Wonder of Hummingbirds Festival

Celebrate all things wings at the 2024 Ijams Hummingbird Festival!

Back by popular demand, this year's event will include more activities, a maker marketplace, animals encounters, speaker series, and so much more. You'll have a great time while you experience birds up close, meet local artists, learn from local bird nerds, enjoy guided walks and dipnetting, and more!

Events and Activities

Bird Banding Session
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Bird Banding Station (NOT INCLUDED in General Admission Tickets!)

Get a behind-the scenes look at how scientists capture birds, how they are banded, and why banding is important with certified master bander Mark Armstrong! This year, the bird banding station will capture ALL birds, including hummingbirds! Remember: Like most birds, hummingbirds are MOST ACTIVE early in the morning, so your best chance of seeing a ruby-throated hummingbird is at the beginning of the event!

​NOTE: Bird banding demonstrations are scheduled in 25-minute sessions. Attendance is limited in each group to ensure an intimate experience. PLEASE note which time slot you sign up for!​

Location: Ijams Homesite Lawn and surrounding areas

General Festival and Marketplace Admission (DOES NOT include bird banding session):

Adult: $12 (age 13+)
Child: $9 (age-3-12)
MEMBERS get 10% off their ticket price! (Call the front desk at  +1-865-577-4717 to verify your membership and receive a discount code for this event)
Ages 0-2 - FREE

General Admission Tickets include:

Live Animal Encounters - See and learn about different birds of prey (owls, hawks, kestrels, etc.) as local rehabbers get you close up and personal with these amazing flyers

Marketplace - Explore the variety of local artists that will be sharing their art, including handcrafted art, nature-themed items, local plant nurseries, and garden vendors.

Guided Walks - Join Ijams teacher naturalists on guided walks that focus on a variety of bird-related topics and nerd out on nature. Explore Ijams' trails to witness the natural wonders that are available year-round! (Accessible walks provided!)

​Educational Booths and Activities - Experience educational and engaging activities for all ages under the big tent! You'll explore and celebrate the wonders of birds and all things with wings.

Kids' Nature Zone - Kids can be curious in the Nature Zone! Experience an area dedicated to actively engaging all kids and families in the wildness and fun nature can provide. Get messy with art projects and crafts, be curious conducting experiments or measuring your wing span, challenge your skills at our migration station, become a junior naturalist alongside our expert educators, and much more.

Speakers and Hands-on Sessions - Join one of our experts as they share their knowledge of hummingbirds or learn how to make your own bird food to attract wildlife. No matter the topic, all ages can learn about and get more involved in backyard wildlife.

Community Science Opportunities - Learn how to do real research NOW; it's easier than you think!

Dipnetting - Explore the ponds to look for life with Ijams educators! You'll find salamanders, frogs, turtles, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and other winged creatures during their aquatic stages of life!​

Ijams Animal Ambassadors - Meet some of the animals who call Ijams home. Learn more about and experience close encounters with reptiles and birds of prey.

Vendors and Booths - Enjoy visiting festival sponsors, environmental organizations, and other partners doing amazing things in the local community that help protect all things winged.

Educational Materials for Parents and Families - Get fun, educational materials to work on with your kids at home!

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