45th Welcome Back Monarchs // Santa Cruz
Celebrate the monarch butterflies’ return to Natural Bridges State Beach! 🦋
Join us on Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the annual Welcome Back Monarchs event.
2531 W Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, CA.
(831) 423-4609
This family-friendly festival is filled with:
👋 Hand painting, poetry sharing and a parade
🎶 Live music from three bands, including the 5M’s Band — part of the first festival 45 years ago
💃🏽 Cultural dance performance, scavenger hunt, and commemorative button-making
❤️ Honoring past park employees
🍿 Food vendors with handmade ice cream, popcorn, cookies and drinks (proceeds support next year’s festival)
🎂 Free cake and skit to close the day, just like the original festival tradition
We’d also love to see your memories! If you were part of the early festivals, please share your stories, photos, or even a poem from the original poetry-off by emailing naturalbridges@ports-ca.us
This event is free. Parking is $10 and helps Friends support local state parks and beaches.
@SantaCruzStateBeaches
