Adult Programs

Enjoy the serene beauty of Butterfly Pavilion—just for adults! Our 18+ evenings offer a peaceful, kid-free experience where you can wander through fascinating habitats, get up close with invertebrates, and marvel at free-flying butterflies. This is your chance to explore the exhibits at your own pace, ask our educators deeper questions, and enjoy the calm, immersive environment with like-minded nature enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a unique date night, solo adventure, or time to unwind with friends, these evenings are perfect for adults who want to connect with nature.

Dates and Times: (all times 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.)

March 20, 2025 - SOLD OUT

May 15, 2025

August 28, 2025

December 18, 2025

Fee: $20 Member $25 Non-Member

*This class is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with a parent in attendance*

Whether you’re a paparazzi or can’t figure out your camera or phone, join expert photographer Bob Krugmire for hands-on instruction that will teach you to maximize the potential of your camera! Leave with better skills, knowledge, and tons of fantastic close-up shots. Space is limited! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

Bugs & Brews: Spring Fling

Celebrate the season in a unique way at Butterfly Pavilion’s Bugs & Brews: Spring Fling! This adults-only event is the perfect opportunity to sip, socialize, and explore the incredible world of invertebrates in a fun and relaxed after-hours setting. Enjoy two complimentary drinks of beer or wine, thanks to our generous beer sponsor, Great Divide, while immersing yourself in springtime excitement.

Your Ticket Includes:

Two Drinks – Choose from beer, wine, or non-alcoholic options as you mingle and explore.

Mini-Lectures on “Pollination Gone Wrong” – Join Horticulture Director Amy Yarger for a fascinating look at nature’s unexpected pollination mishaps.

Spring-Themed Booths – Chat with experts and create take-home gifts like seed bombs to start your own pollinator-friendly garden.

Expert-Led Garden Tour – Stroll through our outdoor spaces and discover the Colorado pollinators that bring spring to life.

Exhibit Exploration – Enjoy two hours of exclusive, adults-only access to Butterfly Pavilion’s exhibits, free from the usual crowds.

Interactive Education Stations – Engage with our specialists and learn more about the vital role invertebrates play in our ecosystems.

Experience a rejuvenating yoga class in our tropical rainforest. Led by one of our rotating instructors, classes provide an amazing opportunity to transcend the hustle and bustle of daily life as you practice amongst the butterflies in our conservatory.

Due to this program being in high demand no refunds or date change requests can be made for this program. All tickets are final purchase.

Learn to Mount Your Own Owl Butterfly with The Terrorium Shop!

In this one-hour class, you'll master the art of butterfly pinning from start to finish. The session kicks off with a brief lecture exploring the anatomy, behaviors, and fascinating lifestyle of the Owl Butterfly. You’ll also discover how to create a relaxing chamber, including a quick and easy version using household items.

The second half of the class is hands-on, where you’ll pin your own specimen with expert guidance from The Terrorium Shop.

Each participant will receive:

- A fully relaxed Owl Butterfly

- A mini relaxing chamber

- A pinning board

- A set of professional entomology pins

Join us for this unique opportunity to learn a new skill and take home a beautifully mounted butterfly!

Create a Stunning Shadow Box Display with The Terrorium Shop!

Design your own beautiful shadow box featuring a butterfly and thoughtfully preserved natural elements.

This class is led by The Terrorium Shop, Denver’s premier natural history store specializing in natural preservation. Each participant will receive:

- One 8x10 black square shadow box

- Dried florals

- Preserved moss

- Crystals

- A pinned butterfly specimen, ready for display

Join us for a creative experience that blends art and nature into a unique and elegant keepsake!

In this workshop we will make dioramas inspired by the teachings of insects of Colorado, and you will learn about their habitat and contributions to all life on earth. Let's explore the interesting and enigmatic world of invertebrate insects through storytelling and by creating tiny dioramas to take with you. The program will be conducted in English and Spanish.

En este taller crearemos dioramas inspirados en las enseñanzas de los insectos de Colorado, aprenderemos sobre su hábitat y sus aportes a la vida. Vamos a explorar el interesante y enigmático mundo de los insectos invertebrados a través de la narración de historias y la creación de pequeños dioramas para llevar a casa. El programa se llevará a cabo en inglés y español

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s Senior Horticulture Director, Amy Yarger, for an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of the plant kingdom. As you stroll through our tropical butterfly conservatory, you’ll encounter the world’s most intriguing and roguish plants. Learn how carnivorous plants trap their prey, discover the deceptive strategies of orchids, and delve into the world of toxic plant compounds that can affect insects—and sometimes even humans!

About Amy Yarger: Amy Yarger has worked in public horticulture since 1996. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California, Irvine, and studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan. Amy leads Butterfly Pavilion’s pollinator habitat initiatives, including the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District, and the Urban Prairies Project, which focuses on restoring habitats in urban and suburban areas.

Date and Time: October 23rd, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Fee: $25 per non-member $20 member.

Experience the Fluttering Hearts Escape at Butterfly Pavilion! Join certified massage therapist Siara Sweet from Sweet Wellness for a unique couples massage workshop amidst the enchanting tropical rainforest at Butterfly Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of thousands of butterflies as Siara guides you and yourpartner through the art of massage. This special workshop goes beyond relaxation – you'll not only learn expert massage techniques but also engage in effective couples communication. Siara Sweet's expertise will ensure you leave with newfound skills to create moments of connection and relaxation at home. Amidst the fluttering wonders, she'll share fascinating information about the butterflies, adding a touch of magic to your unforgettable experience. Elevate your bond and revel in the joy of togetherness with the Fluttering Hearts Escape – a truly special couples massage adventure.

Your Therapist: Siara Sweet

Pricing (Per Couple):

$200 Non-Member

$180 Member

Whether you’re new to photography, looking to sharpen your skills, or just love capturing the big world of tiny creatures, this class is perfect for you! Professional insect macro photographer Bob Krugmire will guide you through the essentials and share tips and tricks to elevate your photos. This 2-hour-long outdoor adventure will take place in the vibrant Allison Community Gardens at Semper Farms and covers both traditional cameras and cell phone photography.

Become An Expert In All Things Bumble Bees with Bumble Bee Expert Dr. John Mola.

The Butterfly Pavilion is proud to offer this chance to learn in-person about bumble bee biology, ecology, and conservation from Dr. John Mola, the lead researcher of the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Bee Ecology and Extension Lab at Colorado State University. Participants will acquire the skills to identify the Colorado-native bumble bee species in their backyards and cultivate the key plants that help these bees flourish in Front Range cities. This workshop will include hands-on opportunities to interact with pinned specimens and – weather permitting -- with live specimens as well!

Schedule:

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Lecture covering Bumble Bees key characteristics, diversity, life cycles, and ecological roles.

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM: Lunch break. (Please pack a lunch)

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Field trip or lab activity providing hands-on experience related to the lecture content.

Join us for a special Halloween edition of "Invertebrates and Music Walks" as we explore the rainforest after dark. Guided by naturalist Dave Southerland and accompanied by eerie music, we'll use flashlights to discover orb weavers and other night time creatures. The adventure concludes in the Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where we'll search for nighttime invertebrates amidst the Halloween atmosphere. Don't miss this unique journey into the mysterious world of the night!

Partners:

-Dave Southerland

-Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

- Enjoy easy walks along trails suitable for all levels.

- Walks take place in low-light conditions.

- Dress appropriately for the outdoors with breathable clothing and walking shoes.

Why have composers been fascinated by invertebrates, and how have they tried to capture them in their music? You are invited to ""Invertebrates and Music Walks,"" a collaboration between naturalist Dave Sutherland, Boulder Philharmonic, and Butterfly Pavilion. Join us for a stroll through our tropical rainforest, while listening to classical music selections inspired by the world of invertebrates. Led by Dave, immerse yourself in curated compositions as butterflies flutter around us. Conclude your journey outside in Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where specially crafted music invites exploration of invertebrates' lives. Let curiosity guide you through this fusion of sound and nature, where every step reveals a new melody and every encounter unveils unseen beauty.

Partners:

Dave Southerland

Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

• These walks are of low difficulty but involve trail walking.

• Please dress appropriately for the outdoor environment, including breathable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen

BConnected Colorado is excited to co-host this guided meditation event with the Butterfly Pavilion! Immerse yourself in the serenity of Butterfly Pavilions beautiful space, surrounded by lush tropical plants, a flowing stream, and the gentle presence of live butterflies. In this meditation, we’ll focus on deepening our connection to our bodies, our community, and the earth.

BConnected Colorado is a social club dedicated to building an inclusive, welcoming community for bisexual and queer individuals. This meditation is designed to foster a sense of belonging and connection. Together, we'll explore grounding practices to align with the energy of nature, the support of our community, and the strength of our individual bodies.

Why Attend?

- Reconnect with yourself and the earth in a beautiful natural setting.

- Build a sense of community and belonging with other Bi/Queer individuals.

- Experience a moment of peace and healing during the busy holiday season.

More information:

- Allies are welcome!

- Rainforest temperature varies between 65 and 85 degrees.

- This class is intended for adults, but children over 13 may attend with a parent.

Fee: - $10 Member - $12 Non-Member

Create Your Own Preserved Mini World in an Exclusive Workshop!

Unleash your creativity and craft a one-of-a-kind miniature ecosystem in this hands-on class led by The Terrorium Shop—a Denver-based natural history store renowned for its expertise in natural preservation.

Design and assemble a stunning preserved display that captures the beauty of nature. From vibrant moss to delicate dried florals, every element is thoughtfully provided for you to build a unique, tiny world with your personal touch—a keepsake to cherish for years to come.

What’s Included:

- One 2"" x 3"" glass dome with cork base

- A large, preserved carpenter bee specimen

- Dried floral accents, crystal, and moss

Join us for an inspiring session that blends art, science, and natural beauty—no experience needed!

Join us for a Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas Training Workshop and become a community scientist! Help map and conserve bumble bees across the region by learning survey techniques and data collection methods.

What to Expect:

- A brief presentation on bumble bee diversity, life cycles, and pollinator conservation.

- Hands-on training in netting, photographing, and releasing bumble bees.

- Guidance on Atlas protocols and how to contribute data.

- All survey supplies provided.

- Come prepared for outdoor fieldwork (walking shoes, sun protection, water, etc.).

About the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas

Bumble bees are vital pollinators, supporting both wild ecosystems and agriculture. Colorado is home to a rich diversity of species, but many are in decline. By joining the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, you’ll help track their populations and contribute to critical conservation efforts.

As a volunteer, you'll:

- Catch, photograph, and release bumble bees.

- Conduct habitat surveys.

- Upload data to Bumble Bee Watch to support scientific research.

Get involved today! Learn more at BumbleBeeAtlas.org

Discover the Front Range’s Fantastic Diversity of Native Bees with Certified Naturalist Ryan Bartlett.

This class will highlight the origins, diversity, and preferred plants of the over 1000 different species of bees that call the Rocky Mountains home. Certified arborist, naturalist and plant pathologist Ryan Bartlett of Colorado Native Bee will provide an engaging lecture on the conservation of these vital pollinators. Weather permitting, participants will also head outdoors to catch some of the colorful bees that frequent Butterfly Pavilion’s beautiful Discovery Garden.

Relish a quiet hour of morning light photography in the tropical rainforest before open our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the morning light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 8:00am.

Cost:  $10 for non-members, $8.00 for members. Note: This session is self-guided. Participants supply own equipment.

Flowers are more than fine, but which plants truly serve the needs of pollinators? Meet some plant powerhouses, how to choose the right ones for the right spaces, and how to get your hands on the best material.

What looks good to human and insect eyes? Design your own habitat garden! Explore principles of aesthetic design, tool use, and what a truly pollinator-friendly design should include.