Past Events

  1. Arboretum Landscapes in Watercolor with Artist Robin Roberts

    Aug 8, 2026, 9:00am - 3:00pm

    Come Paint “Arboretum Landscapes in Watercolor” with Artist Robin Roberts. Secrest Arboretum offers endless inspiration - sweeping landscapes, vibrant flowers, graceful trees, lively birds, and beautifully tended gardens. Join watercolor artist Robin Roberts for a day of plein-air painting surrounded by this natural beauty. Robin will demonstrate his signature technique of beginning each painting in grisaille - a full value study in shades of gray - and then building luminous depth through transparent color glazes.

  2. Whiz- Bang Science Show

    Aug 5, 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Science in the Circus - Dr. Dave will focus on the physics behind the awesome stunts performed by the circus entertainers. Dr. Dave Lohnes, CFAES Wooster's popular Whiz-Bang Scientist, teaches children about science and the natural world in an enriching outdoor environment. The 2025 season features: The Science of Sound, Dr. Dave Sails the Seven Seas, and The Periodic Table of Art. Shows are fun for the entire family! Parking and admission are free. The show is cancelled in the event of severe weather.

  3. Music at the Arboretum

    Jul 24, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

    Freedom Brass Band Friday, July 24, 2026 6:30 pm John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, OH 44691 Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Friends of the Secrest Arboretum continue their summer Music at the Arboretum concert series on Friday, July 24, 2026 with the Freedom Brass Band.

  4. Hydrangea School

    Jul 23, 2026, 9:00am - 3:00pm

    Discover the artistry of hydrangeas amidst the serene beauty of Secrest Arboretum. Join our immersive workshop and unlock the secrets to cultivating and caring for these exquisite plants. Under the guidance of Secrest Arboretum horticulturalists, delve into the fascinating world of hydrangea cultivation, from growing techniques to optimal soil conditions. Elevate your gardening skills and cultivate lasting memories in the picturesque setting of Secrest Arboretum's lush landscapes.

  5. Guided Tree Walk

    Jul 9, 2026, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

    Monthly tree walks feature all things trees.  A variety of topics will be covered, including proper selection and planting, insect pests and diseases. Please dress for the weather. Walks will cover large trees and small trees within the arboretum. These walks are led by arboretum staff. Registration encouraged but not required, it is helpful if we need to cancel the event due to severe weather events.

  6. Whiz Bang Science Show

    Jul 2, 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Dr. Dave Sails the Seven Seas. As we visit seven lakes, seas, and oceans, we will learn about water. Dr. Dave Lohnes, CFAES Wooster's popular Whiz-Bang Scientist, teaches children about science and the natural world in an enriching outdoor environment. The 2025 season features: The Science of Sound, Dr. Dave Sails the Seven Seas, and The Periodic Table of Art. Shows are fun for the entire family! Parking and admission are free. The show is cancelled in the event of severe weather.

  7. Music at the Arboretum

    Jun 26, 2026, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

    Esto Jazz Friday, June 26, 2026 6:30 pm John Streeter Garden Amphitheater, 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, OH 44691 Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Friends of the Secrest Arboretum continue their summer Music at the Arboretum concert series on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Esto Jazz. Esto Jazz is an instrumental group that performs a variety of contemporary jazz, pop, standards and original compositions. Bob Esterle plays saxophones, Dominic Reto is on keyboards, Warren Henry on bass, and J.R. Richley is the drummer.

  8. Whiz Bang Science Show

    Jun 24, 2026, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

    The Science of Sound. Learn about the nature of sound and how sound moves through our environment. Dr. Dave Lohnes, CFAES Wooster's popular Whiz-Bang Scientist, teaches children about science and the natural world in an enriching outdoor environment. The 2025 season features: The Science of Sound, Dr. Dave Sails the Seven Seas, and The Periodic Table of Art. Shows are fun for the entire family! Parking and admission are free. The show is cancelled in the event of severe weather.

  9. 102nd Ohio Plant Diagnostic Workshop

    Jun 17, 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

    Hone your skills in plant diagnosis at this annual workshop. The event will feature a variety of speakers, sample reviews, and a walk through the arboretum. Horticultural, plant pathological, and entomological problems and opportunities will be discussed. The speakers to be announced. The workshop will include an extended period for examining and discussing samples. ONLA and Master Gardener credits are also eligible. Lunch and materials will be provided. ODA credits available. ISA credits are self-reported. ONLA and Master Gardener credit eligible. Lunch and materials provided.

  10. Secrest Garden Fair

    Jun 13, 2026, 9:00am - 4:00pm

    Handcrafted birdhouses, custom metal art, recycled treasures, awesome pottery and much more will be featured at the Secrest Garden Fair on Saturday, June 13 at Secrest Arboretum in Wooster, Ohio. The free event will also feature local food vendors, activities for children, and Master Gardener-lead tours of the arboretum, gardening workshops, and a raffle. And don't forget to bring your plant and gardening questions for our Master Gardeners to answer. The Secrest Garden Fair will feature over 50 vendors in 2026.

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