Butterflies & Jazz

The Monarch Butterflies have held court in the National Aviary’s Butterfly Garden all summer and now it is time for their migration south. Join us for an autumn celebration featuring jazz performances from 5:30-8:30pm by Jessica Lee in the blossoming Rose Garden and the Skyview Jazz Duo in our glass-domed Atrium!  Guests will also enjoy engaging programs about fall migration, butterfly-inspired crafts by Wings & Wildlife artist Ashley Cecil, heavy hors d'oeuvres by Atria’s Catering, a cash bar, and the opportunity to hold, tag, and release Monarch butterflies as part of a citizen science project.

Every dollar you spend while visiting the Butterflies & Jazz event supports the National Aviary's education, avian medicine, and conservation programs both locally and internationally. Your support helps us soar!   

All guests must be 21 and over - Must have valid ID. 

Tickets are $35 each or two for $60

Schedule at a Glance
5:30-6:00 - Meet some of our trainers and rarely seen birds throughout the facility as they welcome you to the National Aviary!
5:30-7:00 - Feed our flock of Rainbow Lorikeets in Canary's Call ($5 per nectar cup)
5:30-8:30 - Find the perfect gift at our Silent Auction, featuring one-of-a-kind Aviary experiences and more!
5:30-8:30 - Take home a memory of your evening with a caricature from local cartoonist & illustrator Diana Zourelias
5:40-6:50 - Participate in our Monarch Butterfly Experience and reserve your spot in advance - See below for details! ($10 per butterfly and tagging kit)
7:00 & 8:00 - Enjoy informative talks from the National Aviary's own ornithologist, Bob Mulvihill, on migration and preparing your backyard for Winter visitors!

Register in advance to ensure your participation in the evening's Monarch butterfly conservation project -- Only a few spots remain; buy now!  Select from the timed $10 tickets and plan to arrive early to the Rose Garden tent to take part in the program, which includes holding, tagging, recording, and releasing a Monarch Butterfly.  Monarch Ticket Holders will also enjoy talks from one of our experts about the conservation work of the National Aviary, how to improve backyard habitats to help birds and butterflies, the phenomenon of migration, and more!

This is a cash or donation voucher event. Visitors without cash can purchase donation vouchers from a visitor services desk using credit/debit cards.  The National Aviary does not have an ATM on site.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor:

Thank you to our Media Sponsor:

Thank you to our Beverage Sponsors:



Majestic Wines and Spirits
Jim Beam Apple
Pinnacle Vodka