Dallas Arboretum Packs Labor Day Weekend With Dogs, Live Music and Family Fun

Looking for Labor Day weekend plans in Dallas? The Dallas Arboretum is filling the long weekend with live music, family activities, art, garden views — and even a chance to bring the dog along.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is celebrating Labor Day Family Fun Weekend Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7, with activities scheduled throughout the 66-acre garden overlooking White Rock Lake.

The main Labor Day festivities run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Dallas Arboretum Labor Day Weekend: What to Know

When: September 5–7, 2026
Daytime hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, 8525 Garland Road, Dallas
Dog Days: 7–9 a.m.; members only
Twilight Nights: 6–9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Bring the Dog — If You're a Member

Here's something you don't get to do every day at the Dallas Arboretum: bring your four-legged family member along.

Dog Days of Summer runs from 7 to 9 a.m. during the holiday weekend, giving visitors a chance to walk the garden with their dogs during the cooler morning hours.

There is one important catch: Dog Days is exclusively for Dallas Arboretum members. Dogs must also be microchipped and properly immunized, and visitors need to complete the Arboretum's dog waiver before attending.

Live Music Throughout the Weekend

There will be plenty of music around the garden, too.

Saturday's lineup includes Karen Lim-Smith on piano from noon to 2 p.m. at Jeanne's Pavilion, followed by the Charming Gardeners from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Concert Stage.

On Sunday, Music Starz Studios performs at Jeanne's Pavilion, followed by Kevin Hawkins on the Concert Stage. Labor Day Monday wraps up with The Brick Street Band from 2 to 4 p.m.

There's Plenty for the Kids

Families can stop by the Country Critters Petting Zoo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden will offer hands-on STEM activities and interactive programs throughout the holiday weekend.

Visitors can also step inside one of the Arboretum's best-known historic buildings. DeGolyer House historical tours run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the weekend.

The Garden Is Also a Giant Outdoor Art Gallery

Even if you've been to the Dallas Arboretum before, there's something decidedly different to see right now.

Hunt Slonem: Bunnies, Birds & Butterflies has transformed the garden into an outdoor gallery with 37 large-scale installations from internationally recognized artist Hunt Slonem.

The colorful works are positioned throughout the garden, giving visitors another reason to wander beyond their usual favorite spots.

Stay After Sunset

Saturday and Sunday don't necessarily have to end at 5 p.m.

Twilight Nights runs from 6 to 9 p.m., giving visitors a chance to see Slonem's artwork after sunset. Specialty cocktails and food are available for purchase, with music adding to the evening atmosphere. Tickets are limited.

It's a completely different way to experience one of Dallas' most recognizable outdoor destinations — and could make for a pretty good date night after spending the daytime portion of the holiday weekend elsewhere.