Conservation Garden Park will host its annual Party in the Park on August 19th from 4-7 pm. This free event includes live music, food trucks, entertainment for the whole family, and an opportunity to stroll the Garden to see hundreds of Utah-friendly plants. 

If you attend, here’s what to expect:

More than 500 butterflies will be released into the Garden during the party. The first release will be held at 5:15 pm in the main Garden plaza and the second release at 6:30 pm. Each release will include 250 butterflies.

If you are interested in watching a release, arrive early (at least 30 minutes prior) to allow for parking and walking to the release area.  Every year the driveway and parking areas become congested immediately before the release and some folks end up missing the big moment!

Did you know one of the largest reverse osmosis water treatment plants in the West is located right behind Conservation Garden Park? Stop in for a tour and see how water can be cleaned for drinking through reverse osmosis—an innovative purification method that uses pressure to push water through a membrane, leaving unwanted particles behind. This is a rare opportunity to look behind the scenes at how drinking water is treated and delivered to your home.  

Come test your palate at the water taste testing booth. Think you can tell the difference between water that comes from different sources? Staff from Jordan Valley Water will be at the party to let you sample water from three separate treatment plants. Our water has won national quality awards as some of the best-tasting drinking water in the United States and at the taste testing booth, you can learn why and how we intend to maintain this quality supply into the future. 

Pick up a scavenger hunt stamp card when you arrive at the party. Activity stations will be spread throughout the Garden. If you visit them all, you can turn in your stamp card for a prize.  Each activity station is manned by volunteers with Utah State University Extension’s “PUPS” program (Preserve Urban Pollinators) and provides hands-on learning through fun activities.

Take what you learn at Party in the Park and spread it to your own neighborhood- literally.  A children’s craft project to create wildflower seed bombs, sponsored by Nature’s Finest Seed, will be available in the Education Center.  Chalk art and other fun activities are available throughout the garden. 

Get up close and personal with animals from Wild Wonders and Hawk Watch. Trainers will be on hand to give you information about each of the animals.  Photo above is "Reaky Ricardo", a de-scented skunk who is always a crowd favorite (and cuddly too.)

Before and after the butterfly releases, come enjoy live music on the plaza from Smokin’ Wood Bluegrass and the Brian Bingham Band. 

Don’t forget dinner! Kona Ice, Pyromaniacs Pizza, World’s Best Corn Dogs, and the Brugesmobile will all be at the Party. Grab some food and enjoy the night.

In addition to the above, children will have the opportunity to interact with favorite characters provided by Part of Your World Princess Parties.  Glover Nursery supplies pollinator plants to decorate the release area which also offers unique photography opportunities for kids and adults alike.  Chalk art creation area encourages little hands to draw what they see in the Garden.

This event is free and open to the public.