobile -
Seniors for Climate Action Now -
World Wildlife Fund - Re:Grow -
Nature Guelph -
Queers in Nature -
eMerge -
Guelph Coalition for Active Transport (GCAT) -
Guelph Holzkünste -
Urban Park Guelph -
OPIRG Guelph -
Trees for Guelph -
Guelph Climate Action Network (GCAN) -
UoGuelph Wildlife Club -
Lost Aviator -
Guelph Roots and Shoots -
Fo Cheezy -
Metallic Evolution -
Gazebo Performances
🕑: 10:00 AM
Opening and Land Acknowledgment
Info: Join us in welcoming our guests, explaining event details, and thanking our generous sponsors of the event.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Wild Ontario
Info: Wild Ontario is an environmental and science education program in the College of Biological Science at the University of Guelph. Through their educational activities both on-campus and in the community, they work to foster connections with nature and an interest in science. Wild Ontario provide a long-term home and purpose for permanently injured birds-of-prey as educational ambassadors of their species. Join WO and their feathered friends at the Gazebo for an educational program about birds-of-prey with the chance to see these birds up close!
🕑: 11:45 AM
Land Heart Song
Info: Land Heart Song is Tiiu Strutt, a songwriter and educator passionate about singing songs that support families in nurturing their love for nature. Land Heart Song’s performances spark wonder and joy, inspiring everyone in the family to sing along and deepen their relationship with the natural world. Join Tiiu in connecting to nature through music and fostering our innate curiosity and wonder about the natural world!
🕑: 01:00 PM
GUFF Henry Kock Tree Stewardship Award
Info: Henry Kock Stewardship Award- Henry was known for his dedication to growing, protecting and advocating for trees and their natural environment. In his work at the Arb, he developed many programs including the Elm Recovery Program. Henry was cherished for his wisdom, integrity and mentorship, and each year we honour another member of our community who embodies these characteristics in their stewardship of our trees. Join us for the announcement of the 2026 winner and presentation of the Award Certificate.
🕑: 01:15 PM
Tree Climbing Demonstration
Info: Join a certified arborist and tree worker as they showcase different climbing techniques, highlighting the importance of these practices in maintaining healthy ecosystems!
🕑: 02:00 PM
Elderly Brothers Garage Band
Info: Join us for a live musical performance of the Elderly Brothers Garage Band! A little bit classic country and a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll. We’ll have you leaving with a smile on your face and a tune in your heart.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00
