The 27^th annual festival will be held March 21, 22, and 23, 2025 in Othello, Washington.   With the celebration of the spring migration of the Sandhill cranes, the festival offers a variety of events for the whole family to enjoy and learn.  Online registration opens on Saturday, February 1, 2025.  Some tours sell out quickly, so check the website early!

The Festival’s location is at the Othello Church of the Nazarene, located at 835 S 10^th Ave, Othello Washington and next door at McFarland Middle School.

Guided tours to view the Festival’s namesake, the Sandhill Crane, and tours highlighting the unique geology of eastern Washington are mainstays of the Festival each year.  

On Saturday, this year’s festival will feature presentations on a variety of Pacific and Inland Northwest wildlife, both migratory and year-round residents. The Ice Age Floods, geology of Central Washington, and photography are other highlights of the 2025 Festival.

Saturday night’s featured presentation will be author Rebecca Heisman talking about “Wild Stories from the History of Bird Migration Research.”  In her talk, she’ll share some surprising stories from the history of bird migration research and discuss why understanding migration is so crucial for bird conservation.  This lecture will be included with general admission.  Rebecca’s book can be purchased in advance or at the door.

Friday night’s featured presentation will be author Bruce Bjornstad speaking about the evolution of Grand Coulee, presented via a unique bird’s eye view of this unique 50-mile-long canyon.  This lecture is free to attend and open to all.  Bruce’s books can be purchased in advance or at the door.

On Saturday, the Children Committee will have a variety of activities for kids, such as faux binoculars to use for “birding” in the gym by finding pictures of various birds, origami crane mobiles, mask making, and many other activities.  As always, we will have a free photo booth to take your picture with a digitized Sandhill Crane in the background which you can take home as a souvenir.  

Best of all, a $10 general admission ticket (children under 12 are free with a paid adult) gets you into the Festival on Saturday and covers all lectures and events.  Viewing and hiking tours have an added cost per tour.