1 OUT OF EVERY 3 BITES OF FOOD is made possible by pollinators.

Join us this September to celebrate these essential animals and the critical role they play in our food system. Enjoy locally and sustainably sourced dishes and drinks at Liberty Bar, Best Quality Daughter, Pharm Table, Southwest Elixirs, Howdy Child, Mezquite, and more by looking for the Migratory Month Icon !

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join US SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 FOR A FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY DAY OF HANDS-ON & EXPERIENTIAL NATURE EDUCATION!

Festival Day Activations

New! bizzee bumblebee

Become a native bumblebee and journey through its life cycle—from overwintering queen to thriving colony—in this interactive, movement-based adventure. Along the way, participants discover the challenges bees face, the importance of native flowers, and how pollinators keep our ecosystems healthy.

New! Little birder I spy

Participants learn the basics of birding by using binoculars and observation skills to search for common Texas birds hidden throughout the activity area. This hands-on adventure encourages curiosity, habitat awareness, and an appreciation for local bird species.

People as pollinators experiment

Pick your favorite pollinator and transform yourself through face-painting and costume. Metamorphosize to experience a day in the life as your favorite butterfly, bee, bat, or bird!

Lights out! bird city maze

In this fully immersive, multi-sensorial 1,800 sq ft installation, you'll become a migrating bird with wings and bird vision, discovering the crucial role of turning off lights as you navigate a night migrating the Texas sky.

Fan Favorite! Monarch Migration Obstacle course

Become a monarch and fly the multi-generational Spring migration to Canada by eating milkweed and metamorphosizing 3 times. Then, overcome obstacles like hail, cars and taggers as you make your way back to Mexico for the Fall Migration.

education partner Booths

Meet the over 45 environmental leaders and stewards of our community through educational hands-on activities.

Monarch Butterfly tagging

Become a citizen scientist and participate in an international project in partnership with Monarch Watch by placing a (harmless!) tag on a migrating monarch butterfly wing.

pollinator procession

Join us as we dance, flutter, and buzz through the festival in true pollinator style.

pollinator picnic

Pollinator Picnic is a hands-on game where families step into the role of native pollinators and discover which Texas flowers they love most. Explore the unique connections between birds, bats, bees, butterflies, and the blooms they help thrive.

Critter Collective

Follow your curiosity and engage with Litter Bugs, the Pollinator Posse, and more to learn about how you can actively make positive change in our ecosystem

Plants, trees, & more!

Adopt a tree, plant a plant, and get your hands dirty as you learn how to do your part to take care of our ecosystem.

pollinator prophet

Step into the Pollinator Prophet's Den to discover your spirit pollinator! Through a fun and imaginative card reading, participants learn about the unique personalities and ecological roles of Texas pollinators while exploring the incredible diversity of species that support our ecosystems.

Meet the team of Educators, Creators, & Nature Experts

ashley bird

Festival Director & Creative Direction

Mallory Lancaster

Assistant Director

maura bobbitt

Education Director

sharon Gutierrez

PR & Marketing

2026 Sponsors

Winkler family foundation

ANNE AND CHUCK PARRISH

Be Part of FESTIVAL DAY!

VOLUNTEER

Calling all helping hands! Get hands-on with nature and help bring the magic of the festival to life.

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SPONSOR

Help us keep the Monarch Butterfly & Pollinator Festival FREE and accessible for over 10,000 annual attendees. Sponsorship opportunities include festival-day booths, community visibility, and marketing opportunities.

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