OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — The UT Arboretum Society will present its fourth annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, August 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the UT Arboretum Auditorium and surrounding grounds, located at 901 S. Illinois Avenue in Oak Ridge.
The day's highlight will be the release of 300 monarch butterflies at noon. You can purchase one for $10 then help release it.
There will also be a travelling exhibit of insects. The goal of the UT Insect Zoo is to have fun while sharing knowledge of insects with others to help them appreciate the important role of insects in our environment. The Insect Zoo showcases preserved and live insects and arachnids (scorpion, tarantula, etc.) found in Tennessee and throughout the world.
Two butterfly viewing tents will be open for a closer look at monarchs and other native butterflies.
It costs $5 per carload to get in, and there's plenty of parking available. The event will happen rain or shine, and gates open at 9:30 a.m.
There will also be speakers, artisan tents, native plant sales, children's craft activities and food vendors.
You can get more info here.