Flyer for 21st Annual Shorebird Festival at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

21st Annual Shorebird Festival

Gateway National Recreation Area

Special Event
  • Aug 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM
  • Free

Celebrate Jamaica Bay's shorebirds with a free, fun-filled event for birders of all skill levels! Take part in guided birding walks, informational talks and family-friendly activities.

This festival is presented by Gateway National Recreation Area, in partnership with American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance and NYC Plover Project.

 

Program Schedule

All programs meet outside the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Programs are free and subject to changes or cancellation.

Tabling, Crafts & Activities 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by the National Park Service, American Littoral Society, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance, NYC Plover Project and more!

East Pond Walk 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society), Tom Burke (New York State Ornithological Association), and Kevin Karlson (Author, The Shorebird Guide, Shorebirds of North America)

Spanish Bilingual Birding East Pond Walk 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Led by NYC Bird Alliance

Birding for Beginners West Pond Walk 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Led by National Park Service rangers

Shorebird History and Management Presentation 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Led by Don Riepe (American Littoral Society)

 

 

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge

Schedule

Date:

Aug 16, 2026

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

4 hours

Event Type

  • Festival
Tags: shorebird festival, jamaica bay wildlife refuge, jamaica bay unit, gateway national recreation area, festival