The 2024 Festival
February 22–25, 2024
Each year since 1996, the Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, Texas has celebrated the annual return of the cranes to their wintering habitat at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. In 2024, the festival is back and ready to celebrate its 27th anniversary!
The four-day event will feature renowned speakers, birding trips, boating trips, nature tours, photography workshops, a trade show, and much more.
Get Tickets Here!
Whoop it up!
Every winter, Whooping Cranes make the long journey from northwestern Canada and central Wisconsin to winter along the Gulf Coast of Texas and a few other southeastern parts of the United States. Standing five feet tall and boasting a wingspan of 7.5 feet, they are quite a majestic sight. Nearing extinction in 1942, there were less than 25 Whooping Cranes in the world. Named after their “whooping” sound, an estimated 536 Whooping Cranes wintered in Texas in 2022 and 2023 returning to their favorite warm vacation spot every year. After an interesting courtship dance and a distinct duet, Whooping Cranes settle down with their partner and mate for life. Port Aransas is a winter spot for a family of Whoopers that can be seen in the marshlands of the Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture or at the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center snatching up blue crabs or other crustaceans and small fish.
Click here for the 2024 Whooping Crane Festival Schedule.
Book Your Festival Stay
Need A Place To Stay? Check Out These Host Hotels!
These host hotels have generously donated rooms to the Whooping Crane Festival that have made it possible for so many esteemed speakers and guides to come to Port Aransas for the festival. We are grateful for their support, and highly recommend you consider staying with them during Whooping Crane Festival or anytime you come stay in Port A!
Seashell Village Resort
- 502 E. Avenue G
Seashell Village Resort is the best of the best when it comes to Port Aransas hotels. Seashell has...
Alister Square Inn
- 122 S. Alister St.
We are within walking distance to great shopping, the beach and various restaurants. Alister Square...
Tropic Island Resort
- 315 Cut Off Rd.
Tropic Island Resort welcomes you to enjoy a slice of paradise on Mustang Island in Port Aransas,...
Best Western Port Aransas
- 400 E. Avenue G
Only three blocks from the Port Aransas beach, this family getaway offers everything a vacationer is...
Executive Keys
- 800 Access Rd. 1A
Executive Keys will delight you! Beautifully furnished condos, right at the beach! All with full...
The Tarpon Inn
- 200 E. Cotter Ave.
Key West, Texas? You didn’t know that a place like that exists in Texas! Once you’ve seen the Tarpon...
Lively Beach
- 138 Zahn Rd
Bringing good vibes to the Texas Coast, Lively Beach isn’t the typical vacation destination on...
Starkey Property Management by Portoro
- 121 Cut Off Rd.
Retreat safely to your next vacation destination with Starkey Properties and a superb selection of...
Angler's Court
- 403 N. Alister St.
Original fishing bungalows built in the early 1940’s, Angler’s Court is a gem in the heart of Old...
The Place Hotel
- 445 W. Cotter Ave.
Welcome to The Place Hotel, where you can get comfortable and enjoy our cool, friendly vibe. Just...
Sponsors
Thank You To The 2024 Whooping Crane Festival Sponsors!
Audubon Texas
Fox Pest Control
L&F Distributors
Land, Sea & Sky
Becker Vineyards
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Fly It! Port A Kite Shop