Powell Gardens Celebrates 30 Years of Festival of Butterflies With New Signature Event, Butterfly Bash

KINGSVILLE, MO – For 30 years, Festival of Butterflies has delighted guests with thousands of fluttering butterflies, immersive educational experiences, and unforgettable summer memories. This year, to commemorate the festival’s milestone anniversary, Powell Gardens invites guests to experience an all-new signature event: Butterfly Bash, an enchanting evening celebration on Saturday, July 25, 2026. 

Butterfly Bash transforms the Gardens into a magical after-hours experience featuring live entertainment and spectacular performances inspired by the beauty and wonder of butterflies. Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest garden glam attire and enjoy an unforgettable evening surrounded by the vibrant blooms and natural beauty of Kansas City’s botanical garden. 

The highlight of the evening will be a breathtaking performance by internationally acclaimed performance collective Quixotic, whose aerial artists will soar above guests on silks with graceful, butterfly-inspired movements.  

Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy live music, commemorate the occasion with an anniversary cupcake, and sip specialty beverages while celebrating one of Powell Gardens’ most beloved traditions. The evening will conclude with a fireworks show.  

“Festival of Butterflies has inspired wonder and curiosity for generations of guests,” said Cody Jolliff, CEO. “Butterfly Bash allows us to celebrate this important milestone in a new way. The event brings together art, performance, nature, and community for an evening that honors the festival’s legacy while creating new memories.” 

Standard Butterfly Bash Ticket | $45
Includes: Event admission, live music, anniversary cupcake, Quixotic aerial performance, fireworks show

VIP Ticket | $95 
Includes: All Butterfly Bash benefits and admission, dinner, one signature cocktail, exclusive tethered hot-air balloon ride experience* 

*VIP guests will enjoy access to tethered balloon rides beginning at 7:30 p.m., offering a unique perspective of the Gardens during this landmark celebration. (This experience is limited to VIP guests. All balloon rides are weather permitting.)  

All guests can add a magical butterfly release to their experience ($15). Limited-edition Butterfly Bash t-shirts will be available for purchase ($32) during the event. 

Festival of Butterflies (July 16-August 2, 2026) remains one of Powell Gardens’ most popular annual events, featuring hundreds of free-flying butterflies in the Conservatory, educational exhibits, family activities, and opportunities to learn about pollinators and conservation.  

Butterfly Bash serves as the signature celebration of the festival’s 30th anniversary year and is expected to sell out. 

Purchase Tickets to Butterfly Bash