This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Monarch Butterfly Festival Returns to Lake Katherine

The always popular Monarch Butterfly Festival at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens will take place on Sunday, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p m.

This annual favorite offers fun activities for all ages — the Monarch Butterfly Tent, hayrides, canoe and kayak rentals, a rock climbing wall, arts and crafts fair, nature exhibits, farm animals, Reptile Road Show, The Frog Lady, children’s games and crafts, scarecrow making, live music, food and beverage vendors.

Admission is $5 per person; children 3 and under are free.

Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Children in butterfly/insect costumes will receive a free gift while supplies last.

Attendees can park in the Palos Heights City Hall parking lot and take the free shuttle service to Lake Katherine.

Find out what's happening in Paloswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

New this year, Lake Katherine is hosting a pre-festival event, Monarchs and Margaritas, on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m.

Don’t let the kids have all the fun! In honor of the monarchs’ migration to warmer weather in Mexico each fall, adults are invited to enjoy margaritas and Mexican-themed snacks as they release the monarchs into the Monarch Butterfly Tent in preparation for the next day’s Monarch Butterfly Festival. Tickets cost $25 per person. Participants must be 21 years of age or older.

Proceeds from both events benefit the education programs, animal care, and habitat restoration at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens.

Visit www.lakekatherine.org for information.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?