Powell Gardens Celebrates 30 Years of Wonder With Festival of Butterflies

KINGSVILLE, MO – For 30 years, families have made summer memories among fluttering wings at Powell Gardens. This summer, Kansas City’s botanical garden celebrates a major milestone as Festival of Butterflies returns July 16-August 2, 2026, honoring three decades of wonder, discovery, and appreciation for one of nature’s most beloved pollinators. 

Festival of Butterflies invites guests of all ages to experience hundreds of tropical and native butterflies, immersive educational exhibits, hands-on activities, and beautiful botanical displays throughout the Gardens. 

“Festival of Butterflies has inspired generations of guests to connect with nature and discover the important role pollinators play in our world,” said Cody Jolliff, CEO. “As we celebrate the festival’s 30th anniversary, we’re excited to honor those memories while creating new opportunities for families to explore, learn, and experience the magic of butterflies together.” 

Guests will begin their journey in the Visitor Center, where a spectacular botanical birthday cake installation commemorates the festival’s 30th anniversary. The larger-than-life floral display serves as both a festive centerpiece and a tribute to three decades of butterfly-filled summers at Powell Gardens. 

The festival’s signature experience awaits inside the Conservatory, where guests can walk among tropical butterflies, blue morphos, and moths while observing newly emerged pollinators in the emergence chamber. Hundreds of nectar plants and flowering displays create a vibrant habitat for these remarkable creatures. 

New this year, the Pupae Laboratory offers a behind-the-scenes look at the butterfly life cycle through microscopes, framed specimens, and educational displays that reveal the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. 

Throughout the Gardens, visitors can explore pollinator-friendly landscapes and discover the plants that support butterflies at every stage of life. Highlights include the Native Butterfly Habitat, Butterfly Meadow Walk, Garden Galleries exhibit featuring Missouri butterflies, and the Plant & Insect Lab, where hands-on learning experiences encourage curiosity and exploration. 

Families will also enjoy daily activities at the new Splash & Soar Station, featuring themed games, nature play, art projects, and opportunities to learn about wetlands and pollinator habitats. Children can join the Butterfly Parade each day at noon. 

In addition to butterfly-focused experiences, festival admission includes access to favorite Powell Gardens attractions including Fortopia, the Pollinator Playground, Dragons and Fantastic Beasts, botanical sundaes, and more. 

As part of the 30th anniversary celebration, Powell Gardens will host Butterfly Bash on Saturday, July 25, a special evening event featuring live music, anniversary treats, butterfly-inspired performances by Quixotic aerial artists, a fireworks show, tethered hot air balloon rides, cocktails, and other festive experiences. 

Festival of Butterflies opens to the public on Thursday, July 16, following an exclusive member preview evening on Wednesday, July 15 (5-8 p.m.). 

The festival is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets and complete festival details are available at www.powellgardens.org/butterflies.