Quinta Mazatlán hosts a celebration of the spring migration of monarch butterflies with the ninth annual Monarch Fest on April 26. The festival offers family-friendly fun with live music, cultural performances, arts and crafts, educational booths and youth activities.

Admission to the 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. event is free with the donation of a recyclable plastic bottle or plastic bag.

Kids can join the festival favorite, the Mayors Bug Parade, at 11 a.m. by dressing up as their favorite pollinator. The McHi Drumline and Color Guard, Butterfly Stilt Walkers, and more community entertainers will lead the parade. All youth, scout groups and families are encouraged to wear orange or pollinator-themed costumes and be part of the fun.

Also on the agenda is Urban Frontier, bringing live animal presentations featuring snakes, lizards and tortoises. The encounters give both children and adults alike the opportunity to experience interactive encounters.

Scouts can also take part in earning badges during the event. Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to complete badge work for Eco Learner, Outdoor Art Maker, Bugs, Outdoor Art Creator, and Flowers. Boy Scouts can work toward their Insect Merit Badge through nature-based experiences offered throughout the day.

For adults, Monarch Fest offers live cultural performances, a native plant sale and garden talk, guided garden tours, and shopping from more than 15 local artisan and food vendors. Educational booths will line the scenic “streets of Mazatlán,” with support from organizations like American Forests, La Floresta Native Plant Nursery, Heep’s Native Plant Nursery and City of McAllen Departments amongst many others.

Guests can also take home a piece of Monarch Fest by creating take-home seed bombs to help grow pollinator-friendly plants.

For those who prefer not to bring a recyclable item for free admission, entry is available with a $5 donation at the gate. Children ages 2 and under are free. Tickets are available in advance at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

To ensure easy access, free offsite parking with shuttle service will be provided at 1400 Wichita Avenue, near La Plaza Mall. Shuttle rides will run continuously to and from Quinta Mazatlán during event hours.