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Monarch Butterfly Festival

ISM-Springfield
Three cartoon monarch butterflies are in a red car driving past a Route 66 sign. Did you know the natural flyway for Monarch Butterflies in Illinois is Route 66? And that Route 66 turns 100 years old this year?
Saturday, September 12, 2026
02:00 PM to 08:00 PM CDT
Illinois State Fairgrounds
  • Route 66 Experience (Gate 2)
  • 801 E Sangamon Ave
  • Springfield, IL 62702

Join us in celebrating Illinois' state insect, and everyone's favorite garden visitor, the Monarch Butterfly and Route 66’s centennial! Enjoy FREE games, activities, giveaways, and more from 2- 6 pm at this family-friendly event - rain or shine!

 

Saturday, September 12, 2026

2:00 PM to 8:00 PM CDT

 

2-6 pm: enjoy games, activities, giveaways; native plant giveaways

  • 4 pm: butterfly release
  • 5 pm: story time

6-8 pm: watch movie Cars

  • Feel free to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the movie

Event sponsors include the Illinois State Museum, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway.

 

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