Flutter Fest presented by Ford Motor Company

Flutter Fest Header featuring a Monarch butterfly and the dates September 9-14

Presented by

Ford Logo

Come and be part of our 9th annual Flutter Fest, where we commemorate the autumn migration of the monarch butterfly as they journey to their overwintering destination in the forested mountains of Mexico!

Visit with our partners and play our fun pollinator games each day from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Plus, you can migrate around the Zoo to answer trivia questions in a virtual scavenger hunt.

Don’t forget to visit the butterfly house one last time before the fun flutters away Sunday, September 14.

Schedule

Visit us early in the day on the main plaza to learn all about butterflies and other pollinators from our friends at Idlewild Butterfly Farm and Insectarium and other partners from the community. Enjoy awesome displays and ask the experts all the butterfly questions you’ve been fluttering to know, then pick up a take-home craft (while supplies last).

Monday, Sept. 8: Idlewild Butterfly Farm, Ali Center
Tuesday, Sept. 9: Louisville Metro Parks, Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Wednesday, Sept. 10: Jefferson Memorial Forest, Olmsted Parks, Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Thursday, Sept. 11: Kentucky Science Center, Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Friday, Sept. 12: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Passionist Earth and Spirit Center, Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Saturday, Sept. 13: Ali Center, Louisville Nature Center, Idlewild Butterfly Farm

Scavenger Hunt

How to Play

Using your camera-enabled smartphone or tablet, download the free GooseChase app. (Download on App Store, Download on Google Play)
Enter join code “MR2AV2” and join the free scavenger hunt game September 8-14, 2025.

Take Home Craft Instructions

Clothes Pin Butterfly
Buggy Head Band

As a partner of AZA Monarch SAFE, the Zoo will not be hosting a butterfly release program. Mass releases of monarchs are not recommended for the health of wild migrating populations. As a conservation partner, our focus is helping to increase habitats for monarchs and other local pollinators. Any of the few butterflies remaining in our flight house at the end of the season are released but are not part of the migrating generation of butterflies. For more info click here.

MONARCHS & MIMOSAS

Saturday, Sept. 13 from 8:30 – 10 a.m.

Start your day with a refreshing cocktail as you learn how to create your own pollinator garden from our experts. This special 21+ class includes guidance on the types of plants that are most beneficial to attracting pollinators, how to identify the best location and type of garden for your space, and how to manage your plants to provide the best habitat year-round

Learn more…

PLANT SALES

Plant Sale at the Louisville Zoo September 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Browse a selection of native plants available for purchase at the Zoo. Whether you’re just starting out or have been gardening for years, you are sure to find the perfect plants to benefit the pollinators that visit your at-home habitat.

Learn more…

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