About the event
Join us March 7-9, 2025 in beautiful Monte Vista, Colorado, to witness thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and geese against the backdrop of the towering peaks of the San Luis Valley. Enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, a full slate of talks, tours, and workshops, PLUS the annual Craft and Nature Fair organized by the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce. Come experience the charm of this welcoming rural community while enjoying the incredible natural spectacle of the Sandhill Crane migration!
TICKETING INFORMATION:
With your General Admission ticket to the 2025 Monte Vista Crane Festival, you’ll gain access to:
- Expert-guided crane viewing times at the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.
- A “Crane Basics” talk by renowned crane experts at Ski Hi Event Center.
With an upgrade to General Admission Plus, you'll get:
-Everything included in General Admission, PLUS access to all special talks during the festival, including the keynote address (a $100 value!).
Important Note for Special Tour and Talk Access:
- To join one of our exclusive tours, or purchase tickets to individual talks, you must purchase a General Admission ticket.
All "Special Event" tickets are standalone tickets, so you do not need to purchase a General Admission ticket to attend the mini Film Festival, the Keynote address, or any of the artist workshops.
GA and GA PLUS tickets and talk ticket are nonrefundable, but tour tickets and artist workshop tickets are refundable.
Children under 15 do not need to purchase a General Admission or special talk ticket. Children attending any special tour or artist workshop will still need to purchase a ticket, regardless of age.
If you have additional ticketing questions please send us a message through Eventeny, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Dates
Mar 07, 2025 · 7:00 AM - Mar 09, 2025 · 4:00 PM(GMT-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)
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Location
Parking instructions
Parking spaces in front of the Ski-Hi Multipurpose building are designated for handicapped users only. Loading and unloading is allowed, as long as a vehicle does not remain for more than ten minutes. Parking for general users will be in the parking lots on either side of the building.
Health & safety
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees, vendors, and sponsors, we ask that you review and follow these health and safety guidelines:
General Guidelines
Weather Preparedness:
The festival takes place in early March, when weather conditions can be highly variable. Please dress in layers and bring waterproof and windproof clothing. Comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for uneven or icy ground is strongly recommended.
Hydration and Nutrition:
Be sure to stay hydrated, especially when participating in outdoor tours or activities. Water is available at Ski-Hi, and snacks are also available for purchase.
Accessibility and Assistance:
While we strive to make the festival accessible, some outdoor areas (e.g., wildlife refuge tours) may include uneven terrain, snow, ice, or mud. If you need assistance or have accessibility concerns, please notify festival staff or volunteers in advance.
Wildlife Refuge & Other Special Tours
Variable Conditions:
Tours may involve walking on icy, snowy, or uneven ground. Wear appropriate footwear and take precautions to avoid slips and falls. Walking aids (e.g., trekking poles) are encouraged if needed.
Respect Wildlife and Habitat:
Observe wildlife from a safe distance and stay on designated paths to protect sensitive habitats. Do not feed or disturb the cranes or other wildlife.
Use Caution Around Water:
Many refuge areas feature ponds or wetlands that may have thin ice or slippery edges. Stay clear of these areas and supervise children closely.
Indoor Activities
Crowd Safety:
Some indoor venues may become crowded. Follow posted capacity limits, and be patient while entering or exiting event spaces.
Health Precautions:
If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness, we ask that you stay home and enjoy festival updates online. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the event.
Emergency Exits:
Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits in all indoor venues. In the event of an emergency, follow instructions from festival staff.
Vendor and Sponsor Guidelines
Setup and Teardown:
Follow the designated times for setting up and tearing down booths. Ensure your equipment is secure and does not pose a hazard to attendees.
Power and Equipment Safety:
Use only festival-approved power sources and extension cords. Avoid overloading circuits and keep cords secured to prevent tripping hazards.
Health and Hygiene:
Vendors serving food must comply with all health department regulations. Handwashing stations will be available for food service areas.
Emergency Contacts
First Aid and Medical Assistance:
In case of an emergency, contact the nearest festival staff member or dial 911.
Lost and Found:
A lost and found station will be located at the main festival information booth. For lost children or items, notify a festival staff member immediately.
We appreciate your cooperation in making the Monte Vista Crane Festival a safe and memorable experience for everyone.
Event highlights
Keynote Speaker: Scott Weidensaul
We are thrilled to announce that Scott Weidensaul, renowned author and researcher, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 Monte Vista Crane Festival! Weidensaul is the author of nearly 30 books on natural history, including the New York Times bestseller A World on the Wing: The Global Odyssey of Migratory Birds, which provides an awe-inspiring look at the wonders of bird migration and the urgent efforts to conserve these incredible species.
Schedule
All times in (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)
Tickets
Price: $10.00-65.00
General Admission Tickets
General Admission
$30.00
+ Tax: $2.55, Processing fees: $2.37
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
General Admission PLUS
$45.00
+ Tax: $3.83, Processing fees: $3.39
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Special Events
Sip 'n Paint at the Historic Windsor Hotel
$50.00
+ Tax: $4.25, Processing fees: $3.73
Migration Mini Film Festival
$15.00
+ Tax: $1.28, Processing fees: $1.35
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Plein Air Painting Workshop
$35.00
+ Tax: $2.98, Processing fees: $2.71
Keynote: A World on the Wing
$15.00
+ Tax: $1.28, Processing fees: $1.35
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Celebrating Cranes: Brush Painting Workshop
$35.00
+ Tax: $2.98, Processing fees: $2.71
Talks: Optional Add On Tickets
Hawks Aloft Raptor Talk - SATURDAY
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Arts and Advocacy for Conservation
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
+ Tax: $0.85
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Birds and Jaguars of the Pantanal, Brazil
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
+ Tax: $0.85
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
White-Faced Ibis and Wetland Conservation
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
+ Tax: $0.85
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Understanding and Protecting the Migratory Monarch in Colorado
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
+ Tax: $0.85
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Wildlife Detection Dogs: Conservation’s Canine Heroes
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
+ Tax: $0.85
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Hawks Aloft Raptor Talk - SUNDAY
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$10.00
NON-REFUNDABLE
Non-Refundable Ticket
This ticket is non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-transferable
after purchase. The delivery of the service is completed upon
receiving this ticket by email.
Tours: Optional Add On Tickets
Blanca Wetlands Tour
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
Trinchera Ranch Tour & Lunch
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$65.00
+ Tax: $5.53
Few tickets remaining
J.W. Mumma Native Aquatic Species Research Facility
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
Home Lake Guided Birding
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
History, Fishies, and Elk? – Tour the Baca National Wildlife Refuge
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
Few tickets remaining
Elephant Rocks
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
Few tickets remaining
MVNWR Spring Creek Archeological Site Tour
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
Behind the Scenes Tour of Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$25.00
+ Tax: $2.13
RiGHT Tour of Bee's Preserve
You need to select one of the following tickets first: General Admission, General Admission PLUS
$15.00
+ Tax: $1.28
Few tickets remaining
Sponsors
Interested in applying:
4 active applications
Deadline:
Mar 01, 2025
A PLATINUM ($2500+) sponsorship of the Monte Vista Crane Festival comes with the following benefits:
- Exclusive naming rights for major festival events (e.g., "Platinum Sponsor Birding Tour")
- Prominent logo placement on all marketing materials, festival website, and event signage
- VIP birding experience
- Opportunity to deliver a sponsor message prior to the keynote speaker
- Opportunity to distribute promotional material at festival welcome table
- Dedicated booth space in the most high-traffic area of the festival
- Two (2) Limited edition event posters signed by the artist
- Full page ad in festival program (deadline Feb. 1)
- 3 social media shoutouts (one before and one after the festival, plus mid-year), newsletter highlight and featured blog post
- "Proud Sponsor" window cling
Deadline:
Mar 01, 2025
A GOLD ($1500) sponsorship of the Monte Vista Crane Festival comes with the following benefits:
- Logo placement on marketing materials & festival website, and monthly newsletters
- Four (4) complimentary General Admission PLUS tickets
- Opportunity to distribute promotional material at festival welcome table
- Dedicated booth space at the Craft & Nature Fair
- One (1) Limited edition event poster signed by the artist
- Half page ad in festival program (deadline Feb. 1)
- Three (3) social media shoutouts (one before and one after the festival, plus mid-year)
- "Proud Sponsor" window cling
Deadline:
Mar 01, 2025
A SILVER ($500) sponsorship of the Monte Vista Crane Festival comes with the following benefits:
- Logo placement on festival website and monthly newsletters
- 2 complimentary General Admission PLUS tickets
- Quarter page ad in festival program (deadline Feb. 1)
- 2 social media shoutouts (one before and one after the festival)
- "Proud Sponsor" window cling
Deadline:
Mar 01, 2025
A BRONZE ($200) sponsorship of the Monte Vista Crane Festival comes with the following benefits:
Business listing on festival website
Business listing in festival program (deadline Feb. 1)
"Proud Sponsor" window cling
Other applications
Interested in applying:
1 active application
Deadline:
Jan 15, 2025
It is the intent of the Monte Vista Crane Festival Committee (Committee) to maintain the small town feel of our festival focusing on quality over quantity of events. Inquiries from photographers wanting to conduct workshops, safaris, and other types of guided events during the festival are increasing with each passing year. The Committee has developed the policy outlined below to meet these requests from photographers:
- The Committee will allow a maximum of 3 photographers to operate an event during the 3 days of the Monte Vista Crane Festival each year.
- A photographer’s permitted “event” can be a single day or multi-day affair during crane festival weekend. For example a field workshop offering on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday would be a single permitted event OR a classroom offering 3 separate times on a single day is a single permitted event.
- In order to ensure the quality of the experience to visitors we require that the photographer limit attendees to their event to 8-10 people per day of the event.
- Special use permits (SUP) to operate on public lands (Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuges, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Wildlife Areas, Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, National Park Service, etc) are required and are the responsibility of the photographer to secure. Applicants must provide proof of liability insurance. All rules of the SUP must be followed. The Monte Vista Crane Festival shall not be liable for any accidents, loss, or damage associated with the workshop.
- All aspects of registering people for the event are the responsibility of the photographer.
- For transportation of participants we encourage single vehicle transportation for the group or carpooling.
Once a photographer is chosen by the MVCF Committee, they will pay a sponsorship of $500 to the Committee which will sanction them as a Committee approved photographer and grant them advertisement of their event on the Festival website. The website information will identify the photographer as an official sponsor of the Festival and include a link to the photographer’s website for registration of the event. Additionally, the photographer will receive the $500 sponsorship recognition and benefits for their contribution to the festival. The Committee will not share any festival email lists or similar outreach information to photographers.
Priority will be given to photographers in the flyway of our crane population: Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. All decisions made by the committee are final.
Hosted by Monte Vista Crane Festival
Joined Eventeny in November 2024
2 events
Del Norte, Colorado, United States 
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