Join us for a fun “time travel” experience!
Colonial Chestnuts
A Colonial Picnic & Lawn Dance
at the
The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Arcadia, CA
What is a Chestnut Dance?
Some traditional dances have endured so long they became known as Chestnuts ~ a term meaning something well-loved, familiar, and passed down through generations. Like a favorite tune or story, these dances are instantly recognized the moment the music begins and have been for hundreds of years. Yet we seldom take the time to dance them.
Join us at this casual outdoor gathering to celebrate this living tradition: beautiful dances that have traveled centuries and crossed oceans to continue bringing people together today.
Step into the past.
Discover why these timeless dances are still danced, still taught, and still cherished.
Show your HTDS ticket at the public entrance
(from your phone or a printed ticket)
PICNICS ONLY ALLOWED FOR
HTDS TICKET-HOLDERS!
Advanced ticket sales only.
No tickets may be sold at the gate.
Included with your ticket
-
Entry into the Arboretum ~ arrive as early as 11am to set up and enjoy your picnic!
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Entry with your picnic items (a small personal wagon is allowed to carry your things)
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Picnicking on the lawn area in front of the Queen Anne Cottage
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Dancing from noon till 4pm
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Water, Iced Tea & Lemonade will be available to ticket-holders
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Enjoy the grounds all day ~ The Arboretum is open 9am-5pm.
Event Details
The Picnic
* The Arboretum will be open for our guests to visit all day. PICNICKING is allowed for ticketed event patrons on the lawn in front of the Queen Anne's Cottage.
* Come as early as 11am to set up your picnic. Dancing will start around noon.
* PLEASE NOTE: HTDS will be setting up the music and lawn dance area prior to 11am. We request you do not set up your own picnic until the dancing area is defined.
* No alcohol permitted in any public park.
* Bring only what you can carry as there are no trams or golf carts available, though small personal hand-wagons may be used to bring in your picnic items.
* HTDS will have water, iced tea, and lemonade available for our ticketed event patrons.
We are guests of the Los Angeles Arboretum.
Please be kind and obey all their rules and requests.
Event Details
The Lawn Dance
* Dance to English Country Chestnut dances with music performed by Rex Blazer & Jeffry Spero, with dance caller Jeremy Korr!
* Dancing from noon to 4pm (always subject to slight changes in the moment)
* You do not need dance experience to join these social-style dances. All dancing is taught and called by our trained historical dance teachers. Dancing is on grass.
* Please wear sensible low-heel/flat shoes.
* Costumes are part of the atmosphere & fun, but are NOT required to participate. All are welcome.
COSTUMES
Though costumes are not required, folks may wish to dress in honor of the theme. Colonial & Regency era outdoor clothing will befit the occasion!
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THIS IS A LAWN DANCE
Please where comfortable shoes for dancing on a grassy lawn.
Comfortable day wear is also recommended.
We subscribe to the popular phrase:
Costumes admired
but never required.
BEGINNERS WELCOME!
NO PARTNER NEEDED!
This is a wonderful event for new dancers!
Invite friends! Picnic & dance at your leisure!
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