Get ready to flutter into a world of vibrant colors and delicate wings at The Secret Garden’s much-anticipated Annual Butterfly Fest! This year, we’re celebrating the enchanting Gulf Fritillary butterfly over two consecutive weekends: September 14/15 and September 21/22. Whether you’re a seasoned butterfly enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
Our Butterfly Fest is designed to immerse you in the magical world of butterflies, with a special focus on the Gulf Fritillary. Each day at 11 a.m., our knowledgeable store manager will lead a guided butterfly tour through the nursery. This tour will take you through various viewing zones, where you’ll witness the full life cycle of the Gulf Fritillary—from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally, the stunning adult butterfly. You’ll also learn about the specific plants these butterflies rely on for food and shelter, and we’ll share tips on how you can create a butterfly-friendly garden at home.
Children’s Activities:
Bring the kids along for some butterfly-themed fun! We’ll have a scavenger hunt that will take them on a mini adventure through the nursery, as well as a coloring table where they can get creative. And don’t forget to stop by our professional face painter to get your favorite butterfly design!
Cool Treats & More:
As you explore, grab a coffee from the coffee cart or cool off with a delicious treat from Leatherby’s Ice Cream, which will be on-site throughout the event. With a variety of flavors to choose from, it’s the perfect way to beat the heat while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
Best Times to Visit:
For the most active butterfly viewing, plan to visit between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. when these beautiful creatures are most active. The nursery will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, so you can explore at your own pace. The Secret Garden is located at 8450 W Stockton Blvd., Elk Grove, CA 95758. If you’re coming in from out of the area, follow your phone’s navigation over your car navigation. (Trust us on this! For some reason car nav takes people to Elk Grove Blvd.)
Parking Information:
Please note that our parking lot has limited space, and while street parking is available nearby, we kindly ask that you be considerate of local residents by not blocking driveways. Arriving early is recommended, especially if you’re joining us for the 11 a.m. tour.
Nursery Conditions:
Our nursery is not paved; instead, we have beautiful pathways made of decomposed granite (DG). To ensure your comfort while exploring, we recommend wearing closed-toed shoes.
Avoid the Crowds:
If you’d prefer to experience the butterflies without the weekend crowds, you’re welcome to visit us any day during our regular hours. While formal tours are only offered on the event weekends, we will have informational signage along the tour route throughout the week, so you can still enjoy a self-guided experience. Please note that vendors, including Leatherby’s Ice Cream, will only be available on the weekends during event hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
No Admission Fee:
We’re delighted to offer this experience at no cost to you—it’s our way of giving back to our wonderful community. So mark your calendars, gather the family, and come celebrate the beauty of butterflies with us!
We can’t wait to see you at this year’s Butterfly Fest! For an even more detailed FAQ, click here: https://www.secretgarden-online.com/events
