FREE admission!
Join us for a fun-filled Eco-Fest celebration and Butterfly Release in honor of Earth Day! On Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., families can dive into hands-on, self-guided activities and games designed for all ages. Experience your own “ah-ha” moment with multiple Butterfly Releases at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Please note: A limited number of butterflies are available with children given first priority at each Butterfly Release.
Explore our vendor market featuring handcrafted arts and unique, eco-friendly products. Discover sustainable goods that support our planet and local artisans. Enjoy a day of creativity, community and commitment to a greener future.
Take a leisurely stroll through our vibrant gardens, witness baby birds in their nests on Ruby Lake and embrace the beauty of nature. Join us for a day of exploration, learning, shopping and celebrating Mother Earth together!
Butterfly Releases Sponsored By:
Pet Food and Supply Drive
We will be collecting pet food and supplies for our local city animal shelters in Orange, West Orange and Pinehurst. Representatives from each shelter will be on-site to collect the food and answer any pet questions.
Donations can be dropped off at the front entrance on Saturday, April 25.
*Animals will not be permitted into the gardens during this event.
Eco-Fest FAQs
What are the hours for Eco-Fest?
Eco-Fest will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Butterfly Releases will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
What does it cost to visit?
Admission is free of charge. Please consider bringing donations for our Pet Food and Supply Drive.
Where do I park?
The Shangri La visitor parking lot is located on West Park Avenue across from the entrance to the gardens. Parking spaces are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Help us be kind to our neighbors by not parking in personal residential areas. We kindly ask that you avoid blocking driveways, lawns, alleyways or streets with your parked vehicle.
Are concessions available?
Yes, concessions will be available for purchase at some of our vendor booths. Stay tuned for more information!
What should I expect at the Butterfly Release?
Butterfly releases provide families with their own “oh wow” moment as they release an individual butterfly. Limited butterflies are available with children given first priority at each Butterfly Release.
How do I release a butterfly?
Each butterfly will be inside an envelope. Gently hold your butterfly envelope by the corner. Walk to a location in the garden that you think would be a good place to release your butterfly. As you unfold the flaps of your envelope, use your orange slice to wake up your butterfly so that it may take flight.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, no pets allowed.
What is the garden etiquette?
The garden is a smoke, vaping and tobacco free venue for the enjoyment of your fellow visitors. No outside alcohol is permitted inside. Shangri La is home to a variety of wildlife. Please give all wildlife the respect they deserve. Thank you for respecting the horticultural displays. Please stay on the designated paths so that everyone may enjoy the flowers, plants and other elements in the garden. To learn more about garden etiquette: https://shangrilagardens.org/visitor-information/faq/.
What if it rains?
Eco-Fest will happen rain or shine!