Snowy Owl Festival 2026

Friday, February 6 • 1:00 - 4:00 PM Early Bird Snowy Owl & Winter Birding Tour (Carpool) Kick off the Snowy Owl Festival with an exclusive early-bird bird-watching adventure! Join us for an afternoon carpool tour through prime winter habitat as we search for snowy owls and other seasonal raptors. This guided outing offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quiet winter landscapes, learn from experienced birders, and spot these majestic Arctic visitors before the festival's keynote presentation and evening celebration. To reduce traffic on winter roads and minimize disturbance to wildlife, space is limited by vehicle count. Carpooling is highly encouraged, and advance registration is required to secure your spot. Dress warmly, bring binoculars or a spotting scope if you have them, and get ready for an unforgettable start to the festival weekend! $40 per person.

Friday, February 6 • 5:00 - 7:00 PM Join Chris Neri and Nova Mackentley, renowned wildlife photographers and field biologists, for an engaging presentation. With nearly 20 years of experience banding migrating owls, they will share captivating stories and valuable insights into the trends of snowy owls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. You won't want to miss this opening night presentation! $10.00 per person. Register by calling 906-484-1333 or register online.

Saturday, February 7 • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Snowy Owl & Winter Birding Tour Join us for a guided birding adventure through the stunning winter landscapes of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula! This special tour by bus offers a rare opportunity to search for the iconic Snowy Owl along with a variety of other winter-loving species that call this region home. Led by avid birder and wildlife photographer Joe Kwasniewski, participants will travel by bus to several prime birding hotspots. Joe will share expert insights into winter bird behavior, habitat, and identification—while helping you spot and photograph these majestic Arctic visitors and their feathered neighbors. With a small group size of only 24 participants, this immersive experience ensures personal attention, fantastic viewing opportunities, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned birders. Tour Fee: $40 per person Includes: Transportation by school bus, guided instruction, and unforgettable winter wildlife experiences. Bundle up, bring your binoculars and camera, and get ready for a magical winter birding outing you won’t soon forget!

Saturday, February 7 • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Snowy Owl & Winter Birding Tour Join us for a guided birding adventure through the stunning winter landscapes of Michigan’s Eastern Upper Peninsula! This special tour by bus offers a rare opportunity to search for the iconic Snowy Owl along with a variety of other winter-loving species that call this region home. Led by avid birder and wildlife photographer Joe Kwasniewski, participants will travel by bus to several prime birding hotspots. Joe will share expert insights into winter bird behavior, habitat, and identification—while helping you spot and photograph these majestic Arctic visitors and their feathered neighbors. With a small group size of only 24 participants, this immersive experience ensures personal attention, fantastic viewing opportunities, and a relaxed, supportive atmosphere for both beginners and seasoned birders. Tour Fee: $40 per person Includes: Transportation by school bus, guided instruction, and unforgettable winter wildlife experiences. Bundle up, bring your binoculars and camera, and get ready for a magical winter birding outing you won’t soon forget!

Saturday, February 7 • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM LIVE Owl Presentation Are you ready to soar into a world of wonder? We’re thrilled to invite you to a captivating Live Owl Presentation hosted by Wildlife Recovery Association! This is a fantastic opportunity for all ages to meet live owls up close and learn about these fascinating birds and their vital role in our ecosystem. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a curious child, or simply looking for a unique weekend activity, this event promises to be educational and fun! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this chance to experience the magic of owls firsthand. $10.00 per person. Due to popularity last year, this presentation is offered twice on Saturday - 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. 

Saturday, February 7 • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM LIVE Owl Presentation Are you ready to soar into a world of wonder? We’re thrilled to invite you to a captivating Live Owl Presentation hosted by Wildlife Recovery Association! This is a fantastic opportunity for all ages to meet live owls up close and learn about these fascinating birds and their vital role in our ecosystem. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a curious child, or simply looking for a unique weekend activity, this event promises to be educational and fun! Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this chance to experience the magic of owls firsthand. $10.00 per person. Due to popularity last year, this presentation is a repeat of the morning presentation.

Sunday, February 8 • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Snowy Owl Photography & Winter Birding Carpool Tour Wrap up the Snowy Owl Festival with an unforgettable field experience designed especially for photographers and dedicated bird enthusiasts! This final tour of the weekend offers a last chance to seek out the majestic Snowy Owl and capture breathtaking winter wildlife images across the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Travel caravan-style through prime winter birding areas, following local birder and wildlife photographer Joe Kwasniewski to scenic vantage points and known raptor locations. With a special emphasis on photography techniques, field positioning, and ethical wildlife viewing, Joe will share his expertise to help you create stunning images while respecting these remarkable birds and their habitat. This small-group outing ensures ample time in the field, opportunities to ask questions, and the flexibility to stop for perfect photographic moments as they arise. Carpooling is required to keep the group small, limit road impact, and maintain a quiet, low-disturbance presence in sensitive winter environments. Whether you're a seasoned wildlife photographer or eager to practice your winter birding skills, this tour promises a meaningful and memorable finale to the festival. Don’t miss your final chance to experience the magic of the Snowy Owl Festival in the field!

PRE-ORDER: Snowy Owl Festival long sleeve t-shirt by Next Level Apparel. Color: Cardinal Red. Available in sizes Small to 3 XL. 4.3 oz., 60/40 combed ring-spun cotton/polyester blend in a classic fit. Tear away label and 1x1 ribbed cuff.

PRE-ORDER: Snowy Owl Festival long sleeve t-shirt by Next Level Apparel. Color: Cardinal Red. Available in sizes Small to 3 XL. 4.3 oz., 60/40 combed ring-spun cotton/polyester blend in a classic fit. Tear away label and 1x1 ribbed cuff.

PRE-ORDER: Elevate your festival experience with the Gildan Softstyle Unisex Hoodie in a captivating cardinal red shade, featuring the exclusive Snowy Owl Festival logo on the back and a smaller logo on the front chest pocket area. Crafted from premium, soft-spun cotton, this hoodie promises unparalleled comfort, making it the perfect companion for chilly festival evenings or cozy days at home. With a versatile fit available in sizes small to 5XL, this hoodie is designed for everyone to enjoy both style and comfort.

PRE-ORDER: Elevate your festival experience with the Gildan Softstyle Unisex Hoodie in a captivating cardinal red shade, featuring the exclusive Snowy Owl Festival logo on the back and a smaller logo on the front chest pocket area. Crafted from premium, soft-spun cotton, this hoodie promises unparalleled comfort, making it the perfect companion for chilly festival evenings or cozy days at home. With a versatile fit available in sizes small to 5XL, this hoodie is designed for everyone to enjoy both style and comfort.