The 2026 Festival

February 19–22, 2026

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 2026, the festival is back and ready to celebrate its 29th 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 fewer than 25 Whooping Cranes in the world. For the 2024–2025 wintering season, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated a record number of 557 whooping cranes wintering along the Texas Gulf Coast, marking the highest count ever recorded for this endangered flock. This is a slight increase from the previous year, when 310 whooping cranes wintered in Texas. 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.

ICF Whooping Crane migration map

Enjoy all things Whooping Crane at this year's festival. Enjoy tours, lectures, and workshops that will immerse you in new experiences involving these amazing birds.

Click here for the 2026 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, which has 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 the Whooping Crane Festival or anytime you come to stay in Port A!