Each spring, monarch butterflies migrate north during March and April. On Saturday, April 1st, Quinta Mazatlan will be hosting the 7th annual Monarch Fest presented by H-E-B from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in McAllen, with the Mayors Bug Parade at 11 a.m. in the park.

Fun family activities include live music, dance, vendors, arts & crafts, migration path, scout/youth projects and more. Participate in one of our community created art installations: add your own splash of color to the monarch mural painting and contribute to the butterfly migration installation. The main stage will feature local cultural dances and performers throughout the festival.

Children of all ages will enjoy the Mayors Bug Parade, dress as a pollinator, and walk in the parade. The street parade will be led by the famous McHi Drumline & Color Guard, Butterfly Stilt Walkers and many more entertainers. Quinta is calling all kids, scout, and youth groups to wear orange and/or dress as a pollinator to be part of the old-fashioned walking parade.

Ambassador animals will be on display with presentations by Gladys Porter Zoo and South Padre Island Birding & Nature Center.

Adults will enjoy the live music, cultural performances, native plant sale and talk, garden tours, and over 20 local food and artisan vendors. The streets of “Mazatlan” will feature educational booths hosted by Texas Master Naturalist RGV Chapter, McAllen Recycling & Composting, McAllen Fire Station, McAllen Police Department, McAllen Library, McAllen Public Utility and many more.

We are thankful to our presenting sponsor H-E-B and other sponsors including Televisa Noroeste, Mission Regional Medical Center, Monarch Obstetrics and Family Medicine, Whataburger, Channel 5, many educational organizations, and volunteers.

Festival admission is $7 for adults, $5 for children, and two and under for free. Purchase your tickets now at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com and wear orange, wings, or pollinator costumes.