Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Center Conservatory
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Powell Gardens’ signature glass-domed conservatory is home to favorite and unique pollinators each year. This summer, morphos, moths, and tropical butterflies steal the show! Start your journey in the Conservatory for an up-close encounter with these butterflies and moths. Look in the emergence chamber for the newest moth or butterfly drying their wings before flight. The conservatory will be filled with hundreds of nectar plants and several of Powell Gardens’ beautiful Lantana trees.
Festival of Butterflies
Festival of Butterflies
Returning July 18 – August 4, 2024!
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 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!
Festival Highlights
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Center Basement
Venture into the Moth Cave to experience the forest at night. Learn about Missouri’s native moths. The Moth Cave celebrates moths’ unique pollinator status and provides a great place to cool off during summer days.
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Heartland Harvest Garden
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Visit Native Butterfly Habitat (located in the Heartland Harvest Garden, near the Apple Court) filled with Missouri’s favorite native butterflies. Learn about which flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators. Look closely at the host plants inside—can you see butterfly eggs or hungry caterpillars?
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Visit Garden Galleries to learn about the overwintering site of the Monarch butterfly. The greenhouse will be transformed with paper and plants to mimic the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, Mexico. Learn about Monarch conservation and what you can do to help the species thrive.
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
As you travel through the Butterfly Meadow, watch for prairie favorites like Rattlesnake Master, Gray Headed Coneflower, Compass Plant, Butterfly Milkweed, and Prairie Blazing Star. Look for signs and plant tags marking these pollinator-friendly plants.
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Family Discovery Loop
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Continue exploring off the beaten path. The Lotus Pond (located on the 1-mile Family Discovery Loop) features a mass planting of American Lotus and three decks to enjoy pond-side, making this the perfect space for relaxation and reflection.
Daily | 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Fortopia (East Lawn)
Festival of Butterflies unlocks new ways to play at Fortopia! Fortopia is located on the East Lawn, just beyond the Fountain Garden splashpad.
- Tuesday: Bubbles
- Wednesday: Ribbon dancing
- Thursday: Hulu hoops
- Friday: Sidewalk chalk
- Saturday: Sandcastle building
- Sunday: Water play and yard games
Stay Cool
Festival of Butterflies has indoors and outdoor activities for the whole family! See below for summer of our favorite ways to stay cool during your visit to Festival of Butterflies.
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Visitor Center Lab
The Science Exploratorium provides new ways for families to learn about Missouri’s butterflies, insects, and moths. Microscopes, lab coats, beetles, and slides are ready for young lepidopterologists! (Need another reason to visit? The indoor Science Exploratorium is a great place to cool off!)
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
Conifer Room
The Flutter Zone is the hub of pollinator pop-ups. During the festival, visit to participate in story times, make pollinator crafts, draw with chalk, and enjoy other educational and fun moments.
See the daily schedule onsite for activities Wednesday-Friday. Some additional fees may apply.
July 20-21 & August 3-4 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Conifer Hallway
Some additional fees may apply
The Flutter Fair at Festival of Butterflies has rotating artist and vendor booths. Peruse local artwork, children’s activities, and more during Festival of Butterflies!
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Children’s Garden (Education Building)
Included with admission | Admission is free for members
The Cooling Station (in the Children’s Garden) is the perfect place for young explorers to tap into their creative side with two free crafts! On hot days, this is the perfect space for families to cool off. Participate in special craft making from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. Paid crafts include painting a pot, wooden Macaranas, and a garden ornament, or making a necklace. Shaded picnic tables are available outside the Education Building.
Festival Food, Beverage, and Shopping
Terrace Room
Thursday-Sunday | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Family-friendly concessions will be available Thursday-Sunday in the Terrace Room during Festival of Butterflies.
Ice Cream Parlor
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Terrace Room (Visitor Center)
Cool off in the Ice Cream Parlor! Cool treats and beverages are available to purchase. Enjoy one of three signature botanical sundaes: the Pollinator, Monarch (dairy free), or Dirt n’ Worms!
Grand Hall Bar
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Center Grand Hall
Seasonal beverages, beers, wine, adult and kid-friendly slushees, soda, and snacks are available for purchase in the Visitor Center. Pick up a cold drink before heading out to experience summer in the Gardens!
The Marketplace at Powell Gardens
Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Visitor Center
Welcome to The Marketplace, where summer’s magic dances on delicate wings! Explore butterfly-inspired treasures and plant lover’s essentials, celebrating the splendor of the season. Step inside and let your imagination take flight.
Festival +Pack
$10 | Available online only
For $10, choose an item from our secret garden, a cookie, and non-alcoholic drink from The Marketplace. Purchase +Packs online when purchasing festival admission.
Cultural Nights
Celebrate butterflies around the world at Powell Gardens with Cultural Nights! These special evening events are presented Saturday night during Festival of Butterflies (6-9 p.m.).
July 20 | 6-9 p.m.
On Saturday, July 20, celebrate Festival Nights: Latin America, a signature ticketed event. Mexican folkloric dancers from Los Bailadores de Kansas City will perform Jalisco style of dance and dances from other regions of Mexico (7-8 p.m.) at the Missouri Barn.
The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and both performances. Add on a dinner ticket to take your taste buds on a trip to Latin America with some Mexican cuisine.
July 27 | 6-9 p.m.
On Saturday, July 27, celebrate Cultural Night: Polynesian, a signature ticketed event. Kona Winds presents Isles of Polynesia with traditional songs and dances from the South Pacific (7-8 p.m.).
The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and performances. Add on a meal ticket and complete your experience with a traditional Hawaiian meal.
August 3 | 6-9 p.m.
On Saturday, August 3, celebrate Cultural Night: Celtic, a signature ticketed event. To celebrate Celtic culture, enjoy the dances of the Scottish Highlands performed by Heartland Highland Dance (7-8 p.m.).
The ticketed event includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and all performances. Round out your experience with a hearty Celtic meal by adding on a dinner ticket.
Other Classes and Events
Don't Miss Moments!
Paint a Birdhouse
Thursday, July 18 | 10-11:30 a.m.
$20 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room
Cool off during Festival of Butterflies with Thursday Crafts and Snacks! On July 18, kids will paint a birdhouse and enjoy themed snacks.
Festival admission is not included in the class fee. Recommended for ages 5-12.
Stone Lion Puppets Presents Bubba & Trixie
July 19 and August 2 | 1-2 p.m.
Conifer Room / Cooling Station
Included with admission
Bubba is a scaredy-cat caterpillar too afraid to leave his leaf until he meets the fearless Trixie, a crimped wing ladybug. Amazing adventures happen until winter sets in, and Bubba must make a new journey… into a butterfly. A story of true friendship and facing your fears.
Fairy Garden Pots
Thursday, July 25 | 10-11:30 a.m.
$20 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room
Cool off during Festival of Butterflies with Thursday Crafts and Snacks! On July 25, kids will create their own fairy garden pot with rocks and other materials. Themed snacks are included!
Recommended for ages 5-12. Festival admission is not included in the class fee.
Jackson County Missouri Beekeepers Association
Friday, July 26 | 11 a.m.
Flutter Zone (Conifer Room)
Included with festival admission
Learn about Missouri’s official state insect, the incredible Honeybee. Slip on a bee suit, look into a beehive, discover how the bees make incredible sweet honey, and crank the honey extractor. Most important, find the royal Queen Bee and get your bee stamp! Presented by the Johnson County Missouri Beekeepers Association.
Crescendo Conservatory at Powell Gardens
Saturday, July 27 | 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Fountain Garden
Included in festival admission
Crescendo Conservatory is happy to be performing at Powell Gardens during Festival of the Butterflies. The graceful ballet dancers will perform various classical and contemporary pieces inspired by the colorful world of butterflies.
Butterfly Lantern Craft
Thursday, August 1 | 10-11:30 a.m.
$20 | 10% less for members
Conifer Room
Cool off during Festival of Butterflies with Thursday Crafts and Snacks! On August 1, kids will make a butterfly lantern while enjoying themed snacks.
Recommended for ages 5-12. Festival admission is not included in the class fee.
Thank you to our supporters.
Festival of Butterflies is made possible through the generosity of members, visitors, and sponsors. We offer our sincere thanks to Renewal by Andersen for making this year’s festival possible!
Plan your visit to Powell Gardens today.
Once your tickets are purchased online, you will receive confirmation via email. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!