Great Parks Pollinator Festival & 5K

Celebrate our region’s precious pollinators with a day that’s buzzing with family-friendly fun!

Discover how pollination supports a thriving ecosystem and the important role that native plants play in its success. Enjoy live music from Mama Said String Band, step inside the immersive butterfly garden and find the perfect last-minute Mother’s Day gift from a variety of local vendors.

In the morning, lace up for the Pollinator 5K - a timed, friendly walk/run along Miami Whitewater Forest's scenic, paved trails. Race participants receive a custom medal, t-shirt, vendor coupons and Great Parks swag. New for 2026 are two pollination-themed culinary experiences led by Chef James Trent of Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts.

The Bite & Buzz Dinner on Thursday, May 7, kicks off the festival weekend with an exclusive, coursed meal complete with select beer pairings from Hearth Brewing, while the Pollinator Cooking Class invites Saturday’s guests for a hands-on tutorial featuring pollinated ingredients.