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.
Special Events
Pollinator Festival & 5K
calendar_today May 9, 2026
watch 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Pollinator 5K at 9 a.m.)
pin_drop Miami Whitewater Forest | Harbor
paid Free
approval_delegation All Ages
*Paid, online registration is required for the Pollinator 5K, Bite & Buzz Dinner and Pollinator Cooking Class. Paid, on-site registration is required for Tree Climbing. Motor Vehicle Permit (MVP) requirements at Miami Whitewater Forest are waived during event hours.
Bite & Buzz Dinner
On Wednesday, May 6, Great Parks, Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts and Hearth Brewing present the "Bite & Buzz Dinner,” an inaugural experience designed to unite the community in celebration of great food, local beer and the region’s pollinators. You won’t want to miss Chef James Trent’s uniquely crafted menu featuring ingredients made possible by pollinators like bees, butterflies and others.
Learn More & Purchase Tickets
Pollinator Cooking Class
On Saturday, May 9, grab an apron and join Chef James Trent of Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts for a hands-on tutorial for novice chefs. Whip up a simple dish to add to your repertoire, featuring pollinated ingredients and all supplies provided.
Learn More & Register
VOLUNTEER
Lend a Hand, Make Magic Happen!
May 9, 2026 | 9 a.m.
Miami Whitewater Forest | Harbor
$35 (through April 10), $40 (after April 10)
The Pollinator 5K is a timed, family-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. More than $2,000 in Tri-State Running Company gift cards will be awarded to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
Early Bird Registration Giveaway: Register by April 10 to be entered in a drawing for one of five $25 Tri-State Running Company gift cards. Winners are drawn randomly and notified by e-mail before May 9.
Race Packet Pickup:
- May 4-7 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Miami Whitewater Forest Visitor Center
- May 9 | 7:30 a.m. near starting line
Bats, butterflies and bees, oh my! Through fun activities, educational programs and community tables, create special memories and gain a better understanding of how vital pollinators are to our daily lives.
- Blinque’s Butterfly Garden
- Coffee Tasting with La Terza Coffee
- Crafts
- Face Painting
- Pollinator Storytime with Marigold (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.)
- Queen City Pollinator Project
- S.B. Tree Service
- Tree Climbing ($5 on-site registration)
Mama Said String Band – A Louisville, Kentucky-based four-piece bringing their own brand of bluegrass with a focus on vocal harmonies and contemporary instrumentation. Named “Bluegrass Artist of the Year” at the 2025 Lexington Music Awards, the band features honest songwriting that any listener can relate to.
Busy bees are always in need of some energy. Fuel up with food and beverage options available for purchase throughout the Harbor.
- Hearth Brewing
- Miami Whitewater Forest Snack Bar
- Revel Urban Winery
- Aberson’s Kitchen + Desserts - unique and exquisite pre-packed pollinator-themed desserts including cake pops, tarts and more
- ActivateAngel - floral art keepsakes, clay figurines and more
- Great Parks’ Shaker Trace Nursery – native plant starters
- Great Parks Shop - apparel, novelties, toys, craft sodas, butterfly wings and more
- Handmade with Love by Haizel Marie - hand-painted bird feeders/houses, jewelry, friendship bracelets and more
- Hedgegrow - hand-printed goods drawn from nature)
- MawDust - one-of-a-kind pieces made from natural materials including wood, pressed flowers and clay
- Tri-State Running Company - running gear for all ages
Great Parks welcomes inquiries to participate in or sponsor our programs and events.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact LeAnne Anklan, Director of Donor Engagement, at [email protected] or call 513-728-4517.
Businesses interested in selling products must complete the Vendor Application Form.
For organizations interested in hosting an information or activity booth, complete the Exhibitor Application Form.
Restaurants and food trucks interested in selling food, complete the Food Vendor Application Form.
Pollinator 5K
LACE UP YOUR SNEAKERS
The Pollinator 5K is a timed, family-friendly walk/run along Miami Whitewater Forest's scenic, paved trails.
Register for Pollinator 5K
