WHEATON, Md.– A world of wonder takes flight as Montgomery Parks’ popular Butterfly Experience returns to Brookside Gardens, with doors opening Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 9 a.m. The show runs through September 7, 2026, and includes special photography and sensory-friendly sessions.
Visitors will be surrounded by hundreds of brilliant butterflies from the Americas, Africa, and Asia as they flutter among vibrant, lush tropical 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.
“We are thrilled to welcome visitors back to The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “This year’s exhibit inspires awe with species from around the world fluttering with some you might see in your own backyard. We hope to instill a love for butterflies, so that our visitors enjoy their beauty and learn how they can support butterflies in their vital role in our local ecosystem.”
The Butterfly Experience at-a-glance:
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 onsite through a QR code. Tickets are non-refundable. Visit montgomeryparks.org/butterfly for more information.
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), 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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