🎎 Meeples Meetup at Destination Asia Festival — Saturday, August 2, 2025

_🎎 Meeples Meetup at Destination Asia Festival — Saturday, August 2, 2025

https://mortonarb.org/explore/activities/events/destination-asia-festival/

📅 Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
🕘 Meetup Window: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Welcome early birds — I’ll stick around through closing!)
📍 Meeting Spot: Outside the Visitor Center entrance at the Morton Arboretum (4100 IL‑53, Lisle, IL)
🎟 Admission: General Arboretum ticket — cheaper when purchased online in advance (includes festival access)

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🧭 Meetup Plan:

9:00 AM: Gather at the Visitor Center entrance

9:15 AM: Head in together to enter the festival

9:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Group exploration of the festival—feel free to stay with the group or wander, and I’ll check in periodically

I’ll remain at the festival until close (~4:30 PM), so you’re welcome to hang around longer even if you can’t stay the full time

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🌟 Saturday Schedule Highlights (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM)

9:00 AM – 4:30 PM: Bonsai Show — Prairie State Bonsai Society, Sycamore Room, Visitor Center (Location 4)

9:30 – 10:00 AM: Chinese yo‑yo performance (Location 1) and Lion Dance by Seven Star Lion Dance Group (Location 2)

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Philippine folk dances & Mongolian throat singing; bonsai demo (Locations 1, 3, 4)

10:30 – 11:30 AM: Taiko drumming with Shubukai dance (Location 2)

11:00 – 12:00 PM: Chinese classical music and Indian dance (Locations 1 & 3); interactive origami folding starts (Location 6)

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Japanese archery demos (Location 7)

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Sumo wrestling (USA Sumo) on the Golden Ginkgo Stage (Location 2)

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🎒 What to Bring:

Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing (it’s outdoors rain or shine)

Sunscreen, water bottle, hat/umbrella

Portable blanket or seat cushion (for lawn performances or shade breaks)

Curiosity and excitement for cultural performances, arts demos, bonsai, and food!

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💡 Friendly Tips:

Buy Arboretum tickets in advance online to save $2 per person and skip lines

Parking is free on-site but fills fast — arriving early is recommended

Festival ends at ~4:30 PM, but I’ll stay till close if you want company later_