Mayor Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo invite guests to fly over to the Louisville Zoo this September for pollinator events

Press Release: Louisville Zoo

This September, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Zoo invite the community to enter the world of pollinators through three special events designed to educate, inspire, and empower guests to help protect some of nature’s hardest-working creatures.

From hands-on gardening tips and native plant shopping opportunities to family-friendly activities celebrating butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, the Zoo’s September lineup highlights the important role these species play in healthy ecosystems.

Flutterfest

September 7 - 12

The annual Flutterfest kicks things off September 7 – 12 and celebrates the annual monarch butterfly migration. Guests can stop by booths on the front Plaza to learn about the importance of pollinators with Idlewild Butterfly Farm staff. Take-home pollinator themed craft kits will also be available. Free with Louisville Zoo admission. Sponsored by Ford Motor Company.

Monarchs and Mimosas

September 12

This adults-only experience pairs refreshing mimosas with expert guidance on creating pollinator-friendly gardens at home. Guests will learn practical ways to support monarch butterflies, native bees, and other beneficial insects by selecting plants that provide food and habitat throughout the growing season. Attendees will receive guidance on the types of plants that are most beneficial to attracting pollinators, how to identify the best location and type of garden for their spaces, and how to manage their plants to provide the best habitat year-round.

Participants will take home their very own milkweed plant and also get a chance to visit the fall plant sale to purchase some additional blooms, provided by Ironweed Native Plant Nursery. Tickets are $40 per person which includes general admission to the Zoo and are available at louisvillezoo.org.

Native Plant Sale

September 13

Browse a selection of native plants available for purchase at the Zoo to benefit the pollinators that visit at-home habitats. Fall is the optimal time to plant to encourage an established spring garden. The event will feature a variety of plants that help create thriving habitats for pollinators throughout Kentuckiana. Plants are $8 per plant (includes tax).

“Louisville Zoo continues to be one of our city’s best places to learn, explore, and connect with the natural world,” said Mayor Craig Greenberg. “These pollinator-focused events give residents and families fun, hands-on opportunities to discover how they can make a positive impact right in their own backyards. We are fortunate to have a Zoo that offers so many meaningful experiences that inspire learning while supporting conservation.”

Pollinators are responsible for helping countless plants reproduce, including many fruits, vegetables, and flowers that people rely on every day. Yet many pollinator species face challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and other environmental pressures.

“Every species plays an important role in the health of our planet, including the smallest creatures among us,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “Pollinators support ecosystems around the world and contribute to the food we eat and the habitats wildlife depend upon. At the Louisville Zoo, we believe conservation begins with understanding, and these events provide wonderful opportunities for guests to learn how they can help protect these vital species.”

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through September 20, 2026, hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with guests exiting by 6 p.m. Beginning September 21, 2026 – March 19, 2027, hours will be 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. with guest exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information on hours and admission.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) which is a global alliance of zoos and aquariums. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).