Leavenworth to celebrate 24th Spring Bird Fest this May, youth art contest opens for submissions

LEAVENWORTH — The 24th annual Spring Bird Fest, hosted by Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) and the North Central Washington Audubon Society (NCWAS), will return to Leavenworth May 14 to 17.

Taking place during peak spring bird migration, the annual celebration of birds, conservation and community will welcome birders of all experience levels, families, artists, educators and conservationists.

With the return of Bird Fest comes the annual youth art contest, encouraging young artists to explore birds and nature through creative expression. Submissions are now being accepted for the chance to win a prize and have art featured on the 2026 Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest poster. Participating artists must be in grades K-8, and artwork must be a full color piece with a bird as the focus (preferably a species found in North Central Washington). The deadline to submit is March 8 at 11:59 p.m.

Last year, Bird Fest hosted 282 trip and workshop attendees, 243 Community Fair attendees, and 52 volunteers and trip leaders. The festival observed over 140 bird species over six days, including a new-to-Bird Fest sighting: the Red-necked Phalarope.

“As for significant changes this year, we always have a new keynote speaker and artist spotlight. The guided trips are always similar but different since we rely heavily on nature to make the guided trips amazing,” said WRI Outreach Coordinator Angela Crampton.

Crampton added that the organization booked a nearby group campsite that can accommodate up to 75 people for affordable options.

The festival will begin early with free, beginner-friendly birding trips May 10-13, which are open to participants of all experience levels. Then, it will officially kick off on May 14 with guided field trips throughout the region and a possible film screening. The next day will feature additional field trips and an evening Bird Fest happy hour, which will include Wingspan, trivia, and other interactive games.

Saturday will mark the centerpiece of the festival, including guided field trips throughout the day, as well as a free, all-day community fair at WRI. The fair will have vendors, kids’ activities, guided nature walks, art and nature activities and live local music. No registration is required to attend.

A Birder’s BBQ is scheduled for Saturday evening, which requires registration. This year’s keynote speaker will be local expert Neil Paprocki, who will discuss tracking the movement of two iconic hawk species. WRI anticipates a free spotlight artist reception with Carleen Zimmerman. The festival will close on Sunday, May 17, with additional guided field trips.

Most field trips and workshops will require advance registration, which opens March 25.

NCWAS members and community volunteers are encouraged to sign up to help with co-leading birding trips, assisting with social events, supporting workshops, helping with the Community Fair, and assisting with the expanded children’s programming. Those interested in volunteering may contact Jane Zanol at janezanol@me.com or (573) 289-1201.

“Volunteer support is especially important this year, as several long-standing birding locations

have been impacted by recent fire or flooding,” WRI said in a press release.

WRI’s Red Barn and Outdoor Classroom, which were also damaged from December’s storms, are undergoing repairs. WRI said it was working closely together with NCWAS “to ensure a safe, welcoming, and vibrant festival experience.”