Experience The Wild Side of Brownsville
Join us for a weekend of birding, nature, workshops, and outdoor adventure at the southernmost tip of Texas.
April 11 & 12, 2026
Gladys Porter Zoo
About The Festival
Where Birds, Nature & Community Meet
The Brownsville Birding Festival celebrates one of North America’s most remarkable birding destinations. Coastal wetlands, resacas, native thornscrub, and the Rio Grande converge here, creating unmatched biodiversity.
More than a birding event, this festival is a celebration of place. It brings together nature enthusiasts, families, conservationists, photographers, and seasoned birders for a weekend packed with exploration and learning.
Through responsible wildlife tourism and environmental education, the festival aims to inspire conservation, support local businesses, and foster appreciation for the natural wonders of South Texas.
Event Details
Location:
Gladys Porter Zoo
Dates:
April 11-12, 2026
Zoo Doors Open:
8:30 AM
Festival Programing:
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What to Expect:
23 Guided Birding Tours across 9 locations
8 Educational & Creative Workshops
Featured Keynote Speaker (Day 1)
Vendor & Exhibitor Hall
Sunrise & Sunset Kayaking
Cycling & Urban Bird Walks
Photography Contest
Workshops
Learn. Create. Discover.
Over two days, festival workshops offer hands-on learning experiences for all ages and skill levels.
Workshops run between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM both days.
Bird Feeding Basics
Conservation in the Rio Grande Valley
Urban Bird-Friendly Design
Brownsville Native Plants
Guided Tours
Explore Brownsville’s Birding Hotspots
Choose from 23 curated tours across some of the region’s most iconic locations. Spots are limited and advance registration is recommended.
Sabal Palm Sanctuary
Resaca De La Palma State Park
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
Oliveira Park
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park
Featured Speaker
Larry Lof
Kick off the festival with an inspiring keynote focused on birding, conservation, and the extraordinary biodiversity of the Rio Grande Valley.
President and CEO of Gorgas Science Foundation
Saturday, April 11
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Even More Stuff To Do
This free event is for everyone! Come on by even if you don't know much about birding yet.
Photography Contest
Hey photographers! Show off your best bird or nature shots from the Rio Grande Valley. We’ve got categories for adults and young folks. Submit by March 31, 2026!
Don't wait until it is too late
Get your tickets today and experience the Brownsville Birding Festival to the fullest.
