GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Feb. 17, 2026 — The largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States will soon open in West Michigan, as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming March 1 through April 30.
In its 31st year, this favorite annual exhibit in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory invites visitors to experience more than 7,000 butterflies and moths flying freely around, representing 60 species from Africa, Asia, and Central and South America all in one place – which wouldn’t be possible in their natural environments. The five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass house provides the ideal tropical setting for these world travelers, from blue morphos and clearwings, to Atlas moths and tree nymphs.
“Butterflies at Meijer Gardens is a quintessential springtime tradition for families across West Michigan and beyond, and we look forward to ushering in the start of our fourth decade of offering this magical tradition,” said Steve LaWarre, Senior Vice President at Meijer Gardens. “Guests can partake in everything from an immersive visit to the tropical conservatory with thousands of butterflies overhead, to a butterfly-themed program such as our new Bourbon & Butterflies events this year.”
The exhibition also offers guests up-close experiences at feeding stations with tropical fruit slices and nectar-rich plants and at the Observation Station, where 1,250 chrysalides are delivered to Meijer Gardens weekly, and cocoons emerge through metamorphosis. Additionally, the exhibition features vibrant flora displays like arches of foliage and blooms; layered beds of bulbs; hyacinths in varied hues; unique tulip varieties; and colorful arrangements of air plants, bromeliads, and orchids.
New this year, Meijer Gardens will feature two evening events, Spring Nights: Butterflies and Bourbon, where guests can experience the magic of this exhibit at twilight April 21 and 28 with live music from local artists performing in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and surrounding spaces. Guests 21 and older also can sip bourbon-inspired beverages for purchase and specialty cocktails from a curated bar menu. Butterfly Tea Parties also are new this year, following and preceding ballet performances Feb. 28 and March 1. Designed as a family-friendly culinary experience, these elegant teas invite guests to enjoy a curated spread in a butterfly-inspired setting. Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Dancers will make a special appearance for photos.
Following a visit to the butterfly exhibit, visitors can continue the themed experience at the James & Shirley Balk Café to enjoy a new menu of butterfly-inspired desserts and beverages. The DeVos–Keeler Gift Shop also will sell butterfly-themed apparel and items.
Exhibition Activities
Butterfly PhotographySunday, Feb. 22, 9-11 a.m.
$35 Members | $45 Non-Members
Capture stunning photos of butterflies in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory before the show opens to the public.
Sound Bath with the Butterflies – SOLD OUT
Saturday, Feb. 28 7:30-9 a.m.
$35 Members | $45 Non-Members
Relax and rejuvenate with an immersive sound bath among the butterflies in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory by Karen Ison Watson from Yoga Zen. Space is limited; bring a water bottle and yoga mat or cushion if preferred for sitting or lying on the ground. Special accommodation can be made; please contact (616) 975-3184 in advance.
Butterfly Ballet: From Wiggles to Wings
Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 1, 12:30 or 2 p.m.
$12 per person (10 percent discount for Meijer Gardens members)
Grand Rapids Ballet returns with a new story and set inspired by the beauty of Meijer Gardens. Colorful projected landscapes transform the Huizenga Grand Room into an immersive setting, bringing dance and nature together in a fun and engaging way for all ages. The ballet is choreographed by Attila Mosolygo and performed by members of the Grand Rapid Ballet School Junior Company.
NEW IN 2026 – Butterfly Tea Parties
Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
$50 per person (10 percent discount for Meijer Gardens members)
Enhance the Butterfly Ballet experience with a Butterfly Tea Party, offered following and preceding ballet performances. Designed as a family-friendly culinary experience, this elegant tea invites guests to gather and enjoy a beautifully curated spread of tea, sandwiches, and macarons in a festive, butterfly-inspired setting. Grand Rapids Junior Ballet Dancers will make a special appearance for photos. Get into the spirit and dress in your favorite butterfly costume. In the Loeschner–Peterson Event Room, guests will be seated at communal tables, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere ideal for sharing the magic of the season.
Papermaking with Poise: Butterflies
Saturday, March 14, 1-4:30 p.m.
$65 Members | $75 Nonmembers
Discover the art of papermaking with artist Tatsuki Hakoyama. Create butterfly-inspired handmade designs using the esuki pulp-painting technique.
Attracting Native Pollinators in Your Garden
Sunday, March 29, 9:30-11 a.m.
$25 Members | $35 Nonmembers
Learn how to foster a welcoming garden and receive expert tips on plants and cultivation that support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Wings in Bloom: A Garden Apron Workshop
Sunday, March 29, 1-4 p.m.
$60 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Celebrate spring and butterflies with printmaking artist Kailey Sullivan as you create vibrant, nature-inspired prints for a gardening apron.
Butterfly Planter Charms Workshop
Saturday, April 18, 1-3 p.m.
$60 Members | $70 Nonmembers
Create dazzling sun-catching planter charms using crystals, beads, and wire, guided by Denise Garcia, owner of SOCCO.
NEW IN 2026 – Spring Nights: Bourbon & Butterflies
Tuesdays, April 21 and 28, 2026 | 5-9 p.m.
Experience the magic of twilight among tropical blooms and more than 7,000 butterflies in flight in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory and surrounding spaces with live music from local artists. Guests 21 and older can sip bourbon-inspired beverages for purchase and specialty cocktails from a curated bar menu; themed treats and beverages also are available for purchase in the James & Shirley Balk Café.
Tuesday Night Lights
Bring your flashlight on Tuesday nights in March and April until 9 p.m. to search for butterflies and see the nightlife in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory.
Additional Programming –
- Drop-In Butterfly Exploration Station in the Garden Pavilion – Saturdays during exhibit
- Daily children’s activities in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden
- Butterfly-themed Spring Break Camps
Exclusive Member Events –
- Opening Day Party, Sunday, March 1, 9-11 a.m.
- Night of the Butterflies Family Parties*, March 16 & March 20, 5:30 p.m.
- Night of the Butterflies Adult party* (21+), March 30, 5:30 p.m.
- Member early hours, Sundays in March and April, 9-11 a.m.
*RSVP required (Visit MeijerGardens.org/butterflies to learn more and RSVP)
Fred & Dorothy Fichter Butterflies Are Blooming is made possible by Fred and Dorothy Fichter and family, Howard Miller Company, The Meijer Foundation, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation, and Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Media sponsors are Star 105.7 FM, WOOD-TV8, and Blue Lake Public Radio.
Online Ticketing
Expedite entry and skip the ticketing line by reserving tickets online. Guests can visit MeijerGardens.org/tickets to purchase tickets online. When on-site, head directly to the Entry Desk for easy entry.
# # #
About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, one of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, was named the Best Sculpture Park in the United States in the 2023, 2024 and 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, and is regularly listed in the 100-most-visited museums in the world and 15-most-visited museums in the United States by The Art Newspaper, the leading global art news publication. The permanent collection highlights hundreds of sculptures from internationally acclaimed artists Magdalena Abakanowicz, El Anatsui, Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Dale Chihuly, Mark di Suvero, Marshall Fredericks, Henry Moore, Beverly Pepper, Jaume Plensa, Auguste Rodin, Richard Serra, Yinka Shonibare CBE, and Ai Weiwei, among others. Indoor galleries with changing sculpture exhibitions have presented numerous solo shows, including artists Jonathan Borofsky, Edgar Degas, Jim Dine, Richard Hunt, Cristina Iglesias, Michele Oka Donor, George Segal, David Smith, and others. The 158-acre main campus features Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the country’s largest interactive children’s gardens; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens, including a replica 1930s-era farm garden; an 8-acre Japanese garden featuring contemporary sculpture; and a 1,900-seat outdoor amphitheater garden, showcasing an eclectic mix of world-renowned touring musicians each summer. Learning Engagement programs welcome 80,000 students and guests each year. Culinary Arts & Events offerings include weddings, corporate meetings, and award-winning catering.
