Festival of the Cranes
Festival of the Cranes returns to Decatur for its 11th year! January 13th-15th!
The 11th Annual Festival of the Cranes is coming to Decatur January 13th-15th, 2023! This incredible festival highlights the beautiful wildlife that migrates to Decatur each year. The festival will have many opportunities to see the majestic birds in action along with other fun and educational activities around the city. Learn about what each location is offering during the Festival of the Cranes weekend below!
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is the central location to view the stars of the festival, the incredible Sandhill and Whooping Cranes! You can enjoy bird walks, take photos of the amazing birds, attend a Birding 101 class, and so much more! The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge will be open for the festival starting at 8:00 AM on January 14th. The Wheeler Wildlife Refuge's visitors center is currently closed for renovations but the Observation Building will be open and will offer great views.
Saturday, January 14th, 2023
8:00 AM- 9:00 AM- Bird Walk- Join former Refuge Manager Dwight Cooley on a morning bird walk. Watch the cranes and other waterfowl begin their day.
9:00 AM- 10:00 AM- Birding 101: Learn the basics of birding on a bird walk around the visitor center grounds with Christopher Joe.
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM- Visit the Observation Building: View thousands of Sandhill cranes, Whooping cranes, waterfowl, geese, raptors, and perhaps a bald eagle from the comfort of a heated building. ( Building capacity is limited)
Sunday, January 15th, 2023
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM- Visit the Observation Building: View thousands of Sandhill cranes, Whooping cranes, waterfowl, geese, raptors, and perhaps a bad eagle from the comfort of a heated building. ( Building capacity is limited)
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM: Periodic Art demo Alabama artist Timothy M. Joe will be painting various nature scenes around the visitor's center.
Alabama Center for the Arts
The Alabama Center for the Arts will have opportunities to view both visual and performing art during the Festival of the Cranes! You can stroll through both buildings at the ACA to see gorgeous art work, listen to Q&As with wildlife professionals, take art classes, listen to lectures, or even join in a hands-on experience about reptiles and amphibians of Alabama.
Saturday January 14th, 2023
(Visual Arts Building- sits closest to 2nd Avenue)
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM: Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibit in Walking Gallery (*Main gallery is also open to the public featuring artist John "Jahni" Moore, Red Earth Invocation.)
9:00 AM- 11:00 AM: Paintbrush animals: "make and take activity". Room #113 Come and create your very own woodland critter using art supplies and paint brushes. All supplies are provided. This is a come and go event.
11:00 AM- 12:00 PM: 3M Room #118- Connecting with Birds and Nature. Christopher Joe talks about his interest in birding and guided bird tours, his father's influence in agriculture, and his video creation process.
1:00 PM- 2:30 PM: 3M Room #118- Susan Estes Junior Duck Stamp Workshop. 1 1/2 hour "one-stop shop" guide to drawing tips, composition ideas, and contest entry guidelines for the Jr. Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Contest. Supplies provided.
(Performing Arts Building- Recital Hall)
11:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Wild Alabama is partnering with Alabama Rivers Alliance to show the 2022 Southern Exposure films around north Alabama. Please join us for the Q&A session following the screening.
3:00 PM- 4:00 PM: International Crane Foundation's George Archibald: learn about the history of the organization and the role they are playing in protecting the cranes and saving the endangered Whooping cranes from extinction.
Sunday, January 15th, 2023
(Visual Arts Building)
9:00 AM- 5:00 PM: Festival of the Cranes Exhibit in Walking Gallery. (The main gallery also opens featuring artist John "Jahni" Moore, Red Earth Invocation.)
(Performing Arts Building)
11:00 AM- 12:00 PM: Jimmy Stiles Herpetologist & Nature lover Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. This hands-on experience is always a hit!
1:00 PM- 2:00 PM: International Crane Foundation's George Archibald: Learn the history of this organization and the role they are playing in protecting the cranes and saving the endangered Whooping Cranes from extinction.
3:00 PM- 4:00 PM: Jimmy Stiles Herpetologist & Nature Lover Mr. Stiles will share information about the reptiles and amphibians of Alabama.
The Carnegie Visual Arts Center
Make sure to stop by the Carnegie Visual Arts Center to view some incredible artwork done by wildlife artist Sophie McVicar. The Carnegie's gallery will be open to the public for FREE. Two watercolor workshops will also be offered during the Festival of the Cranes. The Carnegie Visual Arts Center will have special opening hours during the Festival of the Cranes.
Friday, January 13th: 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Saturday, January 14th: 10:00 AM- 3:00 PM
Sunday, January 15th: 12:00 PM- 3:00 PM
To register for the Watercolor workshops please visit the Carnegie Visual Art Center's Website below!
Cook Museum of Natural Science
Visit the Cook Museum of Natural Science for all sorts of educational fun during the Festival of the Cranes! You and your family can find out why whooping cranes are so amazing in the Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot presentations. There will also be craft opportunities, a selfie station, and all day dance party!
Saturday, January 14th, 2023
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM: Wild About Whoopers!
10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, Noon, 1:00 PM: Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot.
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Whooping Crane Selfie Station
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Craft: Coloring Activity
All Day Crane Dance Party!
All Day the Whoopers of Wheeler Video
Decatur Public Library
Decatur Public Library will have some fantastic events happening during the Festival of the Cranes. Children can enjoy story times from special guests, crafts, photo opportunities and more!
Friday, January 13th, 2023
2:00 PM: Decatur Public Library's Story Time at Delano Park
(Ms. Mary from Decatur Public Library and Jessie from the International Crane Foundation will sing songs and read books with the kids. Hope, the IFC mascot, will also be there!
Saturday, January 14th, 2023
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM: Kids' Crane Activities in the Library ( assorted crafts/activities, photo opportunities, scavenger hunt, and good bags.
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM: Free Meet and Greet Photo opportunity with Hope!
Sunday, January 15th, 2023
10:00 AM- 4:00 PM: Kids' crane activities in the Library (assorted crafts/activities, photo opportunities, scavenger hunt, and goodie bags)
2:30 PM Story Time with Zellie the Zoologist from Magical Memories, AL.
Meet and Greet
The mascot for the International Foundation of Cranes, Hope the crane will be visiting Decatur during the Festival of the Cranes! She will be at a few different locations around Decatur for meet and greets. Make sure to see where Hope will be during the festival to know when you can get a photo with her!
Friday, January 13th, 2023
10:30 AM- 11:30 AM: Free Meet and Greet and Photo Opportunity with Hope at the Cook Museum of Natural Science.
Saturday January 14th, 2023
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM: Free Meet and Greet and Photo Opportunity with Hope at the Decatur Public Library
The Old State Bank
Decatur's Old State Bank will be open for tours during the Festival of the Cranes! There will also be a student art exhibit displayed at the bank. Make sure to stop by during opening hours to see some incredible artwork and learn about the history of Decatur!
Friday, January 13th, 2023
9:30 AM- 11:30 AM: Open for tours and Student Art Show
Saturday, January 14th, 2023
9:30 AM- 11:30 AM: Student Art Show
The Princess Theatre
There are plenty of entertainment options for everyone at this year's Festival of the Cranes! With special guests who play instruments, fly incredible vehicles, perform magic, and work with live animals the Princess's weekend will be packed with awesome acts! Learn more about every show happening at the Princess Theatre during this year's Festival of the Cranes below!
Friday, January 13th, 2023
7:00 PM: Three On A String. Enjoy an evening of musical entertainment mixed with humor performed flawlessly by a group that has been together for 50 years! Tickets are available click the button below
Saturday January 14th, 2023
9:00 AM: Joe Duff: Operation Migration. Canadian Naturalist who helped pioneer micro-ultralight-led migration efforts with Canada geese and Whooping cranes.
11:00 AM: Wings to Soar: Enjoy seeing a selection of live raptors and hearing about the role they play in nature.
1:00 PM: Condors- Photographer Andrew Orr: Enjoy photographs of the amazing California Condor and hear more about their comeback from the edge of extinction.
2:30 PM: Wings to Soar: Enjoy seeing a selection of live raptors and hearing about the role they play in nature.
6:00 PM: Steve Trash: Totally Rockin' Environmental Science Show: This program makes science fun for children as Mr. Trash explores a wide range of themes, from ecosystems to solar energy.
Sunday, January 15th, 2023
11:00 AM- 12:00 PM: Joe Duff: Operation Migration. Canadian Naturalist who helped pioneer micro-ultralight-led migration efforts with Canada geese and Whooping cranes.
12:30 PM- 1:30 PM: Wings to Soar: Enjoy seeing a selection of live raptors and hearing about the role they play in nature.
2:00 PM- 3:00 PM: Arctic to Antarctica: Photographer Andrew Orr: Join Mr. Orr on a journey of photographs and information that will take you from the Arctic to Antarctica.
3:30 PM- 4:30 PM: Wings to Soar: Enjoy seeing a selection of live raptors and hearing about the role they play in nature!
For any updates or changes to the schedule of events please visit the Friends of Wheeler's website below!
