Events at Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour  

Friday, March 27, 9–11 a.m.

Join Arlington National Cemetery’s horticulturist and plant health care specialist for an early peek at spring splendor! ANC’s grounds are filled with a variety of blooming trees, shrubs and perennials.  

You will learn about Memorial Arboretum, ANC's landscape and gardening program, extensive plant collection and how the ANC horticulture team meets day-to-day plant challenges. 

•    Meet at the Welcome Center information desk. 
•    Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Tour may be canceled for inclement weather.


Society for Military History Staff Ride (Walking Tour) of Arlington National Cemetery

Friday, March 27, 9 a.m.

Join Arlington National Cemetery’s official historians for a public staff ride (walking tour) of the cemetery in conjunction with the Society for Military History’s 2026 Annual Meeting. This staff ride will visit key sites and provide an opportunity for discussion about the practice of military history and memory at a major tourist destination. Please note:
 
Meeting point: Enter the cemetery via the Welcome Center. Turn right after you pass through the security checkpoint. Follow the sign "To Cemetery." Pass through the glass double doors and meet the historians on the terrace, near the bronze sculpture under the rotunda. Arlington National Cemetery is accessible via Metro from the conference location.

•    The tour will last approximately 2-3 hours and will include walking on uneven and hilly terrain. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing and bring water.
•    This event is free and open to the public. 


The Revolutionary War 250th Commemoration:
A Walking Tour with the National Army Museum 

Friday, April 10, 9–11 a.m.


2026 marks the sesquicentennial of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, as well as the second year of America's armed struggle for liberty. 

Join Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) and the National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA) for a free, two-hour guided walking tour at ANC to explore graves and memorials connected to the 250th anniversary of American independence.

►  The tour is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required. Click here to register!

•     The tour will begin at Arlington House at 9 a.m. and end at Memorial Amphitheater. Please allow sufficient time to arrive at the ANC Welcome Center via Metro or car, go through security and reach the starting point at Arlington House. Participants may walk to the starting point or purchase tram tickets if desired.

•    The event will take place rain or shine, and it will involve walking on hilly terrain. Please dress for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat and water.

•    This tour is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Please visit the NMUSA website for additional event details. 


Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour  

Friday, April 17, 10 a.m.–noon

Join Arlington National Cemetery’s horticulturist to explore the grounds and learn about the vast plant collection of the Level III Accredited Memorial Arboretum, and to gain insights into the ANC horticulture program.

•    Meet at the Welcome Center information desk.
•    Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Tour may be canceled for inclement weather.


Arbor Day Walking Tour  

Friday, April 24, 9–11:30 a.m.

Come see the trees of Arlington National Cemetery at the peak of their spring splendor! More than 300 tree species bloom with vibrant reds, yellows and pinks.

On this tour, you will learn about the cemetery's Level III Accredited Memorial Arboretum and the variety of techniques that create breathtaking landscapes and gardens, both formal and informal. You will also gain insights into ANC’s urban forestry program and extensive tree collection, including memorial trees

•    Meet at the Welcome Center information desk.
•    Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Tour may be canceled for inclement weather.


Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour  

Friday, May 1, 9–11 a.m.

Join Arlington National Cemetery’s plant health care specialist to explore the grounds and learn about the vast plant collection of ANC’s Level III Accredited Memorial Arboretum. You will gain insights into the ANC horticulture program, information about some of the challenges our team encounters, and pointers on choosing and caring for plant varieties.

•    Meet the Welcome Center information desk
•    Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Tour may be canceled for inclement weather.


Memorial Arboretum Walking Tour  

Friday, May 8, 9–11 a.m.

Enjoy the sight of more than 300 species of trees at Arlington National Cemetery—a must-see as we approach the summer months.

On this tour, you will learn about the cemetery's Level III Accredited Memorial Arboretum and the variety of techniques that create breathtaking landscapes and gardens, both formal and informal. You will also gain insight into ANC’s urban forestry program and extensive tree collection, including memorial trees. 

•    Meet at the Welcome Center information desk.
•    Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water. Tour may be canceled for inclement weather.