A large commercial event tent on the Event Lawn

The Arboretum serves as a venue for events. It does not provide chairs, tables, tents, sound systems, other rentals, or catering services. These amenities are available from rental and catering companies in State College and nearby communities.

Catered Events: Available to University- and Arboretum-approved private gatherings only. Approved clients may choose to hire Penn State’s catering service or a caterer from Penn State’s list of accepted non-University caterers. We rent venues for wedding ceremonies, but we do not rent venues for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, wedding-related cocktail hours, or other social gatherings affiliated with weddings.

Events Serving Alcohol: Available to University- and Arboretum-approved private gatherings other than weddings. Clients must obtain the Arboretum’s approval first, and then follow the University’s procedure for requesting permission to possess and serve alcohol. Alcohol must be served by a RAMP–trained bartender. Options include hiring a certified bartending service, Penn State’s catering service, or a caterer who has liquor liability insurance and is listed on Penn State’s list of accepted non-University caterers.