Bonsai Display by the Susquehanna Bonsai Club
2024-10-01 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-02 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-03 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-04 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-05 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-06 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-07 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-08 09:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) and 4 more dates
Wednesday, September 25 through Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Experience the living art of bonsai with this popular annual exhibit, provided by the Susquehanna Bonsai Club; exhibit located in the Hoop House in The Children’ s Garden.
Included in admission; free for members.

Fall Homeschool Day: Local Biodiversity: Insects, Animals and Trees
2024-10-01 09:30 - 12:30
Appreciate and understand why differences in the plant and animal world are important to our livelihoods. We’ll take a closer look at native plants and insects, the impact of invasive species and climate change, and how we can play a role in conserving and protecting biodiversity. Program is designed for Kindergarten through grade 6th graders.
Registration required here; closes on September 29.
Please note: Homeschool Day provides a service beyond regular Gardens admission, therefore, no discounts, passes, or memberships are accepted. Program will be held rain or shine.

Guided Walk
2024-10-05 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-12 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-10-26 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-09 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:00
Join Dr. Ray Barbehenn, a biologist with an expertise in plant ecology, for an hour-long adventure through the gardens as you learn about plants and trees. Bring your curiosity!
Included with admission, free for members.

Brownie Scout "Outdoor Art Creator" Badge Requirement Workshop
2024-10-05 10:00 - 12:00
Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Explore creative movement, make art with recycled and natural objects and further develop your observational skills as you earn your “Outdoor Art Creator” badge. At least one adult is required to register and accompany each troop, or individual Scout.
$15 per Scout; $13 per Scout leader

Registration is required here. Includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium for the day. Please note that general admission tickets are required for accompanying family members

Junior Scout "Outdoor Art Explorer" Badge Requirement Workshop
2024-10-05 12:00 - 14:00
Let Hershey Gardens be your inspiration as you explore, learn about and create various artworks designed with nature in mind! At least one adult is required to register and accompany each troop, or individual Scout.
$15 per Scout; $13 per Scout leader
Registration is required here. Includes admission to Hershey Gardens and the Butterfly Atrium for the day. Please note that general admission tickets are required for accompanying family members.

Pumpkin Palooza
2024-10-19 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-20 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-26 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-10-27 09:00 - 17:00
October 19, 20, 26, 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kids, come in costume and trick or treat at four Hershey’s candy stations, enjoy over 200 painted pumpkins, a unique 14-foot “pumpkin tree” and the perfect photo backdrop of pumpkin mosaics! Plus, stop by to see if you can handle the Creepy Creatures Gallery! Guests can also enjoy food trucks and hundreds of mums on display, including a colorful 9-foot mum display!
Painted pumpkins located in the seasonal display bed and Hoop House are courtesy of Bishop McDevitt High School, Lower Dauphin High School, Milton Hershey School and Hershey High School.

Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 19

X3 Chinese Music Ensemble, featuring students from Little Star Chinese School and Hershey Middle School, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Amphitheatre, (tent pad if raining)
Food trucks: Jack and Joans Kettle Corn, The Good Good Coffee Cart, Marsico’s Taste of Italy, Cheesesteak Shuttle
Creepy Creatures Gallery, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Facepainting, Garden Cottage, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (additional fee)

Sunday, October 20

Food trucks: Jack and Joans Kettle Corn; The Good Good Coffee Cart, Marsico’s Taste of Italy, Madelyn’s Sweets & Savories, Cheesesteak Shuttle
Creepy Creatures Gallery, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Facepainting, Garden Cottage, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (additional fee)

Saturday, October 26

Ray Costanza Music, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Seasonal Display Garden, (tent pad if raining)
Food trucks: Jack and Joans Kettle Corn; The Good Good Coffee Cart, Marsico’s Taste of Italy, Madelyn’s Sweets & Savories, Cheesesteak Shuttle, Shorty’s Funnel Cakes
Creepy Creatures Gallery, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Facepainting, Garden Cottage, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (additional fee)

Sunday, October 27

X3 Woodwind Ensemble, featuring students from Hershey Middle School, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Amphitheatre, (tent pad if raining)
Food trucks: Jack and Joans Kettle Corn; The Good Good Coffee Cart, Marsico’s Taste of Italy, Madelyn’s Sweets & Savories, Shorty’s Funnel Cakes, Cheesesteak Shuttle
Creepy Creatures Gallery, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Facepainting, Garden Cottage, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (additional fee)

Sponsors:

Eco-Fiction Book Group
2024-11-08 10:00 - 11:30
Join us quarterly to explore works of eco-fiction, nature and environment-oriented works, which often include a human element. It is not necessary to attend all sessions—join when you can! New participants are always welcome. We encourage you to read each month’s selection prior to the meeting to fully participate in the discussion. Located in the Garden Cottage. All sessions are from 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Friday, November 8 “The Botanist’s Daughter” by Kayte Nunn
2025 Dates:

Friday, January 24: “How Beautiful We Were” by Imbolo Mbue Bonus book – Stone Creek by Kate Brandes
Friday, April 25: “The Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler Bonus book- Bee Conspiracy by David Boito
Friday, July 25: “The High House” by Jessie Greengrass
Friday, October 24: “Gun Island” by Amitae Ghosh
If you have the time, check out the bonus reads which are lesser-known novels with a similar theme.

Book selections for each month can be found at your local public library or at any major retailer.
Please contact Vera Kolstrom to register: 717.508.5970 or velkolstrom@hersheygardens.org.

Christmas Tree Showcase
2024-11-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-23 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-11-24 09:00 - 17:00
Friday, November 22 through Sunday, January 5
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas, Closes at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve)
Located in the Milton & Catherine Hershey Conservatory
Our signature holiday event has been reimagined to a dreamscape of nine colorful tree displays with twinkling lights; each unique tree is created by a talented local designer. Guests can also enjoy the 14-foot poinsettia tree in brilliant solid red and a stunning 8-foot bromeliad tree. Plus, the Butterfly Atrium will be decorated for the holidays, too!
Enjoy Live Music on Sundays from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
The Professors: November 24 and December 29
Appalachian Breeze: December 1, 8, 15 and 22

Did you know that Santa and his reindeer have a special sleigh that they only bring to Hershey? It’s Hersheypark’s Comet coaster car, of course! Bring the whole family to Hershey Gardens and sit in it for the perfect holiday photo op!
Plus – Enjoy the “Student Christmas Tree Showcase”
Enjoy dozens of creative ornaments made by local school students on display on live Fraser fir trees in the Garden Cottage.
Included in admission; free for members.
Sponsors:
Thomas Davis

Crafty Christmas Creations
2024-11-23 09:30 - 13:00
Calling All Kids!
November 23, 30, December 7, 14, 21, 28 and January 4
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Perfect for kids of all ages. Join in the fun of creating your own holiday craft, inspired by nature. Located in the Education Center in The Children’s Garden.
Included in admission; free for members.
