Festival Information
"30th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival"
Nov. 7-10, 2026
Mission, Texas
Registration Opens: June 15th
For questions or inquiries
CALL 956.583.5400 or EMAIL This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Every November, butterfly enthusiasts, photographers, birders, and nature lovers gather in the Rio Grande Valley to explore legendary South Texas habitats alongside expert guides, experiencing migration, biodiversity, and the magic of the borderlands during one of the most unique wildlife festivals in the country.
Event registration includes:
- Three (3) days of workshops and field trips with brown bag lunch;
- Saturday’s Welcome Reception and Event Orientation, with light dinner fare;
- Sunday’s ‘Border Buttermilk’ Dinner al Fresco, featuring everyone’s favorite margaritas & (optional) nighttime mothing; and
- Monday’s Keynote Speaker’s Banquet and Silent Auction to benefit our educational programs.
The Texas Butterfly Festival is an adventure, every year. We pride ourselves on creating a fun-filled experience with exceptional guides, flavorful food, and unforgettable learning opportunities. And while your sack lunches may still be sack lunches… the margarita machine certainly helps!
Important Details at a Glance
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for another year, here are a few things to know before the festival begins.
Cohorts & Excursions
Festival participants will belong to cohorts that stay together throughout all 3 days of excursions. All cohorts are organized by experience level.
All cohorts will explore premier butterflying locations across Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr Counties, with opportunities to experience unique habitats and target species throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Destinations & Guides
Specific field trip destinations are intentionally not announced in advance. Final locations are selected shortly before the festival based on scouting reports, weather conditions, and recent butterfly activity to ensure the best possible experience for participants.
Guides are assigned to cohorts based on availability, expertise, and scheduling.
Transportation
Participants will self-drive to field trip locations each day. Carpooling is highly encouraged whenever possible.
Know Before You Go
A few important details to help you prepare for the festival experience.
Festival Communication
After registering, participants will receive one pre-event email approximately one week before the festival with important reminders, updates, weather notices, and any last-minute announcements. Please refer back to this website for the most current festival information and schedule details.
Registration Packet Pickup
Your festival registration packet and 'goodie bag' will be available for pick up on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the National Butterfly Center during hours specified on the schedule.
Cohorts & Capacity
Participants will remain with their selected cohort throughout the festival. Any requested cohort changes during the event will be based on availability.
Cohorts are limited to approximately 20 participants to help create a more personal and enjoyable field experience.
What to Bring
Each guide will carry a basic first aid kit and water for participants, but guests are encouraged to bring:
- reusable water bottle
- snacks and additional beverages
- sunscreen and insect repellent
- hats and sun protection
- sturdy footwear
- lightweight long sleeves and field clothing
- personal medications and comfort items
If you require insulin, an epipen, or other critical medications, please bring them with you each day and inform your guide of any important medical information in case of emergency.
South Texas Field Conditions
South Texas is beautiful, wild, and sometimes challenging terrain. Please come prepared for outdoor conditions including heat, thorny vegetation, uneven ground, insects, and wildlife.
Many of our festival participants are experienced naturalists, but the sun, snakes, thorns, fire ants, stinging gnats, chiggers, and other hazards of the region do not care how many times you have ventured into the field elsewhere. As we like to say, everything in South Texas fights for its life.
We strongly recommend insect repellent, hats, sturdy footwear, tall socks, long pants, and lightweight long-sleeved field clothing to help make your experience both safe and enjoyable.
Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception is optional, but we do share important information with everyone at that time, such as field conditions that may impact your participation, and more. This will be the best time to meet the guides for your cohort and fellow travelers for the next three days. For this reason, we strongly encourage everyone to attend, and we provide food and refreshments! :D
Sustainability
Please bring a reusable water bottle. Refill stations will be available throughout the festival as part of our commitment to reducing single-use plastics.
Lodging
While there are many excellent lodging options in the area, we highly encourage participants (especially first-time attendees) to stay at the host hotel.
Additional Information
- Schedule of events is subject to change.
- Registration is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Questions regarding field conditions, accessibility, or cohort selection may be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and allow up to 24 hours for a detailed response.
Cancellations & Refunds
We know you don't want you to miss the 30th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival, but if you must cancel, call 956.583.5400, during regular business hours, Monday - Friday. Refunds, less a $50 fee, will be issued up until 4PM, Friday, October 16. Cancellations up until 4PM, Friday, October 24, will be issued at 50%. Regretfully, cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded after this.
Substitutions & Changes
Festival organizers reserve the right to make necessary substitutions or changes to activities, guides, or schedules if needed. Should an activity be canceled entirely, refunds will be issued unless otherwise noted.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Rio Grande Valley for the 30th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival.
