Events and Programs

With 300-acres of magnificent landscapes, education programs and community events, the arboretum has something for any interest!

Oaktober Fest 2025 logo

Oaktober Fest

Events throughout October

Kick off the season with fall fun at Gabis Arboretum’s first-ever Oaktober Fest with live music by Santeria: A Tribute to Sublime! The next day, enjoy Family Day with a magician, games and live animals. Also, don’t miss the Trail of Scarecrows and, for the brave, the Haunted Hike the following week!

Oaktober Fest Details

Explore Events By Category

Charlie Brown scarecrow

Just For Kids

Explore our Gabis events just for kids.

A pond at Gabis Arboretum

Classes and Programs

Explore a collection of classes and programs at Gabis Arboretum.

A butterfly sculpture in the native plant garden at Gabis Arboretum

Hikes and Tours

Take a hike and nature tours through Gabis this fall.

A hiking trail at Gabis Arboretum

Wellness

Get in touch with your wellbeing and nature at our wellness-oriented events.

Events & Programs at Gabis

Oct 14

Fall Nature Scavenger Hunt

Get outdoors with a nature scavenger hunt at Gabis Arboretum at PNW. Build natural environment awareness and try to find nine natural fall objects, whether you are a beginner or advanced.

Nov 08

Community Volunteer Day

Help us with restoring our native habitat, weeding in the garden or mulching the trails!

Dec 06

Wreathmaking Workshop

Complete your holiday décor by learning the basics of building a wreath from scratch at our wreathmaking workshop!


To request a disability-related accommodation, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2163 five days prior to the event.

In accordance with Purdue policies, all persons have equal access to Purdue University’s educational programs, services and activities, without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability or status as a veteran. See Purdue’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, please contact the Office of Civil Rights at civilrights@pnw.edu or (219) 989-2337.