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September Family Events at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia

Get ready for bugs, butterflies and family fun with two special events this September!

By Jessica Sweeney, Publisher, Macaroni KID Athens August 26, 2026

State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA
2450 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605

The State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA is celebrating some of the smallest creatures around us with two special events: the return of the beloved 36th Annual Insectival and a free outdoor screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar.

Read on for event details and what you need to know to plan your visit.

The Extraordinary Caterpillar Movie Night
Friday, September 25, 2026 from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Families are invited to bring a blanket and spread out on the Discovery and Inspiration Garden lawn behind the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum for a special outdoor screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar.

More than 98% of the living world on Earth is smaller than a bee, and “The Extraordinary Caterpillar” offers a peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes through the work of scientists and community activists.

Come hungry! The Cafe Racer food truck and Trumps beverage station will be on-site for food and beverage purchases beginning at 7:00 PM, with the movie starting at 8:00 PM.

In the event of inclement weather, the screening will move indoors to the Porcelain and Decorative Arts Museum Classroom.

Know before you go: 

black background flyer with caterpillar and white text


The 36th Annual Insectival
Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM

One of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia's most beloved family festivals is returning for its 36th year!

Insectival gives curious kids (and grown-ups) the chance to discover the fascinating world of insects through hands-on activities and interactions with entomological experts and their buggy friends. Families can explore presenter booths, enjoy special activities and entertainment, and learn more about the important roles our six-legged neighbors play in the world around us. Stick around for one of Insectival's most popular traditions: the butterfly release on the Flower Garden lawn.

Know before you go: 

  • Tickets will be available for purchase on site for $5 per person or $20 per family, and children 2 and under are free! Parking is also free, with additional parking available at the Turner Soccer Complex at 2330 S. Milledge Avenue.
  • This is a cashless event. Only debit and credit cards and checks will be accepted.
Photo of boy staning at glasses cases of butterflies

Insectival is sponsored by the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, UGA Lund Club, UGA Department of Entomology and Georgia Museum of Natural History.

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