The Spring Garden & Butterfly Festival returns to Cuyamaca College on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, and this year’s event promises something truly special: a symbolic and emotional butterfly release.
Celebrate Spring
At the center of the festival is the Butterfly Release Program, a meaningful experience where visitors can set free butterflies raised specifically for this event. Butterflies can be reserved ahead of time through Eventbrite, and the ceremonies will take place at designated spots around the campus.
This act is touching for both kids and adults, and supports a good cause. Each butterfly purchase helps fund the Dorcus Utter Butterfly Pavilion, an organization dedicated to protecting the insect’s habitats and raising environmental awareness. Since butterflies require careful attention from early stages, they are not refundable.
Reconnecting with Nature
Surrounding this symbolic experience is a festival with plenty more to enjoy. Guests can browse vendor booths, enjoy snacks from food trucks, listen to live music, and buy affordable plants grown with the help of Cuyamaca’s horticulture students.
The college nursery has served the local community for more than 30 years, offering both plants and educational resources for gardening enthusiasts.
The campus will offer a range of recreational activities and leisure spaces, and free parking will be available.
Whether you’re coming with kids, friends, neighbors, or alone, this event is for everyone. According to the official website, it’s an invitation to reconnect with nature, enjoy life’s simple joys, and witness how something as delicate as a butterfly can symbolize renewal and hope.
