Flutter into Fall September 5, 2026

Join us for our annual celebration of our beloved butterflies as the monarchs begin their migration! It will be a day full of activities for the whole family to honor our fluttering friends and their annual migration to the Oyamel fir forest in Mexico.

Take part in a craft presented by the National Museum of Mexican Art, join our entomologist for Monarch Butterfly tagging, explore our outdoor butterfly garden and other nature trails, sketch pollinators and flowers with featured artist Tara Preston, see a special performance by Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance company, and witness our daily release of newly emerged tropical butterflies into the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven inside the museum on the second floor!

Museum members can even start the fun an hour early! Members can flutter in starting at 9am.

Scheduled Activities:

• Member Exclusive Butterfly Garden Sensory Exploration – 9:30am
• Monarch Tagging in the Ravine – 10:30am, 12pm, 1pm
• Nature Walk: Flowers and Pollinators with Tara Preston – 11am
• Xochitl-Quetzal Aztec Dance Performance – 11:15am
• Nature Walk: Butterfly Garden Sensory Exploration – 12:30pm
• First Flight Butterfly Release – 11:30 am, 2pm
• Nature Walk: Monarch Migration – 1:30pm

All Day:

• Create a craft with the National Museum of Mexican Art

• Meet our partners from Trickster Cultural Center for some programming

• Make a craft with Nature Museum volunteers

• Learn about the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3)

• Learn about butterflies all around the museum in facilitated Exhibit Experiences

Ticket price includes museum admission and entry into the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. All ages are welcome – this event is designed for families. Museums for all pricing available upon request. Email programs@naturemuseum.org