BIRD FEST 2026

Join us for the 13th Annual Green Lake Bird Festival, a free, community event celebrating birds, nature, and conservation.

The festival begins Friday evening with “Birds and Brews” from 5:30–7:00 pm in the Town Square Ballroom. Enjoy snacks, beverages, raffle items, and time to connect with fellow bird enthusiasts.

Saturday starts early with a guided bird hike at Sunnyside Conservancy from 6:00–8:00 am, followed by a full day of programming back at Town Square. Morning refreshments will be available, along with a recap of the bird hike.

The day includes educational presentations, a Bird City recognition, and featured speakers. Highlights include a program on protecting songbirds, a keynote presentation on bird migration, and a special presentation by Marge Gibson of Raptor Education Group, Inc., featuring live birds.

The Green Lake Bird Festival is free and open to the public, with activities for both seasoned birders and those simply curious to learn more.

event schedule

Friday, April 24
5:30–7:00 pm – Birds and Brews (Town Square Ballroom)

• Snacks and beverages from the Jury Bar

• Raffle items and bird-themed mixer (“Jeop-Bird-dy”)

• Artwork on display by Tom Schultz

• Preview of Saturday’s events

Saturday, April 25
6:00–8:00 am – Guided Bird Hike (Sunnyside Conservancy)

• Free and open to all (no registration required)

• Extra binoculars available

8:15 am – Morning Refreshments & Bird Hike Recap (Town Square)

• Coffee, juice, and fresh pastries

• Recap of birds spotted during the hike

9:00 am – Welcome & Bird City Presentation

• Recognition of Green Lake as a Wisconsin Bird City

9:45 am – Keynote Presentation: Marge Gibson (REGI)

• Live birds featured (raven, barred owl, great horned owl)

• Stories and insights from 50+ years in wildlife rehabilitation

~11:30 am – Closing Remarks & Raffle Drawing