The annual Minneapolis Monarch Festival takes place at Lake Nokomis with free, family-friendly activities.

The Minneapolis Monarch Festival takes place Saturday, September 7 from 10 am – 4 pm. This 16th annual event will be at Lake Nokomis, with activities for all ages for a day full of fun.
The Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly’s amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, hands-on art, native plant sales.
Performing Artists on the Main Stage
- Salsa del Soul – Twin Cities-based orchestra performing various styles of Caribbean dance music – 10am
- Kalpulli KetzalCoatlicue – Aztec dance troupe with traditional regalia – 11:30am
- Ballet Folklorico Mexico – Mexico Azteca educates, preserves, and inspires people to celebrate the heritage and beauty of Mexico through the folkloric arts – 1pm
- Tropical Zone Orchestra – An award-winning Latin fusion band – 2:30pm

Hands on Art with local Artists
- Design a butterfly Crown – Art Scraps
- Lino Block Printing – She’s Bilingual Art
- Create a Sculpture – Curiosity Studio
- Make a Butterfly Book – MIA
- Screen printing – Sarah Nassif
- Origami butterfly – Karen Franzmeier
- Varying art activities – Metropolitan Council
There are also plenty of opportunities to get up close with monarch butterflies, learn about their habitats, and what you can do to make a difference.
More information including the full schedule can be found on the festival website or their Facebook page.
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Laura is a kindergarten teacher and a busy mom of six who loves finding smart ways to save. She balances teaching and family life while always hunting for deals that make life more affordable and fun.
Originally from southern Minnesota, Laura has called the Twin Cities home for over fifteen years. In her rare free moments, she enjoys reading, spending time with loved ones, and savoring a hot cup of coffee.
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