Ijams Hummingbird Festival

Back by popular demand, this year’s event will include more activities, a maker marketplace, animals encounters, speaker series, and so much more. You’ll have a great time while you experience birds up close, meet local artists, learn from local bird nerds, enjoy guided walks and dipnetting, and encounter nature at all levels through the wonder of wings! Space is limited. Activities will be held on the Ijams Homesite lawn and surrounding areas. Learn more about all the additions to the 2024 Ijams Hummingbird Festival: A Celebration of Wings at Ijams.org/ijams-hummingbird-festival

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS: Includes all festival activities (EXCEPT Bird Banding session) – including expanded maker’s marketplace, kids zone, live animal shows, food trucks, speakers, community science opps, nature walks, local vendors, etc.

Adults – $12 (ages 13-99+)
Kids – $9 (ages 3-12)
Ages 0-2 – Free

MEMBERS – Get 10% of their ticket price! (Call our front desk to get your membership verified and receive a discount code for this event)

ADD-ONS: Bird Banding Session Reservation – $5 (See tickets for times)

Parking is not included in ticket.

Bird Banding Station – Reserve your spot now to get a behind-the scenes look at how scientists capture birds, how they are banded, and why banding is important with certified master bander Mark Armstrong! This year, the bird banding station will capture ALL birds, including hummingbirds!

NOTE: Like most birds, hummingbirds are MOST ACTIVE early in the morning, so your best chance of seeing a ruby-throated hummingbird is at the beginning of the event! Banding demonstrations are scheduled in 25-minute sessions and attendance is limited in each group to ensure an intimate experience. PLEASE note which time slot you sign up for!​

Live Animal Shows – See different birds of prey (owls, hawks, kestrels, etc.) as local rehabbers get you close up and personal with these amazing flyers

Marketplace – Explore the variety of local artists that will be sharing their art including; handcrafted art, nature themed items, local plant nurseries and garden vendors.

Guided Walks – Join Ijams teacher naturalists on guided walks that focus on a variety of bird-related topics and nerd out on nature. Explore Ijams’ trails to witness the natural wonders that are available year-round! (Accessible walks provided!)

​Educational Booths and Activities – Experience educational and engaging activities for all ages under the big tent! You’ll explore and celebrate the wonders of birds and all things with wings.

Kids Nature Zone – Kids can be curious in the Nature Zone! Experience an area dedicated to actively engaging all kids and families in the wildness and fun nature can provide. Get messy with art projects and crafts, be curious conducting experiments or measuring your wing span, challenge your skills at our migration station, become a junior naturalist’s along side our expert educators, and much more.

Speakers and Hands-on Sessions – Join one of our experts as they share their knowledge of hummingbirds or learn how to make your own bird food to attract wildlife. No matter the topic, all ages can learn and participate in getting more involved in backyard wildlife.

Community Science Opportunities – Learn how to do real research NOW; it’s easier than you think!

Dipnetting – Explore the ponds to look for life with Ijams educators! You’ll find salamanders, frogs, turtles, butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, and other winged creatures during their aquatic stages of life!​

Ijams Animal Ambassadors – Meet some of the animals who call Ijams home. Learn more about and experience close encounters with reptiles and birds of prey.

Vendors and Booths – Enjoy visiting festival sponsors, environmental organizations, and other partners doing amazing things in the local community that help protect all things winged.

Educational Materials for Parents and Families – Get fun, educational materials to work on with your kids at home!

Huge thanks to our sponsors: Accenture, HomeTrust Bank, Stanley’s Greenhouse, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and Wild Birds Unlimited Maryville.