Pollinator Palooza: Bee, Butterfly and Bat Street Faire

Beautify Cambria’s annual Bee, Butterfly and Bat Faire has grown up.

In its 10th year it is now Pollinator Palooza, a lively street faire in the heart of East Village celebrating the bees, butterflies, moths, bats, and beetles that keep our gardens and food systems alive. It is a full day of pollinator-friendly fun for families, gardeners, and the curious, with presentations by local experts, an observation beehive, Stellaluna the pallid bat, a stunning close-up photo gallery, plant sales, and hands-on activities for kids including the wildly popular scavenger hunt, face painting, and a pollen-gathering race.

There is plenty to eat and drink, from local honeys, lavender, olive oil, and mead to Jason’s famous pulled pork, tamales, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, plus pollinator-themed art, books, and jewelry from local makers. Live music comes from Curti Creek, dancers fill the street throughout the day, and the Dark Skies program will have specially filtered telescopes set up for a safe, remarkable look at the sun. Admission is free or by donation, with all proceeds going toward Beautify Cambria’s project to turn the building backs along Highway 1 into painted murals.

The fun continues after dark with a one-hour expert-guided bat walk at 8:00 PM on nearby Rodeo Grounds Road. Space is limited, so sign up early. Wear closed-toe shoes, bring a flashlight or headlamp, and power phones down or switch them to airplane mode.

The faire lands on the same late June weekend as the Greenspace Adventure Auction, a big stretch for anyone who loves Cambria’s wild side. Live music plays throughout the day, too, so check our live music guide and the full HelloCambria events calendar to round out the weekend.