Kingsville, MO - On July 20, Festival of Butterflies (July 20 – August 6) invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to celebrate the Midwest’s most whimsical pollinator at Powell Gardens. In 2023, we invite you to celebrate butterflies across cultures during Festival Nights (Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.). Visit each Saturday to learn about butterflies in Mexico (July 22), the South Pacific Islands (July 29), and Japan (August 5). Festival of Butterflies runs Tuesday-Sunday (9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) with extended hours on Saturdays (9 a.m. - 9 p.m.).

“Our community has embraced Festival of Butterflies for 26 years,” said Cody Jolliff, CEO of Powell Gardens. “We’re excited to introduce new culture weekends, pollinator education, cooling stations, and ways for families to enjoy the day together this year. It's special to see multi-generational families return to experience the festival and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2023.”

The Martha Jane Phillips Starr Conservatory, a festival staple in our glass-domed conservatory, creates space for an up-close encounter with Queen and Monarch butterflies and moths. Witness metamorphosis for a butterfly’s first flight as each newly-winged wonder emerges from the observance chamber.

Travel to the Garden Galleries to learn about Monarch conservation. 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 in a new location.

New daily features include a Moth Cave, Butterfly Lab, Flutter Fair, Science Exploratorium, and Ice Cream Parlor.

The festival will be activated with educational events and activities for the whole family. Plan to visit the Flutter Fair and Science Exploratorium and register for Book Club: Butterfly People. For tickets and up-to-date information, please visit powellgardens.org/butterflies.

Festival of Butterflies Special Events & Classes

Festival Nights: Mexico   
Saturday, July 22 | 6-9 p.m.  

On Saturday, July 22, celebrate Festival Nights: Mexico, a signature ticketed event from 6-9 p.m. Grupo Folklorico Izcalli and the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra will perform at the Missouri Barn during the event. The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and both performances.

Add on street tacos and chips and salsa when purchasing with your ticket.

Festival Nights: South Pacific Islands
Saturday, July 29 | 6-9 p.m.

On Saturday, July 29, celebrate Festival Nights: South Pacific Islands, a signature ticketed event from 6-9 p.m. Kona Winds will provide live Polynesian dancing and music at the Missouri Barn. The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and performances.

Add on a traditional Hawaiian plate dinner when purchasing your ticket.

Book Club: Butterfly People
Saturday, July 29 | 10-11 a.m. | $34 | $15 for members  

Join archivist and librarian, Savannah Lore, for our quarterly book club featuring Butterfly People by William Leach. Attendees will enjoy a lively discussion of the book while enjoying donuts and drinks.

Festival of Butterflies admission and parking ($19) is included in the price of the book club ticket.

Festival Nights: Japan
Saturday, August 5 | 6-9 p.m.

On Saturday, August 5, celebrate Festival Nights: Japan, a signature ticketed event from 6-9 p.m. Tatsumaki Yosakoi will perform and host a small workshop at the Missouri Barn during the event. Bunraku Bay Puppet Theater will perform traditional Japanese puppetry. The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and performances.

Add a traditional hibachi plate dinner when purchasing your ticket.