Festival of Butterflies

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Festival of Butterflies (July 18-August 4) invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the Midwest’s most whimsical pollinator at Powell Gardens. Spend a day outdoors exploring tropical and native butterflies alongside stunning botanic displays. This festival is a Kansas City family-favorite!

In 2024, Festival of Butterflies will explore butterflies through cultures around the world. Visit weekly to learn about butterflies in Latin American (July 20), Polynesian (July 27), and Celtic (August 3) cultures.

Start your journey in the Conservatory with an up-close encounter with butterflies. Before you leave the Visitor Center, venture into the Moth Cave in the basement. Next, travel to the Garden Galleries to learn about the journey of Monarch butterflies. Follow the Butterfly Meadow through some of Missouri’s native pollinating plants. Near the path’s entrance, you’ll find the Native Butterfly Habitat full of butterflies native to the Midwest.

Continue exploring off the beaten path. The Lotus Pond (located on the 1-mile Family Discovery Loop) features a mass planting of morning-blooming American Lotus and three decks to enjoy pond-side.

Round out your visit by adding butterfly excursions to your itinerary. Favorites include botanical sundaes, indoor education opportunities, a visit to Fortopia, climbing around the Pollinator Playground, crafting at the Cooling Station, and more!