Saturday, August 17th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. marks everyone’s favorite day in Dunwoody Park as the Dunwoody Nature Center brings the butterflies back to Dunwoody with its annual Butterfly Festival. Because of the popularity of last year’s festival, this year’s event will feature twice as many butterflies with two enormous tents – each filled with hundreds of live butterflies. Said executive director Alan Mothner, “Having two tents this year will cut down on the amount of time people have to wait to enter a tent, and also allow for twice as many visitors to enjoy an up-close and personal encounter with these delicate species as the butterflies feed on nectar producing plants and fruits.”
In addition to the butterfly tents, the day will also feature games, crafts, animal encounters and discovery stations throughout the park. Guests can participate in a nature scavenger hunt and find hidden treasures within Dunwoody Park, get their faces painted like a butterfly, enjoy live music, a Birds of Prey show, and other entertainment all day long. Last year, nearly 3,000 people attended the festival, which celebrates its 20th year this year. On-site concessions will ensure guests stay well-fed and the festival’s signature “larval lemonade” along with other ice cold treats will keep everyone happy and cool during the day (concessions are cash only).
Because of the expected turnout this year, it is highly recommended for visitors to pre-purchase timed entry admission to the butterfly tents via the Nature Center’s website at www.dunwoodynature.org/Butterfly-Festival. Pre-purchasing timed entry tickets is the only way to guarantee a convenient time for butterfly tent entry, AND guests will save on their tickets in the process (Pre Purchase Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12, and free to children ages 3 and under; and $10 for adults and $5 for children the day of the festival). Off-site shuttle service will be regularly available throughout the day and staggered, timed entry to the butterfly tent will keep lines moving. As always, this year’s festival will also feature a special sneak preview and early admission beginning at 9:00 a.m. for members only.
