Bring your friends for an evening of Monarchs and Margaritas on Friday at Audubon Community Nature Center. The sneak peek preview of the Monarch Butterfly Festival includes south-of-the-border-themed appetizers and a chance to win prizes.

The Monarch Butterfly Festival is for all ages, but the night before is for adults only.

Three years ago Audubon Community Nature Center staff decided it would be fun to add a new twist to the all-day Saturday event with its activities for all ages. Since then Friday evening has been Monarchs and Margaritas. At the 5-7 p.m. celebration, while supporting Monarch butterflies, adults can enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the festival, food, games and margaritas. The Nature Center multipurpose room will be transformed into a butterfly house full of beautiful flowers and Monarch butterflies and ready for visiting by the evening’s participants as well as Saturday festival-goers.

Monarchs and Margaritas theme is inspired by the migration to Mexico the Monarchs will begin when they are released at the close of Saturday’s festival.

Each admission includes two drink tickets for margaritas. Miley’s is providing the drinks and catering south-of-the-border-themed appetizers with vegetarian options. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be available.

Monarchs need help. Throughout the last decade, Monarch populations have been decimated by habitat loss, deforestation, and drought. Through a game, presentations and the opportunity to view all stages of the Monarch life cycle up close those attending will learn more about their plight and how they can help.

New this year is a silent auction with Monarch migration-themed items.

A hint for first-timers: Bring some spare change for extra drinks, to get ahead in the game, and to shop for some great butterfly-themed merchandise.

Admission is limited. The cost is $25 for those who reserve and pay by Wednesday or $30 for those paying at the door. Register online through the Programs and Events page at auduboncnc.org or pay by phone with a credit card at 569-2345 during business hours.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren.