Each spring, monarch butterflies migrate north during March and April. On April 1, Quinta Mazatlan will host the seventh annual Monarch Fest presented by H-E-B with live music, dance, vendors, arts and crafts, migration path, scout/youth projects and more.
The festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Mayors Bug Parade at 11 a.m. in the park. Leading the street parade are the famous McHi Drumline & Color Guard, Butterfly Stilt Walkers and many more entertainers. Quinta Mazatlan is calling all kids, scout and youth groups to wear orange and/or dress as a pollinator to be part of the old-fashioned walking parade.
Monarch Fest also includes community created art installations. Festival goers can add their own splash of color to the monarch mural painting and contribute to the butterfly migration installation. The main stage will feature local cultural dances and performers throughout the festival.
Ambassador animals will also be on display with presentations by Gladys Porter Zoo and South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center. Boy Scouts can work on fulfilling badge requirements including Grow Something, In the Wild, Feathers-Fur-Fins and the Insect Badge. Girl Scouts can work on Outdoor Art Petal, Animal Habitat, Garden and Bug Badges.
Activities for adults include live music, cultural performances, native plant sale and talk, garden tours, and more than 20 local food and artisan vendors. The streets of “Mazatlan” will feature educational booths hosted by Texas Master Naturalist RGV Chapter, McAllen Recycling & Composting, McAllen Fire Station, McAllen Police Department, McAllen Library, McAllen Public Utility and more.
Quinta Mazatlan encourages festival goers to wear orange, wings or pollinator costumes. Festival admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children, and children ages 2 and under are free.