SPRINGFIELD, MO — Friends of the Garden, in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, presents the 14th Annual Butterfly Festival Saturday, June 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave.

This free educational event highlights the importance of pollinators, and includes activities, performances and vendors which celebrate insects and support conservation efforts essential to maintaining the Ozarks landscape. 

The event is the perfect opportunity for guests to witness peak blooming season at the park, and enjoy the Roston Native Butterfly House, the only butterfly house of its kind in Missouri, and Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, where admission is free during the festival. Free tours are also taking place at the historic Gray/Campbell Farmstead.

Guests are invited to shop with local vendors and food trucks experience hands-on crafts and activities, including the caterpillar petting zoo. Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets for performances at the Peace Through People Pavilion, including Springfield Ballet, Princess of the 417, Butterfly Magic by the Instars, story time with Springfield-Greene County Library District, and a family dance party with Jen Keet. 

A full vendor list and event schedule is here.

“The Butterfly Festival is FOG’s oldest event, and we are excited to partner with businesses and organizations rooted in nature, conservation, ecology and sustainability, all in celebration of native species,” said Heather Parker, Executive Director of Friends of the Garden. “We encourage you to join us for the entire day – there will be plenty to do, see and eat!”

The Butterfly Festival is made possible by generous support of the City of Springfield Environmental Services Department, Master Gardeners of Greene County, Renewal by Andersen and CSL Plasma. 

Friends of the Garden’s mission is to inspire the discovery, understanding and appreciation of nature by creating and maintaining gardens at the Springfield Botanical Gardens and by supporting the mission of the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center and Park Board.

For more information, contact Heather Parker, Executive Director of Friends of the Garden, at 417-874-2952 or visit FriendsoftheGarden.org, or Jenny Fillmer Edwards, Public Information Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-224-5510. 

###