Morton Arboretum adding new events along with popular favorites

From cooking classes to drive-in movies, The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is offering a slate of new events in 2014.

Members and visitors of all ages can enjoy offerings that include Chef’s Table series, seasonally themed dinners, summer festivals and more.

“We’re excited about the new activities planned for 2014,” said Jenelle Hardtke, special events manager at the arboretum. “This slate of new events offers a great way for people of all ages to enjoy all the arboretum has to offer while surrounded by our beautiful, world-class tree collection.”

The new events in include:

Ÿ Chef’s Table. Cooking classes with arboretum chef Jean-Louis Clerc start at 6 p.m. Jan. 16 and continue monthly. Guests participate in each themed class, then engage in a Q&A session with the chef and enjoy their culinary creations. Every month offers a different theme, complete with new recipes to try.

Ÿ Seasonal dinners. The arboretum’s version of a supper club offers four seasonal, themed dinners starting with a Whiskey Dinner & Tasting at 6 p.m. Jan. 25. The January’s event highlights the intricacies of whiskey, with a whiskey-inspired dinner paired with three whiskey tastings taking place in the Ginkgo Café. All participants receive a souvenir tasting glass, recipe cards and tasting guide. Seasonal dinners also are planned for May, August and November.

Ÿ Drive-In movies. This summer, the arboretum brings back the tradition of drive-in movies by showing a series of popular family friendly picks. Visitors can bring dinner and make a picnic of it. Drive-In Movies are slated for June 6 and 7, Aug, 8 and 9, and Oct. 10 and 11.

Ÿ Festivals. The arboretum hosts a series of festivals to celebrate the diverse cultures around the globe and its global tree collections. The festivals are: July 5-6, Celebrating America; Aug. 2-3, Explore Asian Cultures; Sept. 6-7, Immerse Yourself in European Cultures.

Other new events slated for 2014 include a Wine Festival on June 20-21, and a Beer Festival on Oct. 3-4.

In addition to the new events, many of the arboretum’s most popular events are returning. Husky Heroes is featured Jan. 25 and 26. In February, the arboretum again celebrates chocolate with a slate of candy-themed events. April features the arboretum’s annual Arbor Week celebration including its Plant Sale and Arbor Day 10K run. Visitors may bring their furry pets to the arboretum on May 17 and Sept. 13 for the return of Tails on the Trails, when dogs are welcomed to explore the arboretum’s 16 miles of hiking trails. Also returning are the popular Wednesday Woods & Wine series, Thursday Family Nights in the Children’s Garden, Theatre-Hikes performances, Honey Bee Weekend, the Fall Color Festival and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra summer concert series.

Dates and times are subject to change. For more information and the most current schedule of events, log on to www.mortonarb.org/calendar.