COLUMBIA, Mo. – Celebrate the beauty of butterflies at the eighth annual Butterfly Festival at the University of Missouri Jefferson Farm and Garden in Columbia.

The free event on Saturday, June 21, brings together nature lovers, families and butterfly enthusiasts for a day of education, exploration and hands-on activities, said Debi Kelly, state coordinator of the MU Extension Master Gardener Program.

The 67-acre Jefferson Farm and Garden Extension and Education Center connects the community with agricultural and environmental experiences, Kelly said. The Butterfly Festival offers visitors the chance to learn about native butterfly species, their life cycles and the importance of pollinators in our ecosystem. Last year, more than 1,500 attendees were fascinated by the butterflies and activities at the festival, she said.

Attendees can explore pollinator habitats, flower gardens and conservation initiatives and enjoy interactive exhibits, crafts and educational demonstrations.

“Whether you're a seasoned butterfly enthusiast or just looking for a fun and educational outdoor experience, the Butterfly Festival is the perfect way to connect with nature and celebrate these incredible creatures,” Kelly said.

The Butterfly Festival is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at MU Jefferson Farm and Garden, 4800 E. New Haven Road, Columbia.

For more details, visit http://muext.us/Butterfly2025.

Photos

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250515-butterfly-1.jpg
Monarch butterfly seen at the 2024 Butterfly Festival. Photo by Sydney Winn, University of Missouri.

https://extension.missouri.edu/sites/default/files/legacy_media/wysiwyg/News/photos/20250515-butterfly-2.jpg
Family at the 2024 Butterfly Festival. Photo by Sydney Winn, University of Missouri.