The Festival of the Cranes Returns January 12-14th 2024!
Have you seen the incredible migration of 14,000 Sandhill Cranes and Whooping Cranes in Decatur? Now is your chance! Festival of the Cranes returns to Decatur January 12-14th.

Get ready for an exhilarating experience at this year's Festival of the Cranes, where nature enthusiasts and wildlife experts come together for a celebration of migratory birds and educational entertainment. The festival spans multiple locations, offering a diverse range of activities and events sure to captivate all ages.
You can find these beautiful birds all across the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge! Make sure to check out the newly renovated facilities at the Wheeler Wildlife Refuge with their Visitor's Center, Photo blind, and Observation Tower. While visiting the picturesque refuge, attendees can join along in nature-centric activities, including birding walking tours, photography workshops, and other exciting events. Be on the lookout for the many different types of birds who also call the refuge home during your visit. Last year attendees saw endangered Whooping Cranes, many different breads of ducks, and even a bald eagle!
Once you have seen the magestic cranes at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge head to Downtown Decatur where the festivities continue! Decatur's attractions have curated an exciting array of activites featuring engaging sessions at the Princess Theatre, the Alabama Center for the Arts, the Decatur Public Library, the Cook Museum of Natural Science, and the Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum. From mesmerizing rock performances to educational presentations, art exhibitions, and interactive sessions, there's something for everyone.
Now, let's dive into the festival's schedule, unpacking the thrilling lineup of events at these varied locations, and offering a glimpse into what all the 2024 Festival of the Cranes has in store!

Schedule Breakdown
Friday, January 12th
Decatur Public Library sponsored: Story Time with Hope, the International Crane Foundation mascot at Delano Park (3:30 pm)
(If weather is an issue the story time location will be moved to Decatur Public Library stay tuned to Decatur Public Library's Website for updated information.)
Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum: Crane Train Display (1:30 pm-4:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: The Prescriptions- (7:00-9:30)
Saturday, January 13th:
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Visitors are welcome to explore the refuge's offerings such as the newly renovated Visitor's Center, Observation Tower, and Photography Blind. (7:00 am- 5:00 pm)
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Early Morning Birding with Dwight Cooley (7:00 am- 8:30 am) Registration is closed for this event.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Early Morning Birding with Christopher Joe (8:00 am- 9:30 am) Registration is closed for this event.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Photography Workshop: With Robert Smith (9:00- 10:30 am) Registration is closed for this event.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Afternoon Birding with Christopher Joe (1:00-2:30 pm) Registration is closed for this event.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Photography Workshop with Robert Smith (3:00-4:30 pm) Attendees must register to attend this event. Click here to register.
The Alabama Center for the Arts (ACA) Visual Arts Building: 10th Annual Juried Festival of the Cranes Art Exhibition
The ACA Performing Arts Building: Vickie Smith Batty About Bats ( 9:00 am-10:00 am)
The ACA Visual Arts Building: Wings & Flings Painting Party ( 10:00 am-12:00 pm)
The ACA Performing Arts Building: Dr. James B. McClintok: Lost Antarctica (11:00 am-12:00 pm )
The ACA Visual Arts Building: Jr. Duck Stamp Workshop with Tammie Clark ( 1:00 pm-2:00 pm)
The ACA Performing Arts Building: Stephanie Schmit: International Crane Foundation ( 2:00 pm -3:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: Wings to Soar (9:00 am-10:30 am)
The Princess Theatre: Teddy Roosevelt Show (11:00 am-12:30 pm)
The Princess Theatre: Wings to Soar (1:00 pm-2:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: PBS Star Steve Trash presents a magic show for all ages (3:00 pm-4:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: Movie Wings Over Water (5:00 pm-6:30 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Kids’ Activities: assorted crafts/activities, photo opportunity, scavenger hunt, and goodie bags for kids 12 & under (while supplies last)! (10:00 am—4:00 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Build a Crane Puppet! with Tsering Choedron from the Green Feather Foundation (10:00 am – 4:00 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Free Meet & Greet with Hope. (Photo opportunity with the mascot for the International Crane Foundation) (11:00 am – 11:45 am)
Decatur Public Library: Community Room Decatur Artist Terry Connor- His wildlife artwork in display cases January 2nd – January 30th (12:00pm)
Decatur Public Library: Community Room Wild Discoveries! with Heather Montgomery, Children's Book Author. Touch bones, pelts, and body parts to jumpstart your curiosity for nature exploration. (2:00pm)
Cook Museum of Natural Science: Cool Cranes! Science on the Spot: (10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 PM & 1:00 pm)
Cook Museum of Natural Science: Photo Station: (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Cook Museum of Natural Science: Craft & Coloring Activities: (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Cook Museum of Natural Science: The Whoopers At Wheeler Video: (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)
Cook Museum of Natural Science: Crane Dance Party: All Day
Cook Museum of Natural Science: Cool Crane Smoothie (available for purchase at Nature’s Table)
Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum: Crane Train Display (10:00 AM- 12:00 PM)
Sunday, January 14th
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge:
Visitors are welcome to explore the refuge's offerings such as the newly renovated Visitor's Center, Observation Tower, and Photography Blind. (8:00 am- 5:00 pm)
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Early Morning Birding with Teddy Roosevelt ( 8:00 am -9:30 am) Attendees must register to attend this event. Click here to register.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Photography workshop with Bobby Harrison (10:00 am-11:30 am) Attendees must register to attend this event. Click here to register.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Birding with Christopher Joe (11:00 am-12:30 pm )Attendees must register to attend this event. Click here to register.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge: Photography Workshop with Bobby Harrison ( 1:00 pm-2:30 pm) Attendees must register to attend this event.Click here to register.
The ACA: Performing Arts Building: Vickie Smith Batty About Bats (10:00 am-11:00 am) -Recital Hall
The ACA: Performing Arts Building: Jimmy Stiles: Reptiles ( 11:30 am-12:30 pm) - Recital Hall
The ACA: Performing Arts Building: Dr. James B. MiClintok: Lost in Antartica (1:30 pm-2:30 pm) - Recital Hall
The ACA: Performing Arts Building: Jimmy Stiles Reptiles (3:00 pm -4:00 pm) - Recital Hall
The Princess Theatre: Wings to Soar ( 11:00 am-12:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: Teddy Roosevelt Show (1:00 pm-2:00 pm)
The Princess Theatre: Wings to Soar (3:00 pm-4:00 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Kids’ Activities: assorted crafts/activities, photo opportunity, scavenger hunt, and goodie bags for kids 12 & under (while supplies last)! (10:00 am—4:00 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Build a Crane Puppet with Tsering Choedron from the Green Feather Foundation (10:00am – 1:30pm)
Decatur Public Library: Free Meet & Greet with Hope (Photo opportunity with the mascot for the International Crane Foundation) (11:00 am – 11:45 am)
Decatur Public Library: Wild Discoveries! with Heather Montgomery, Childrens Book Author Touch bones, pelts, and body parts to jumpstart your curiosity for nature exploration. (Community Room) (12:00 pm)
Decatur Public Library: Stephanie Schmidt – International Crane Foundation Whooping Cranes in the Eastern Population (Community Room) (2:00 pm)
Not sure where to find the events? We've got you covered! Listed below are the addresses of each participating location of the Festival of the Cranes 2024.
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge located at: 3121 Visitors Center Rd, Decatur, AL 35603
Alabama Center for the Arts located at: 133 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
The Princess Theatre is located at: 112 2nd Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
The Decatur Public Library is located at: 504 Cherry St NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Cook Museum of Natural Science
is located at: 133 4th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601
The Historic Decatur Union Train Depot & Railroad Museum is located at: 701 Railroad St NW, Decatur, AL 35601
If you are worried about parking, we have a solution for you!
On Saturday, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Narcog is providing a complimentary shuttle services from the Priceville Event Center to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge. Their generosity ensures that attendees can easily navigate between locations without worrying about parking. If you plan on attending the festival at Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday we highly suggest using the free shuttle service to avoid long lines for parking. We are very appreciative to Narcog for their incredible support in making this year's Festival of the Cranes even more accessible and enjoyable!
The Priceville Event Center is located at 250 Marco Dr, Decatur, AL 35603.

The Festival of the Cranes promises an extraordinary lineup of talent, featuring captivating presenters, esteemed authors, dedicated conservationists, acclaimed photographers, and top-notch entertainment. Each individual brings a unique expertise and passion for wildlife, conservation, education, and entertainment, collectively enriching the festival's diverse array of experiences. From insightful talks by renowned environmentalists to engaging demonstrations by seasoned photographers, the festival offers a vibrant tapestry of knowledge, entertainment, and inspiration. Below, you'll find a concise description of each presenter, providing a preview of the exceptional talent awaiting you at this incredible event.
Step back in time and relive the magic of a previous Festival of the Cranes through this captivating recap video from the Alabama Tourism Department! Join us on a nostalgic journey, catching a glimpse of the joy, wonder, and excitement that awaits at the upcoming festival. From breathtaking bird sightings to educational workshops and lively entertainment, this recap video offers a taste of the incredible experiences that make the Festival of the Cranes a must-attend event. Get ready to be inspired and mark your calendars for this year's festival, promising even more unforgettable moments and new adventures in store!
For more details about this year's festival please contact us at 256-350-2028 or visit the Friends Of Wheeler Website linked below!

