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Monarch Fest
Each spring, Monarch Butterflies migrate north and east around March or April. On April 2, Quinta Mazatlan hosts the annual Monarch Fest from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McAllen, with the Bug Parade at 11 a.m.
Family activities include live music, dance, vendors, arts & crafts, migration path, speakers, garden tours, food and other activities. The main stage features cultural dances and performers throughout the festival. Quinta Mazatlan encourages festival goers to wear orange and wings.
Children of all ages will enjoy the Bug Parade with an invitation to dress as a pollinator and walk in the parade. The Bug Parade is led by the famous McHi Drumline, Butterfly Stilt Walkers and more entertainers. Kids can also meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar along the route.
Ambassador animals will be on display with presentations by Gladys Porter Zoo and Animal Contacto. 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 to complete Outdoor Art Petal, Animal Habitat, Garden and Bug Badges.
Adults will enjoy the live music, garden tours, native plant sale, vendors, food and monarch/gardening speakers. The streets of “Mazatlan” will feature educational booths hosted by UTRGV Entomology, Estero Llano Grande, Resaca de las Palmas, McAllen Recycling & Composting, McAllen Fire Station, McAllen Police Department, McAllen Library, McAllen Public Utility, One Up Mushroom, Santa Ana NWR, Texas Master Naturalists and more.
Festival sponsors are the Radisson Hotel, Med Care EMS, Whataburger and many educational organizations and volunteers.
Festival admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children, and children ages 2 and under are admitted free.