WHEATON, Md. – One of Montgomery Parks’ most beloved traditions is taking flight from Wednesday, April 1, through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. The Butterfly Experience returns to Brookside Gardens, and timed tickets are now on sale.
Visitors to the seasonal exhibit will be immersed in a beautiful display of color as hundreds of brilliant live butterflies from The Americas, Africa, and Asia flutter among vibrant blooms. This intimate experience offers rare, up-close encounters while trained staff and volunteers highlight the stages of metamorphosis, the important role butterflies play in healthy ecosystems, and how to ensure these beautiful insects thrive in our own gardens.
“The Butterfly Experience isn’t just an event—it’s a cherished community celebration,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “This immersive exhibit surrounds you in a breathtaking display of color and movement, while inspiring simple, meaningful actions we can all take to protect and support pollinators.”
Ticket sale details
WHAT: The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens
WHEN: April 1–Sept. 7, 2026 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m., daily
WHERE: Brookside Gardens Conservatory, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD
TICKETS: $10.99 – Children ages 3-12 (includes $1.99 service fee)
$15.99 – Ages 13 and older (includes $1.99 service fee)
Free – Children under 3 (ticket required)
Tickets are available to purchase online in advance through Ticketsauce or can be purchased onsite through a QR code.
About Brookside Gardens
Brookside Gardens is a 50-acre horticultural display garden with intricately designed landscapes, permanent and seasonal displays, and two conservatories. Throughout the year, the Gardens welcomes more than one million visitors to engaging programs and events for children and adults, including the summer live butterfly exhibit and winter light display. Learn more at www.brooksidegardens.org
About Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks manages 416 parks and more than 37,000 acres of parkland. Our parks, programs, and facilities promote physical activity, social connection, and environmental stewardship. As part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks is committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and accessible park experiences. M-NCPPC has been stewarding public lands since 1927 and has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services.
Accessibility at Montgomery Parks
Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Program Access for more information.
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