join The san Antonio Community for a Free, Family Friendly day of hands-on & experiential nature education!

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!

Get ready for our newest and biggest fully immersive, multi-sensorial installation yet: the Lights Out! Bird City Maze. In this experience, you'll become a migrating bird with wings and bird vision, discovering the crucial role of turning off lights as you navgiate a night migrating the Texas sky.

Lights out! bird city maze

Monarch Migration Obstacle course

Become a monarch and fly the multi-generational Spring migration 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 partners

Meet the over 35 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.

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 procession

Join our friends at Bexar Brass as we dance, flutter, and buzz through the festival in true pollinator style.

You can Bee the change for our environment!

keep an eye out for this symbol for easy, actionable ways you can make a positive impact on our ecosystem.

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Meet the over 40 passionate environmental stewards from our San Antonio community as they lead you through engaging, hands-on activities that connect you with the wonders of nature. Whether you're learning about local pollinators, sustainable practices, migratory patterns, or the unique ecosystems of our region, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

FAQs

do i have to rsvp?

An RSVP is not required, but it helps us plan for the event. If you know you're coming, we'd love for you to let us know!

Where can I park?

Parking is available in the Zoo Train Depot lot (3903 N St Mary's St Building A) and in the Zoo Parking Garage (3903 N. St. Mary's Street). Signs and volunteers will guide you to the nearest open lot. We encourage you to bike, car share or plan to arrive early for the best spots!

where is the festival?

The Brackenridge Park Pecan Grove is located at 3910 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212. Follow the signs for Monarch Fest, and you’ll see the entrance to the festival near the roundabout, to the right of the zoo entrance.

can i bring my leashed dog?

We love all living creatures! However, the Festival is expected to have between 5k-7k people and though we will not turn away your furry friends, we encourage you to let them protect the pollinators in your yard while you're at the Festival or bring your well-behaved pups on a leash.

Do you have water available?

We’ve got you covered! Be sure to bring your reusable water bottles to fillup at the water jugs at our hydration stations.

will there be food?

Enjoy a selection of local vendors offering tacos, coffee, lemonade, pastries, and more! There’s something for everyone--vegetarians, vegans, and omnivores--to enjoy.

Are there bathrooms?

Port-a-potties are located to the right of the entrance near the stroller check. Restrooms are also available in the Migration Corridor and the Bird Wing areas.