Morris ArBOOretum & Gardens
We’re getting into the Halloween spirit this October at Morris ArBOOretum & Gardens!
![Two carved and lit up Halloween pumpkins in a patch of fallen leaves at night.](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_landing_large/public/2023-08/Morris%20Arboretum2020%20%20Halloween%20event.jpg?h=01e43209&itok=8YCgmzjL)
17th Annual Scarecrow Design Contest
Registration opens for our Scarecrow Design Contest on Friday, August 30... and we're in our VILLAIN era!
Whether a deliciously malicious movie villain or a misunderstood underdog, this Halloween we are going all in on our favorite villains! We can't wait to see your comic book and cartoon references, your sports nemeses, your wrongfully maligned historical figures.
Scarecrows will be on display throughout the Morris October 1 – October 31. Visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow on-site October 1 – 17 to determine the winners. The top three scarecrows win a cash prize: $300, $200, and $100.
Registration deadline: Friday, September 27
![Tague Lumber logo](/sites/default/files/styles/text_image/public/2023-09/Tague_LargeCircle_CMYK_logo%20copy_0.jpg?itok=BPEgMkmi)
Scarecrow frames generously provided by Tague Lumber.
Morris Pumpkin Cottage
As part of October ArBOOretum Month, we will invite kids of all ages to enjoy the new Morris Pumpkin Cottage, a 100-square-foot exhibit covered in hundreds of pumpkins of various shapes and sizes. The Cottage, a throwback to when the area around the Morris used to be known as “Pumpkintown,” is tucked at the end of the Pumpkin Promenade, a small trail lined with pumpkins, gourds, scarecrows, and more. Free with general admission.
ArBOOretum Events
![Trees with orange, red, and yellow foliage.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2023-02/PM_DSC01887%20copyCroppedfall%20color.jpg?h=e19ce2cf&itok=egZQ1hUd)
Autumn Equinox Dance Party
Sunday, September 29 • 6 pm
Registration is required.
Say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn! Dance among the trees to your favorite songs. Apple cider and other N/A drinks provided.
![A spread of tarot cards with three pulled cards on a blue table.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2024-08/Tarot_cards_-_3_card_spread_0.jpg?h=a6895f5c&itok=SyuOk-M7)
Botanical Tarot Card Workshop
Sunday, October 6 • 2 pm
Registration is required.
Come learn about the plants at Morris and about tarot.
![A woman holds a book in an outdoor classroom while a young child and their guardian sit nearby.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2023-03/storytime-with-melissa-new_0.jpg?h=477229a7&itok=-NKkf9xq)
October Storytime
Wednesday, October 16 • 10:30 am
Free with general admission.
This month, we’re reading Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert.
![A family dressed in Halloween costumes stands outdoors in a green space.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2024-08/2022_Trick-or-Treat-Trail_MArmstrong-pics%20%289%29.jpg?h=7be245bf&itok=hxglwV1I)
Scavenger Hunt & Costume Dance Party
Thursday, October 17 • 5 pm
Registration is required.
Come to the Morris for a Halloween scavenger hunt and dance party
![Three young children stand outdoors posing in their Halloween costumes.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2023-09/2022_Trick-or-Treat-Trail_MArmstrong-pics%20%2828%29.jpg?h=314aeaf2&itok=b2o8wVsq)
Trick or Treat Bag Craft
Tuesday, October 22 • 5:30 pm
Registration is required.
Come to the Morris to make a special plant-themed trick-or-treat bag to carry your candy.
![Two adults dressed as scarecrows pose for the camera.](/sites/default/files/styles/card_large/public/2024-08/RCP_201101_8038_0.jpg?h=17d140d2&itok=9WvvMyOm)
Rose Tint Your World: Mischief Night Portrait Party
Wednesday, October 30 • 6 pm
Registration is required.
Pose in costume in the Rose Garden with your friends, then paint small portraits of each other to take home.