Celebrate Nature, Art & Community at the Festival of the Cranes
Each winter, Decatur becomes a gathering place for nature lovers, artists, families, and birding enthusiasts as we celebrate one of our region’s most remarkable natural events—the return of the sandhill cranes. The Festival of the Cranes returns January 9–11, 2026, bringing a full weekend of free programs, performances, and hands-on experiences to venues across Decatur.
From late fall through early spring, thousands of sandhill cranes migrate to North Alabama, making Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge one of the best places in the country to witness their graceful flight and unforgettable calls. Festival programming offers visitors a deeper understanding of these incredible birds through expert-led talks, storytelling, and interactive experiences that celebrate both the cranes and the landscape they depend on.
Events take place throughout Decatur at beloved community venues including the Cook Museum of Natural Science, Alabama Center for the Arts, Decatur Public Library, and The Princess Theatre.
Friday, January 9
- Meet & Greet with Hope – Meet the mascot of the International Crane Foundation at the Cook Museum of Natural Science (12:00–1:00 PM)
- Storytime with Hope – A free storytime for all ages at the Decatur Public Library (4:00–5:00 PM)
- The Cleverlys – Live performance at The Princess Theatre (7:00–9:00 PM; ticketed event)
Saturday, January 10
Saturday is packed with educational programs, art experiences, and live performances:
- How to Befriend an Eagle: A Global Falconry Tradition with Dr. Lauren McGough – The Princess Theatre
- Cranes Can Dance? with Amber Coger – Alabama Center for the Arts
- Wild About Whoopers – Sponsored by Decatur Morgan Hospital at the Cook Museum of Natural Science
- Make & Take Art Activities – Family-friendly fun at the Alabama Center for the Arts
- Wings to Soar – Live raptor show at The Princess Theatre
- Paul Bannick: Woodpecker – A Year in the Lives of North American Woodpeckers – Alabama Center for the Arts
- Storytimes, nature journaling, and slow birding presentations hosted throughout the day at the Cook Museum and Decatur Public Library
Sunday, January 11
- Investigative Journalism & Climate News with Lee Hedgepeth – Alabama Center for the Arts
- Meet & Greet with Hope – Decatur Public Library (1:00–2:00 PM)
- Photography Tips with Donald Hood – Decatur Public Library
- Into Woodpeckers with Michael Forsberg – The Princess Theatre
- Southern Exposure Films – Presented by the Alabama River Alliance
- President & CEO of the International Crane Foundation, Dr. Richard Beilfuss – Closing presentation at The Princess Theatre
The Festival of the Cranes blends nature with creativity, offering:
- Wildlife-inspired art exhibits and demonstrations
- Live music and raptor shows
- Educational talks led by nationally recognized speakers
- Family-friendly activities designed to inspire curiosity in young explorers
Festival weekend is the perfect time to explore historic downtown Decatur, enjoy local restaurants and coffee shops, browse unique boutiques, or take in scenic Tennessee River views. Many festival events are within walking distance, making it easy to enjoy the city between programs.
At its heart, the Festival of the Cranes celebrates conservation, education, and community. By highlighting the sandhill cranes and the habitats they rely on, the festival encourages stewardship and appreciation for the natural world.
All Festival of the Cranes events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted, and no registration is required for most programs. Mark your calendar for January 9–11, 2026, and join us in Decatur for a weekend where wildlife, art, and community come together—and unforgettable memories take flight.
FOR MORE INFO AND A FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND VISIT: https://www.visitdecatural.org/FOC26 OR SCAN THE QR CODE BELOW!
