The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) invites families, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers to celebrate the wonder of owls at their Owl Festival 2026 on Saturday, April 25th, from 9 am until 5 pm.
This event brings together owl enthusiasts, researchers, falconers, naturalists, and educators for an immersive experience unlike any other in our region.
“Owl Festival is one of our most beloved annual events, and 2026 promises to be our most exciting yet,” says Mya Wiles, Environmental Educator. “We’re bringing together world-class researchers, talented artists, and dedicated educators to create a fun and educational day for visitors of all ages.”
The Festival will include two live owl programs featuring VINS’ Ambassador raptors (10:45 am and 3:15 pm), where audiences will discover the physics of silent owl flight.
Author and researcher Scott Weidensaul presents “Caught in the SNOWstorm” (11:30 am – 12:30 pm), sharing the remarkable story of Project SNOWstorm — the largest study of Snowy Owls ever conducted — sparked by the historic 2013–14 irruption of Snowy Owls into the eastern United States.
Researchers from North Branch Nature Center will present findings on Northern Saw-whet Owl migration (2 pm) and return at 3 pm with live field equipment for guests to explore.
Naturalists from Squam Lakes Natural Science Center will lead “Owls of New England” programs at 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, and the Vermont Museum of Natural History will be on hand throughout the day with owl Ambassadors and artifacts.
Festival-goers can create their own owl-inspired artwork at the guided Owls in Art station led by VINS Educator, Kelly Gadouas, or watch local sculptor Ryan Mays craft an owl from clay throughout the day, drawing live inspiration from VINS’ resident owl Ambassadors.
Re:Play Arts will invite guests of all ages to craft and color using recycled and sustainable materials, while artist Betsy Smith creates watercolor paintings inspired by the center’s owls at the Raptor Exhibits.
Families with young children will delight in Lindsay & Her Puppet Pals (10:30 am, Noon, and 2 pm), a charming puppet show about owls and nighttime creatures.
The “What Makes an Owl?” storytelling program runs three times (9:30 am, 11:15 am, and 1 pm), and an Owl Story Walk winds through the Forest Canopy Walk featuring illustrations from the beloved children’s book Owl Babies.
Owl Games challenge visitors to test their owl-like senses in the Outdoor Classroom, and an Owl Chat station offers touchable biofacts and one-on-one time with VINS educators throughout the day.
New England Falconry will be on site from 10 am to 4 pm to introduce guests to how owls are used in the ancient sport of falconry. The Vermont Museum of Natural History’s “Owls in Myth & Legend” program (10:30 am and 1:30 pm) explores the rich cultural history of owls through storytelling and live owl ambassadors.
The VINS Nature Center is located about two hours east of Glens Falls, NY near Quechee Gorge (the deepest gorge in Vermont in Quechee State Park) at 149 Natures Way, Quechee, Vermont.
Advance tickets: $25 Adult / $22 Youth. Event Day Tickets: $28 Adult / $25 Youth. Members Free, 3 & Under Free.
For more info, and to purchase advance tickets visit their website.
Read about owls in New York State.
Photo of VINS Nature Center provided.
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