Special Edition E-Newsletter: Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest |
|
|
24th Annual Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest May 14th-17th, 2026
Registration opens on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00PM PST |
We are so excited for another year of celebrating the return of Leavenworth's migratory birds. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to explore one of our 30+ birding trips, workshops, and other activities. A full schedule of trips will be shared on March 18th to give you ample time to select your preferred trips before registration opens.
Registration for Bird Fest trips, the Birders' BBQ, and Keynote Presentation will open on Wednesday, March 25th at 5:00PM. Keep reading for some highlights and important dates.
|
|
|
Bird Fest Youth Art Contest |
The 2026 Bird Fest Youth Art Contest is now accepting submissions! Participating students have the chance to win a prize and have their art featured on the 2026 Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest Poster. To participate you must - Be in grades K-8
- Focus on a bird in your art piece (preferably a species found in North Central Washington)
- Submit a full color piece
Submission deadline is Sunday, March 8th at 11:59PM
Check out the Bird Fest Youth Art Gallery for inspiration! Follow the link below for submission instructions. If you have any questions, reach out to Michaela.
|
|
|
2026 Founder's Award Nominations Now Open! Nominations open until Sunday, April 12th at 11:59PM |
Do you know of a business or volunteer who has dedicated themselves to Bird Fest year after year? Nominate them for a Founders' Award! This annual award is given to one volunteer and one professional who contributes time, energy, and resources to make Bird Fest a wonderful experience for all who attend. To see previous recipients, click here.
Learn more about the Founders' Award and make your nomination below. |
|
|
Keynote Address: Wings Over Washington: Tracking the Movements of Two Iconic Hawk Species with Neil Paprocki, PhD Saturday, May 16th 7:00PM-8:30PM |
We are excited to welcome Neil Paprocki, PhD, a local ecologist, into the Red Barn as this year's Keynote Speaker. He will delve into their year-round movement ecology, revealing remarkable insights gained from GPS transmitters placed on two iconic hawk species: the Red-tailed Hawk and the Rough-legged Hawk. Come and experience the thrill of raptor migration as we uncover the secret lives of these incredible hawks! This presentation is a hybrid event with in-person and virtual tickets available. Register for the Bird Fest Keynote along with your other trip selections when Bird Fest registration opens on March 25th. |
View past Bird Fest Keynote presentations on YouTube. |
|
|
Artist Spotlight: Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman
Workshop details coming soon. |
We are thrilled to announce Carleen Ormbrek Zimmerman as our Featured Artist Spotlight for this year’s Bird Fest! She will have an art gallery throughout Bird Fest, and we can't wait to display it. Carleen brings a wonderful blend of observation and artistic wonder to our lineup, offering two workshops designed to bridge the gap between birding and the sketchbook. |
|
|
Bird Fest Community Fair
Saturday, May 16th 10:00AM-3:00PM |
Looking for an easy way to drop by Bird Fest? Gather the whole family and visit the Bird Fest Community Fair on the WRI Lawn! This free vendor fair will feature local businesses, organizations, and artists. Stop by each booth for fun nature related activities for the whole family. No registration required! |
Are you an organization or business and are interested in participating? Reach out to Angela for more information. |
|
|
Birders' BBQ
Saturday, May 16th 5:00PM-6:30PM |
Join us for a quick bite to eat before the Keynote speaker presentation. Enjoy the WRI campus lawn with a view of the towering Cascade mountains and the Wenatchee River below.
Delicious menu by Ravenous Catering coming soon. |
Please note that ticket prices will be adjusted this year to reflect the rising cost of food. |
|
|
This year, we’re bringing back the same great Bird Fest logo you love, but with a fresh twist! We’ve introduced new color palettes and expanded our product options, so you can support the festival in style.
While a selection of hats and totes will be available for purchase at the event, items at this link are ONLY available for online orders. Don’t miss out on your chance to further support Bird Fest. |
Orders will be shipped directly to the buyer. To ensure your gear arrives in time, please make sure to place your order at least one week prior to the festival. |
|
|
Bird Fest Happy Hour and Game Night
Friday, May 15th
3:00PM-7:00PM |
After a great day of birding, come socialize with us at the Bird Fest Happy Hour held on the beautiful Wenatchee River Institute campus! Open to everyone with no registration required, this free event is the perfect place to drop in anytime to meet fellow birders and friends, old and new. Evening Schedule & Highlights
3:00 – 5:00 PM | Bird Games: Join Audubon volunteers to play Wingspan and other bird-themed games—whether you're a seasoned player or just want to see what the buzz is about.
5:30 – 7:00 PM | Bird Trivia: Put your knowledge to the test! Bring your own team or join one on the spot for some friendly competition.
Refreshments: Beer, wine, and sparkling water will be available for purchase. |
|
|
Thank You, Bird Fest Sponsors! |
|
|
Support from local businesses and organizations make Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest possible. Spot some of these sponsors around town displaying a gold Bird Fest flag as we get closer to Bird Fest. You can support us by supporting them! See a full list of sponsors here. |
|
|
Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
*{{Unsubscribe}}* |
| |
|
|
