Cooler weather brings relief to humans and transport winds for migrating birds and butterflies. The large orange and black Monarch butterflies take advantage of these winds to head south to the Gulf coast and St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge on their migration to Mexico. The Refuge will host its Monarch Festival on Saturday October 26 from 10 am – 3 pm to showcase this amazing migration.

Not only will visitors to the festival on Saturday will be able to able to witness the tagging of these delicate butterflies at the St. Marks Lighthouse, but they can enjoy exhibits and demonstrations, learn about landscaping for butterflies and other pollinators, plus enjoy family-friendly interactive games, crafts, music, and food near the visitor center, plus the Nature Store will also be open from 10 am -5pm, so you can get all your monarch and nature gifts there.

The regular entrance fee of $5/car will be charged, so have your money ready when you approach the tollbooth to save time. We ask that you please leave your pets at home.

To protect our festival participants, Lighthouse Road will be closed just past the boat ramp parking lot entrance and visitors will be asked to park at the boat ramp parking lot and walk to the lighthouse. Enjoy the short walk and watch the butterflies and birds! Accommodations will be made for those with handicap access

For more information, please call 850/925-6121. We look forward to seeing you at the festival