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Arizona Boardwalk March Events -- Spring Break Ready!!

Lots to do and explore at OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland

By Sponsored Content February 25, 2022


Lots of fun and exciting events happening at Arizona Boardwalk – just in time for Spring Break!!  Mermaid Magic at OdySea Aquarium and Art in Bloom exhibit at Butterfly Wonderland, plus their annual Spring Plant Sale and Bug Fest event!  Soak up the Spring weather at the FREE family-fun events taking place outside in the courtyard of Arizona Boardwalk every weekend in March too!!  

 MARCH 2022 EVENTS







Mermaid Magic

March 10 – 15

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The ever-popular Mermaid Magic is back for Spring Break at OdySea Aquarium with exclusive appearances by beautiful, live Mermaids.  Guests of all ages can meet and interact with these enchanting sea-dwelling beauties, take photos, and watch as they swim among sharks, rays, and other sea life at OdySea Aquarium March 10 - 15.






Fish & Sips Happy Hour at OdySea Aquarium

March 24, 2022

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Guests 21+ only

Dive into Happy Hour “under the sea” during Fish & Sips at OdySea Aquarium!

Guests 21+ can exclusively explore all OdySea Aquarium in a more intimate adult setting, stop by the bar to grab a drink, and dance!

This happy hour event features popular cocktails, dining options, live music, yard games, and access to the entire Aquarium. Experience the rare opportunity to walk through OdySea Voyager to get close to OdySea’s charismatic sea turtles, playful sea lions, and majestic sharks or enjoy special “encounters” with live animals on the Aquarium floor throughout the night!

Get tickets today for this one-of-a-kind happy hour at OdySea Aquarium today!  










Art in Bloom
Floral Art Sculpture Exhibition
Butterfly Conservatory

Free with Admission

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Spring has sprung at Butterfly Wonderland! Experience a unique exhibition of handmade floral sculptures displayed among thousands of beautiful butterflies as part of “Art in Bloom” in Butterfly Wonderland’s Conservatory.  Capturing the movement of nature, these sculptures are handmade by local Phoenix artist Jim Holbert and were created specifically for Butterfly Wonderland. Don’t miss this distinctive and captivating blend of art and nature now at Butterfly Wonderland for a limited time.



Reptile Encounter Talk
Every Friday in March
March 4, 11, 18, 25
1:00 p.m. in the theater
Join Assistant Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Charlie DePuy as he introduces guests to some of Butterfly Wonderland’s most amazing and charismatic rainforest animal friends! Be amazed watching Bennie the Ball Python climb a rock wall and meet Draco, the most charming and charismatic Chinese Water Dragon! Special Q & A session for guests as well. FREE WITH ADMISSION.


Reptiles Up Close!
Every Sunday in March
March 6, 13, 20, 27
2 p.m. at the reptile exhibit area
In this interactive experience, guests will enjoy an educational talk with Butterfly Wonderland’s Reptile General Curator, Lindsey Meder. Learn about the many reptiles and amphibians that share the rainforests with tropical butterflies. Watch as she feeds the Cuvier’s Dwarf caiman and learn about their behavior and diet. There will also be a Q & A session with Lindsey. FREE WITH ADMISSION.


Bug Club
March 13 and 27
11 a.m. in the theater
It’s the coolest club in town—Bug Club!! Little ones will learn about interesting insects at this incredibly engaging and educational story time. After the story, animal curators from Butterfly Wonderland introduce the audience to multiple LIVE insects for an up-close encounter with these captivating creatures! Insects may include walking sticks, beetles, giant African millipedes, or even more fascinating insects!
FREE WITH ADMISSION.


National Learn about Butterflies Day

March 14

9 a.m. – 5p.m.

Discover all there is to know about Mother Nature’s most beloved winged creature, the butterfly. Visit Butterfly Wonderland’s various education carts to learn more about these amazing pollinators! Any visitor sporting butterfly apparel on this special day will receive a gift at Guest Services. Free with admission.



CLASS: How to Attract Butterflies to the Garden

March 18

5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

In conjunction with Butterfly Wonderland’s Spring Plant sale, guests are invited to a special class presented by Butterfly Wonderland’s Master Gardener and Director of Education Adriane Grimaldi to learn how to attract butterflies to the garden. Find out which host and nectar plants butterflies love! Get inspiration with a guided tour of Butterfly Wonderland’s very own public butterfly garden and after class, shop from a wide selection of plants from sponsor Civano Growers. Plants range from $12.95-$28.95.  Also available are hand-carved/painted gourds and hummingbird feeders created by Butterfly Wonderland volunteers Don and Candy Miller. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation. Class is free, space is limited, and registration is required at EventBrite.com. For more info, contact (480) 800-3000, ext. 204



Butterfly Wonderland Spring Plant Sale

Sponsored by Civano Growers

March 19: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. 

March 20: 9 a.m. to Noon

Visit Butterfly Wonderland’s Annual Plant Sale and choose beautiful spring plants to create butterfly, hummingbird, and bee friendly gardens. Plants range from $12.95 to $28.95. Check out “Grab & Go” Plant Kits with 1-gallon host and nectar plants. Grab & Go 4-pack of plants: $40 and 8-packs: $80. Butterfly Wonderland Master Gardener Adriane Grimaldi will be on hand to answer questions.

All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale support the mission and programs of the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to conservation-based education and initiatives.



The Magic of Music and Butterflies
March 20
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Take a stroll through the butterfly conservatory surrounded by gorgeous tropical butterflies dancing to the irresistible sounds from classical violinist, Jonathan Levingston.  FREE WITH ADMISSION.


The Buzz About Bees
March 20
12 p.m.
Learn about bees, maintaining hives and more from local Beekeeper Cricket Aldridge, founder of AZ Backyard Beekeepers. Visit her in the Conservatory at the Honeybee Exhibit. There will also be a special Q&A. Honey is available for purchase in the Butterfly Treasures Gift Shop. FREE WITH ADMISSION.


Yoga in the Rainforest
March 24 and March 29
5:15-6:15 p.m.
Check-in at 5 p.m.
Nothing compares to Yoga in the Rainforest! Try this amazing class surrounded by thousands of gorgeous butterflies. This hour-long session will guide guests through a series of yoga poses that help build strength and flexibility. Registration required at Eventbrite.com (search Yoga in the Rainforest) or call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. Ages 18 & up; $30/person. Proceeds from the event benefit the Butterfly Wonderland Foundation.


Waking Up with Butterflies
March 26
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Check-in at 8:15 a.m.
Enjoy a quiet hour photographing the butterflies, birds, or reptiles. Entomologist Derek Kellogg will be available to answer questions from guests about butterflies, plants, and the rainforest environment.  Ages 18 & up; $28.95 for public (includes admission). Free for members. Registration required. Call (480) 800-3000, ext. 206. In order to comply with local SRPMIC directives, masks are required for all event guests regardless of vaccination status.


Intro to Macro Photography at Butterfly Wonderland

March 27

8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Butterflies are one of the most incredible subjects to photograph. In this workshop, taught by professional photographer Jonathan Cline, learn basics of proper exposure (shutter speed, aperture, and ISO), how to understand and control depth-of-field, auto-focus methods, and settings for still subjects (such as butterflies!). Whether it’s close-up shots with macro lenses to wider compositions with short- and long-range telephoto lenses, learn the benefits of each and when they should be used. Guests will leave with a stunning collection of photos!

Bring a DSLR camera or a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Macro and/or telephoto lenses preferred, but not required. Cost is $55 for public and $45 for members. Limit 10 in class. Register at Eventbrite.com (search Intro to Macro Photography at Butterfly Wonderland).



Bug Fest

March 27

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Outside in the Arizona Boardwalk Courtyard

Free Event. No Admission Fee Required!

The Butterfly Wonderland Foundation presents the biggest bug bash of the year, the 5th annual Bug Fest event! Enjoy cockroach races, butterfly and ladybug releases, insect petting zoos, crafts, edible insect treats and more! This event is free and recommended for bug-lovers of all ages.