Miami's first ever Butterfly Migration Parade

On Saturday, May 18, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting Miami’s first-ever Butterfly Migration Parade, a day full of butterfly-themed family fun. Participate in the whimsical parade down Old Cutler Road from 8:30 to  9:30 am, then spend the day at Fairchild from 9:30 am to  4:30 pm to join in fun activities like the butterfly costume contest, live music and butterfly viewings. Tasty treats are provided by the Glasshouse Café and food trucks.

Make sure to visit the Wings of the Tropics exhibit to marvel at the thousands of vibrantly colored butterflies swooping overhead. Admission is free for parade participants, Fairchild members and children 5 and under, $25 for adults, $18 for seniors 65 and up, and $12 for children 6-17.  

The Butterfly Migration Parade begins at 8:30 am at the entrance of the neighboring Matheson Hammock Park. The road will close to vehicular traffic from approximately 8:15 to 9:45 am until all the participants have entered Fairchild. Led by Grand Marshall Isabelle Scott, Miss Miami United States 2014, a cavalcade of colorful floats, decorated cars, musicians, dancers and performers will proceed down Old Cutler Road. Be sure to spot familiar faces from the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Coral Gables City Commission as they make their way down the path. 

After the parade, visitors can enjoy fun butterfly-themed activities, food trucks and live music at Fairchild. The Wings of the Tropics butterfly exhibit in The Clinton Family Conservatory will be fluttering with motion throughout the day. Don’t forget to spread your wings and wear your best outfit for the butterfly costume contest at 11 am.

It’s not too late to partake in the parade. If you’d like to join the colorful caravan, please contact Leslie Bowe at lbowe@fairchildgarden.org or 305-667-1651, ext. 3338. 

There is free parking for participants and spectators in the west side of Old Cutler Road and the North Entrance or the Lowlands at Fairchild. Parking is also available with a waived fee at Matheson Hammock Park. The Matheson Hammock Park entrance is located at 9610 Old Cutler Road. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is at 10901 Old Cutler Road.