Whooping Crane Festival | Port Aransas Birding Event

Celebrating Conservation: The Endangered Whooping Crane’s Winter Return

Experience one of the most prestigious wildlife events on the Texas Coast at the 2026 Whooping Crane Festival, taking place from February 19th through February 22nd. Now in its 29th year, this festival celebrates the annual winter return of the endangered Whooping Crane to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Based in the charming coastal town of Port Aransas, the event offers a rare opportunity to see these majestic, five-foot-tall birds at close range.

Whether you are a seasoned birder or a nature enthusiast, the 2026 festival features an incredible lineup of activities, including guided boat tours to the refuge, land-based bus trips to the legendary King Ranch, and hands-on photography workshops. Attendees can also browse the free Nature Trade Show at the Civic Center or attend lectures from world-renowned conservationists. Join us in "Port A" to witness the beauty of these rare creatures and support the ongoing efforts to protect their coastal habitat.

• Dates: Thursday, February 19 – Sunday, February 22, 2026.
• Headquarters: Port Aransas Civic Center (710 W. Avenue A, Port Aransas, TX).
• Key Activities: Whooping Crane boat tours, sunset dolphin cruises, birding bus tours, and the Free Nature Trade Show.
• Featured Speakers: Dr. George Archibald (International Crane Foundation), Michael Forsberg, and Jace Tunnell.
• Sustainability Note: This is a paperless event—no physical tickets are required for check-in!

Coming to Port Aransas for the festival? Our luxury vacation rentals offer the perfect home base for your birding adventure! After a day on the water, relax in a private home or premium RV slip just minutes from the Civic Center. Explore our Port Aransas RV Resort rentals and secure your stay for the Annual Whooping Crane Festival today!