Pollinator Palooza & BioBlitz 2026

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Looking for a fun, unique, and family-friendly event to kick off your October? The Pollinator Palooza & BioBlitz 2026 is coming to town, and it is going to be an unforgettable community celebration! Hosted by SFA Gardens and student committees (including the SFA Bug Club), this massive, festival-style event combines live entertainment, community science, and local shopping—all to protect our native East Texas wildlife. When: Friday, October 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Where: SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center (2900 Raguet St.) Admission: Free and open to the public! What’s Happening at the Palooza? 🦋 100+ Monarch Butterfly Release: Watch a spectacular live release of over 100 monarch butterflies raised right here by SFA students! You can even sponsor a butterfly of your own. 🎸 Live Music Stage: Catch awesome local bands and acoustic acts performing live throughout the evening. 🛍️ The "Little Market": Shop local! Browse a curated lineup of Nacogdoches area vendors, farmers, artisans, and makers. 🍔 Food & Drinks: Grab dinner and treats from local food trucks and drink booths while you enjoy the music. 🦎 Interactive Family Fun: Take the kids through a Caterpillar Feeding Station, a Butterfly & Moth Tent, the "Ladybug Lagoon" (where you can interact with and release ladybugs!), and color-your-own bug hotels! 🔬 The 24-Hour BioBlitz: Become a citizen scientist for the night! Use the iNaturalist app alongside expert scientists and volunteers to help us document the plants, birds, insects, and fungi right here in Nacogdoches. Want to Get Involved? We are still accepting applications! Vendors & Farmers: Want to table in our market? There are zero upfront booth fees! We just ask for a 10% donation of your event proceeds to help fund student-led monarch waystations and wildlife conservation. Musicians & Performers: Want to jump on the schedule? We have 30-minute performance sets available. Volunteers: Love music, nature, or community events? Join our rockstar volunteer crew to help manage the stage, support vendors, or run activities! Scan the QR Code or check out our website here! https://pollinatorpalooza.canva.link/