Spring’s most colorful tradition soon returns to West Michigan as the 31st annual Fred & Dorothy Fichter “Butterflies Are Blooming” exhibition takes flight at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
While the tropical exhibition officially opens March 1 inside the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, a handful of special programs begin in late February — giving eager guests an early taste of the season.
Inside the five-story, 15,000-square-foot glass conservatory, more than 7,000 butterflies representing 60 species from Africa, Asia, Central and South America will fly freely among guests. At feeding stations, butterflies gather over fruit and nectar-rich plants.
At the Observation Station, chrysalides arrive weekly and emerge in full view. The conservatory’s warm air and dense plantings — from arching foliage and layered bulbs to orchids and bromeliads — offer a welcome contrast to Michigan’s lingering winter.
Beyond wandering the tropical canopy, visitors can build an entire day — or several — around butterfly-themed programs, workshops and evening events.
Below is the season’s lineup, organized by date:
Feb. 22
Butterfly Photography
9–11 a.m.
Photographers can capture images inside the conservatory before it opens to the public.
Feb. 28
Butterfly Ballet: From Wiggles to Wings
10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
Butterfly Tea Parties
11 a.m.–noon
The ballet returns with a new story and set inspired by Meijer Gardens. Tea parties, offered in conjunction with select ballet performances, feature tea, sandwiches and sweets in a butterfly-themed setting, along with a special appearance by Grand Rapids Junior Ballet dancers.
March 1
Exhibition Opening Day
Butterfly Ballet: From Wiggles to Wings
12:30 or 2 p.m.
Butterfly Tea Parties
11 a.m.–noon
Opening Day Party (Members Only)
9–11 a.m.
Tuesdays in March and April
Tuesday Night Lights
Guests can bring flashlights and explore the conservatory after hours to observe butterflies in their evening habitat.
March 14
Papermaking with Poise: Butterflies
1–4:30 p.m.
Participants will create butterfly-inspired handmade paper designs using the esuki pulp-painting technique.
March 16 & 20
Night of the Butterflies Family Parties (Members Only)
5:30 p.m.
March 29
Attracting Native Pollinators in Your Garden
9:30–11 a.m.
Wings in Bloom: A Garden Apron Workshop
1–4 p.m.
March 30
Night of the Butterflies Adult Party (21+, Members Only)
5:30 p.m.
April 18
Butterfly Planter Charms Workshop
1–3 p.m.
April 21 & 28
Spring Nights: Bourbon & Butterflies
5–9 p.m.
New this year, these evening events invite guests 21 and older to experience the exhibition at twilight with live music in the conservatory and specialty beverages available for purchase.
Ongoing programming throughout the run includes a Drop-In Butterfly Exploration Station in the Garden Pavilion on Saturdays, daily children’s activities in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, spring break camps and member early hours on Sundays in March and April.
“Butterflies Are Blooming” runs March 1 – April 30, 2026.
For details on the exhibition, membership information and registration for special programs, visit meijergardens.org/butterflies.
