GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Thousands of tropical butterflies will soon fill the conservatory at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids Township for the annual Butterflies are Blooming exhibition.
The exhibition, now in its 31st year, is set to kick off March 1 and run through April 30.
Visitors can watch more than 7,000 butterflies and moths, representing 60 species from Africa, Asia, Central America and South America, fly around the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Butterfly-themed events and activities also are planned.
“Butterflies at Meijer Gardens is a quintessential springtime tradition for families across West Michigan and beyond, and we look forward to ushering in the start of our fourth decade of offering this magical tradition,” said Steve LaWarre, senior vice president at Meijer Gardens.
Meijer Gardens says the event is “the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition” in the U.S.
Here’s a look at the events planned during this year’s exhibition:
Butterfly Photography
Sunday, Feb. 22, 9-11 a.m.
$35 Members | $45 Non-Members
“Capture photos of butterflies in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory before the show opens to the public.”
Butterfly Ballet: From Wiggles to Wings
Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 1, 12:30 or 2 p.m.
$12 per person (10 percent discount for Meijer Gardens members)
“Grand Rapids Ballet returns with a new story and set inspired by the beauty of Meijer Gardens. Colorful projected landscapes transform the Huizenga Grand Room into an immersive setting, bringing dance and nature together in a fun and engaging way for all ages. The ballet is choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapid Ballet School Junior Company.”
Butterfly Tea Parties
Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
$50 per person (10 percent discount for Meijer Gardens members)
“Enhance the Butterfly Ballet experience with a Butterfly Tea Party, offered following and preceding ballet performances. Designed as a family-friendly culinary experience, this elegant tea invites guests to gather and enjoy a beautifully curated spread of tea, sandwiches, and macarons in a festive, butterfly-inspired setting. Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Dancers will make a special appearance for photos. Get into the spirit and dress in your favorite butterfly costume. In the Loeschner–Peterson Event Room, guests will be seated at communal tables, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere ideal for sharing the magic of the season.”
Papermaking with Poise: Butterflies
Saturday, March 14, 1-4:30 p.m.
$65 Members | $75 Nonmembers
Discover the art of papermaking with artist Tatsuki Hakoyama. Create butterfly-inspired handmade designs using the esuki pulp-painting technique.
Attracting Native Pollinators in Your Garden
Sunday, March 29, 9:30-11 a.m.
$25 Members | $35 Nonmembers
“Learn how to foster a welcoming garden and receive expert tips on plants and cultivation that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.”
Wings in Bloom: A Garden Apron Workshop
Sunday, March 29, 1-4 p.m.
$60 Members | $70 Nonmembers
“Celebrate spring and butterflies with printmaking artist Kailey Sullivan as you create vibrant, nature-inspired prints for a gardening apron.”
Butterfly Planter Charms Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 1-3 p.m.
$60 Members | $70 Nonmembers
“Create dazzling sun-catching planter charms using crystals, beads, and wire, guided by Denise Garcia, owner of SOCCO”.
Spring Nights: Bourbon & Butterflies
Tuesdays, April 21 and 28 | 5-9 p.m.
“Experience the magic of twilight among tropical blooms and more than 7,000 butterflies in flight in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and surrounding spaces with live music from local artists. Guests 21 and older can sip bourbon-inspired beverages for purchase and specialty cocktails from a curated bar menu; themed treats and beverages also are available for purchase in the James & Shirley Balk Café.”
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