Bird Fest 2026

Need to Know

• Park entrance fees will be waived for the duration of the event.
• Parking is available at the Maze Parking Lot and the Day Use Area parking. Only handicap parking allowed in the event space. 
• The main festival activities take place from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the group use area located at the South end of the park.
• The event is weather dependent and may be cancelled or modified without notice. Check this page for updates before you head out.
• The event takes place outdoors. Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions.
• Burgers, hot dogs, chips, and soda will be avialbe from the Nevada State Parks Foundation for a suggested donation

What to Bring

• Water
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Binoculars, if you have them
• A field guide or bird identification app, if desired
• A chair for enjoying presentations and activities
• Cash/Card for art and food vendors

What to Expect

• A guided bird walk for birders of all experience levels.
• Educational booths and activities from: Nevada State Parks, Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space, Nevada Department of Wildllife, City of Reno, Nevada Division of Forestry, Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, Animal Ark, Great Basin Institute, and the Walker Basin Conversvancy. 
• 15-minute educational presentations every half hour from 10:30am - 1:30pm featuring topics including Washoe Lake habitat, bird biology, and owl pellet dissection.
• Bird Bingo for visitors to test their bird identification skills.
• The Nevada Department of Wildlife's Operation Game Thief trailer, with information about hunting safety and responsible outdoor recreation. The event coincides with the start of waterfowl hunting season.
• Visit art vendors from local artists: Common Crow Art, Lupine Raven Artworks, Myia Ray Art, Rambbers Roost, Cade Hoffman, White Tiger Prints, and Mountain Lion Arts.
• Burgers and hot dogs from the Nevada State Parks Foundation available for a suggested donation

Schedule

9:00am: Guided bird walk for birders of all experience levels

10:00am: Bird Fest activities, educational booths, art vendors, and interactive activities begin.

10:30am: Washoe Lake Habitat from Nevada State Parks

11:00am: Bird Biology and Feathers by Nevada Department of Wildlife

11:30am: Owl Pellet Dissection by Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space

12:00pm: Birding Essentials by the Northwest Nevada Bird Alliance

12:30pm: Washoe Lake Habitat from Nevada State Parks

1:00pm: Bird Biology and Feathers by Nevada Department of Wildlife

1:30pm: Owl Pellet Dissection by Carson City Parks, Recreation & Open Space

2:00pm: Bird Fest concludes.

Fees & Registration

• Park entrance fees are waived for the duration of the event.
• The event is free to attend.
• No registration is required. Drop-in visitors are welcome.
• Some vendors may have items available for purchase.