Butterflies in Dallas: An Astonishing Local Festival

Kiwanis Butterfly Festival

Want to play with butterflies in Dallas? Of course you do! And you can by attending the local butterfly interact and release ceremony this fall at the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival! We cannot recommend the Festival highly enough. It is a unique, amazingly fun and overall enchanting experience. Best of all, it’s affordably priced. 

Did you know that Singapore Airport (stick with me, I swear this is going somewhere) is regarded as one of the best airports in the world? It has an indoor waterfall, a movie theater, art exhibitions and more gardens than an estate, including a Butterfly Garden which we had the chance to experience. Home to over 1000 butterflies, that garden was fantastic!  And for us, it was the premier butterfly experience, that is until we found out about a local butterfly release ceremony right here in DFW. 

Suddenly, hanging out with butterflies went from cool to otherworldly. Because, you know what’s even better than traveling really far to see butterflies up close? Literally feeding monarchs from your palm and making friends with butterflies in Dallas! 

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At Kiwanis Butterfly Festival you can experience an entire butterfly wonderland for the low price of (drumroll, please) $8 for adults and $6 for children! Located in Southlake Town Square, the festival is near a ton of shops and restaurants, and depending on where you live, only a short drive from Dallas. We think this is one of the best things to do in DFW, and it’s for people of all ages and backgrounds! It’s mostly a come as you are experience, but there are still a few things you need to know. So, assuming you want to check this event out (and you totally should), Here’s What’s Up Dallas!

• Our Butterflies in Dallas Experience
• Festival History and Butterfly Lore
• Basic Festival Information
• Shopping and Dining in Southlake Square
• Absolutely Need To Know (ft. Good Time on a Dime) 
• Why We Chose Kiwanis Butterfly Festival
• Butterflies in Dallas Summary

Our Butterflies In Dallas Experience

Autumn here! I’m the primary person who suggests and goes out on blog outings. However, I did not find this activity on my own. My friend, Serena, asked me if i wanted to hang out, and all I remember was her saying something about butterflies. I’m not one to ask too many questions, and I didn’t. She said, “dress up like a butterfly,” and I said, “Ok, I’ll meet you at your place”.

When I got there, she told me we were going to a butterfly release, and I was like “those exist?” Spoiler Alert: They totally do!

If you have the privilege to take part in a butterfly release where you not only get to see butterflies but interact with them too, it makes you feel outside of yourself. I experienced it first hand as I was feeding fruit to butterflies and feeling my skin tickle as they occasionally landed on my arms. It was a marvel to see the intricacy and beauty of their wings as I watched the butterflies fluttering every which way.

Seriously, we entered a tent stuffed with blooming flowers and lush, green plants holding dozens, maybe hundreds of butterflies. Everyone was enjoying themselves—children, teens, adults, grandparents, you name it. I mean, of course everyone there was having a great time. How can you not smile when a butterfly decides to hang with you for a while? There was even a girl with a flower crown, floating through the tent with multiple butterflies atop her head, each one content to float around the room with her. For a second, it felt absolutely magical. Immediately, I knew we had to add this butterfly festival to the blog.

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Kiwanis Butterfly Festival History and Butterfly Lore

Ok. So we’ve all read Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar, right? You already know about chrysalises and metamorphosis and all that jazz, but did you also know about butterfly migration? 

Butterflies are fascinating insects, and just like birds, they fly to different areas depending on the season. In Texas, butterfly season peaks in the Fall due to the migration of Monarch butterflies, which travel from the northern United States and Canada to central Mexico for the winter.

P.S. Kiwanis Club’s Butterfly Festival (that’s a mouthful!) not only raises awareness about these incredible creatures, but also supports various community service projects and initiatives, making it a beloved event for many in the region. If you want to support the butterfly cause, consider participating in the silent auction, an easy way to help give back to the community. 

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Basic Festival Information

• Dates: September 21st – 22nd 2024
  • 9am to 6pm Sat, Sept. 21st
  • 9am to 5pm Sun, Sept. 22nd
  • Note: This is an annual festival, and although the dates may change slightly from year to year, it’s generally held in September! 
• Location: Southlake Town Square, 1400 E Southlake Blvd.
  • Southlake Town Square is big, so make sure to key in the address!
  • Open rain or shine, the tent is just under the pavilion. You can’t miss it!
  • Parking is free (Yay!)
• Price: $8 for adults and $6 for children as of 2024
• Tickets: Visit the Festival Website for more information and to purchase tickets. However, you can also purchase tickets at the festival! That’s what we did!

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Shopping and Dining

Once you’re done playing with butterflies, you might want to take the opportunity to explore Southlake Square which is stuffed to the brim with eateries and stores. It’s an ideal spot for both dining and retail therapy. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely meal or simply browse, Southlake Square provides food and shopping that caters to all preferences. We listed some notable spots below, but there are wayyyyy too many options to list them all. Click here for a full directory.

Dining:

1. Stella Ristorante Italiano: Offers a cozy atmosphere with authentic Italian dishes, including handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. The warm, rustic decor and attentive service make it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
2. Ferah Tex Med Kitchen: Combines Mediterranean flavors with Texas flair, serving fresh, innovative dishes. The fusion menu offers unique dishes like lamb kofta tacos and gyro nachos, making it a must-visit for adventurous eaters.
3. Milwaukee Joe’s Gourmet Ice Cream: Known for its rich and creamy handcrafted ice cream in a variety of unique flavors. The artisanal quality and inventive flavors, such as Texas Butter Pecan and Blackberry Cheesecake, keep customers coming back for more.
4. Ozeki Ramen & Sushi: Specializes in traditional Japanese ramen and sushi with a modern twist. The fresh ingredients and artistic presentation of each dish make it a favorite among food enthusiasts.
5. Postino Wine Cafe: A trendy spot featuring an extensive wine list and a menu of shareable plates and bruschettas. The chic, relaxed environment is perfect for a casual meet-up with friends or a laid-back date night.
6. Pressed Juicery: Provides a range of cold-pressed juices and healthy snacks made from fresh, organic ingredients. Their cleanse packages and wellness shots attract health-conscious customers looking to boost their nutrition.

Stores:

1. Barnes & Noble: A large bookstore offering a wide selection of books, magazines, and gifts, along with a cozy café. It’s a haven for book lovers who enjoy the experience of browsing through aisles of new and classic titles while sipping on coffee.
2. EVO Entertainment: A dine-in movie theater with an arcade, combining movies, dining, and games for a full entertainment experience. The state-of-the-art facilities and diverse entertainment options make it an ideal destination for a fun day out with family or friends.
3. Free People: Boho-chic clothing, accessories, and shoes with a focus on creative, feminine styles. The brand’s distinctive aesthetic and high-quality fabrics should appeal to those who love eclectic, bohemian fashion.
4. The Impeccable Pig: A true boutique offering fashionable, affordable women’s clothing and accessories. The curated selection of trendy items and friendly staff make it a delightful place to find unique, stylish outfits.
5. Skin Laundry: Specializes in advanced laser facials and skincare treatments for a glowing complexion. Their quick, effective treatments and professional staff make it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their skin health.
6. Lush Cosmetics: Offers handmade, all-natural beauty and skincare products, including bath bombs and soaps. Their commitment to ethical sourcing and cruelty-free practices is perfect for eco-conscious shoppers. But if Bath and Body Works is more your speed, that’s nearby too along with other stores and salons.

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Absolutely Need To Know

As always, this is what you ABSOLUTELY NEED TO KNOW before going to the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival. There are only two things to remember:

1. Bring water.
2. Butterflies are released at 5pm on Sunday.

This event is outdoors, and even though it’s held in the Fall, it’s hot. After all, we live in Texas. There is cold water for sale at the event, but you should bring some with you just in case. Also, you probably shouldn’t wear long sleeves. Even with running fans, the temperature inside the tent is a bit warm. But that’s probably best as butterflies usually prefer a humid environment.

The next thing to remember is that butterflies are released on the last day of the Festival at 5pm. So if you want to release a butterfly, you shouldn’t go too early on Sunday and you shouldn’t go on Saturday. Heads up: The butterfly release isn’t a dramatic show that happens all at once. It’s much more gradual. Remember what we said about the temperature being warmer inside the tent than outside? Yeah, when it’s time to release the butterflies, they won’t want to leave the tent immediately. So instead, the organizers let participants use a piece of watermelon to transfer the butterflies outside when it’s time. 

And that’s it! The only other thing to remember is your wallet. The event costs less than $10 per person, but there are other things to spend on including butterfly kits, silent auction items and the stores around Southlake. This year the profits of the silent auction will go to Cook’s Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth and Kiwanis Children’s Charities. And, unless the price has changed, butterfly kits are $6. They come with two caterpillars and all the necessary food. Neat, right? Like we said, this event is awesome!

Pro-tip: Pieces of watermelon are used to attract the butterflies. The event organizers will provide you with a fruit piece or two, but if you really want to stand out to the butterflies, you can bring your own ripe fruit. Consider bringing an orange slice, half a strawberry, an apple cube, etc. 

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Why We Chose Kiwanis Butterfly Festival

Okay! We’re almost done. The last thing to talk about is why we chose to cover the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival. The answer is simple: money. Doesn’t it always comes down to money?

But in all seriousness, the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival is a wonderful event that is extremely memorable at a price point that doesn’t break the bank. We believe that life is enhanced by meaningful experiences, so if you can have a magical experience without having to go too far, and without having to spend too much money, isn’t it worth your time? This butterfly festival is, in our opinion, an experience that you would be hard-pressed to recreate yourself.  

When you step into this festival, your eyes are immediately captivated by butterflies flitting gracefully through the air, creating a living kaleidoscope of hues. The gentle sounds of wings flapping and delighted gasps add a joyful soundtrack. And of course, there’s the scent of blooming flowers all around you. Like we said, this atmosphere can be straight-up enchanting, and it makes this festival a perfect outing.

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Butterflies in Dallas Summary

To summarize, if you want to play with butterflies, you should attend the Kiwanis Butterfly Festival this Fall in Southlake Square. This wonderful event offers a unique experience where you can interact with butterflies up close for just $8 for adults and $6 for children. It’s a perfect outing for all ages, featuring a butterfly release ceremony, a vibrant atmosphere filled with fluttering butterflies, and proximity to great shopping and dining options. Don’t miss this affordable and magical experience right here in DFW!

But before you go, check out our post on Fossil Rim, an outdoor Safari offering a different—but equally amazing—nature experience! And last but not least, subscribe to our blog to receive a monthly newsletter about things to do in Dallas and things to do in DFW!