wish upon a butterfly
Watch monarch butterflies fill the skies
Saturday, July 19, 2025
9 a.m. - 12 p.m
Monarch butterflies will fill the skies again on Saturday, July 19, 9 am – 12 pm, at Wish Upon a Butterfly, an annual fundraiser at the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History. This symbolic event highlights the elegant monarch, the Texas state insect. This year, festivities begin inside the Museum where guests may make a “wish keepsake” and other butterfly crafts before receiving their purchased butterflies outside from 10 - 10:30 am for release.
One butterfly ticket purchase per family includes admission inside the Museum where visitors may enjoy the observation bee hive, butterfly displays, live music, refreshments, activities, and other Museum exhibits.
Unable to attend or pick-up your butterfly? Museum staff will also release purchased butterflies upon request. While supplies last, butterflies will also be available for purchase at the event. Reserved butterflies not picked up by 10:30 am will be resold in order to allow for their release. For more information on how to be a sponsor, or to purchase a butterfly, call 979-776-2195!
Event Details
Release a butterfly and pay homage to celebration, childhood wonder, the memory and presence of loved ones, fallen or deployed service members, new beginnings, and more.
One butterfly ticket purchase per family includes admission inside the Museum where visitors may enjoy the observation bee hive, butterfly displays, live music, refreshments, activities, and other Museum exhibits.
There will be a variety of fun activities for all ages including butterfly themed activities and crafts. The Texas A&M Garden Club will be present to distribute seeds, butterfly plants, and discuss butterfly gardening. The Master Naturalists, the Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab, and others will also have educational booths.
Children who come to the event in a butterfly or caterpillar theme costume will receive a surprise gift. Proceeds benefit the Museum and support free admission to the Museum for active-duty enlisted personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Butterflies are limited. Guests may pre-purchase butterflies, each at a cost of $20 or 6 for $100, by calling the Museum to order by credit card, or by mailing a check to:
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Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Attn: Wish Upon a Butterfly
3232 Briarcrest Drive, Bryan TX 77802
Interested in becoming an event sponsor? Read the Sponsorship Form or call the Museum at 979-776-2195 for more information on how you can help put a smile on a child’s face!
Wish Upon a Butterfly honors
Dr. S. Bradleigh Vinson
The Museum is proud to dedicate the 2025 Wish Upon a Butterfly, an annual symbolic event, to the memory of Dr. S. Bradleigh Vinson, a long time Museum supporter, a distinguished figure in the scientific community, and Professor of Entomology at Texas A&M University for 47 years.
Dr. "Brad" Vinson conducted ground braking entomological research, and his extensive publications and numerous awards reflect his substantial impact on the field of entomology.
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A brilliant scholar, he will be remembered for his outstanding leadership in the science world; his thoughtful contributions to the Museum; his love of family, friends, and the natural world; and his kind heart.
Dr. S. Bradleigh Vinson
