Lilac Sunday – Blooming Return To The Arnold Arboretum For Mother’s Day
Lilac Sunday is back for another year at the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plain. Thousands of people are expected to visit for this Mother’s Day tradition, which features: tours, children’s activities, dancing, meditation, chalk art, and more. And to make it even more special, Lilac Sunday is the only day of the year that picnicking is allowed in the Arboretum.
What is Lilac Sunday?
Since 1908, the Arnold Arboretum has celebrated the arrival of spring with their annual celebration of lilacs. And they have a lot of them. There are 407 plants representing 173 kinds of lilacs in the Arboretum’s collection. I’ve never gone on Lilac Sunday, but I have visited during lilac season, and let me tell you, lilacs are my favorite for a reason. They are incredibly beautiful, and the smell is just magnificent. It’s sad though because lilac season is pretty short. You’ll only be able to experience them for about five weeks during spring.
Need To Know
Date & Time
Lilac Sunday will take place this year on Sunday, May 12th, 2024. The festivities will take place on that day from 10am – 3pm.
Activities
There will be dance performances, including traditional Latin American dancing and Afro Fusion. There will also be a Meditation Station with 15 minute meditations on Oak Path. And you can check out 4 local artists creating Chalk Art.
Tours
There are Guided Lilac Tours of: the lilac collection, the Arboretum, the Explorer’s Garden, and the Crab Apple Collection. You can also experience the self-guided tours as well as use the Expedition Mobile App.
Parking & Directions
Public transportation is STRONGLY encouraged, and parking is extremely limited. The closest train station is Forest Hills. Street parking along the Arboretum perimeter is limited on Lilac Sunday.
Parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities will be available along Arborway at both Arborway Gate and Forest Hills Gate. A handful will also be available at Centre Street Gate and Walter Street Gate.
If you are dropping off a visitor with a disability, we recommend doing so at Forest Hills Gate.
