HCS Annual Butterfly Release
Every year, HCS hosts a butterfly release to memorialize and remember those who have died. The Butterfly Release happens over multiple days in Butterfly Park, and one day at the breathtaking venue Cathedral of the Pines. The events feature gorgeous gardens, hospice musicians, pop up shops, quiet moments, connections with each other, and, of course, butterflies. We are grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, musicians, employees, the community, Board of Directors, and partners in celebration.
2026 Butterfly Release Dates – RAIN OR SHINE!
Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge
June 18, 2026 | 3 PM – 6 PM
Butterfly Park, Keene
June 19 & 20, 2026 | 10 AM -1 PM
Our Butterfly Release Locations
Butterfly Park
Address: 320 Marlboro Street, Keene, NH
Parking is available in the HCS Parking lot (312 Marlboro Street)
The park has an accessible entrance from Bartholomew Court
Cathedral of the Pines
Address: 10 Hale Hill Road, Rindge, NH
Parking is available in the COTP parking lot
The COTP outdoor sanctuary is accessible.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
We are grateful to our sponsors who make this event possible.
If you are interested in being an event sponsor, please visit our shop or reach out to us today!
Monarch Sponsors
Swallowtail Sponsors
Ann Heffernon & Jay Ward
Skipper Sponsors
Anonymous Donor
Betty Christiansen
Stan Greene
Painted Lady Sponsors
Becky Poor in honor of Mari Gruber
Frequently Asked Questions about the Butterfly Release
Yes! The event will take place rain or shine!
Butterfly Park, the City of Keene’s beautiful Community Space on Marlboro Street, is the traditional location for our event and we were thrilled to expand the butterfly release to a second location in 2022 and greatly enjoyed working with Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. Both venues are fully accessible.
Funds raised and donations made through the Butterfly Release all go to support Hospice at HCS.
We understand that sometimes plans change at the last minute or perhaps an illness crops up. If you are unable to attend, HCS will release the butterflies on your behalf at the end of the event time.
Absolutely! People of all ages are welcome at every event and our Saturday event is planned especially with families and children in mind. We will provide a few extra activities for our younger attendees. We hope you bring the whole family to join us!
We have revised our sponsorship levels and named each level after butterflies found in New Hampshire. Each sponsorship level will have inclusion in our event marketing materials and a certain number of butterflies to release at the event.
If you would like to be a sponsor, reach out to us today!
$1000 – Monarch level
Includes 4 butterflies
$500 – Swallowtail Level
Includes 3 butterflies
$250 – Skipper Level
Includes 2 butterflies
$100 – Painted Lady Level
Includes 1 butterfly
We’d love to have you join us! Send us an email at events@hcsservices.org to express your interest.