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Summer Concert Series

Summer Concert Series

 

 

Please note: The 2025 Summer Concert Series has ended at Eagle Creek. Follow the park on Facebook or Instagram for updates on 2026 dates and artists!

Free Concerts at Eagle Creek Park

Get ready to enjoy beautiful music in a stunning natural setting with the Eagle Creek Park summer concert series! Eagle Creek Park is proud to host a free concert series as part of various events around the city. 

Unique Outdoor Concerts

These unique performances offer you the chance to enjoy music in a picturesque outdoor environment, including special “In Concert with Nature” and “Jazz at the Beach” events. While the concert series itself is free, regular park admission applies to enter Eagle Creek Park. 

How to Enjoy the Concerts

For a comfortable and memorable experience at Eagle Creek Beach, we encourage you to bring your own food, drinks, chairs, blankets, and anything else you need for your time on the lawn.

Many attendees also enjoy these concerts from their boats, kayaks, or paddleboards on the water, taking advantage of the park’s expansive 1,300-acre reservoir for a unique “kayaking concert” experience. 

Learn About the Concert Series

Free Admission with a Foundation Pass

If you want to come to every concert, you should get a Foundation Pass! A Foundation Pass grants free access to the park and other member benefits.

Get A Pass

LOCATION:

7602 Eagle Beach Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46254 >

CONTACT:

317-327-7110

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

WEBSITE:

Indy Parks Site >

Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

Marina

Marina

Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

Causeway

Causeway

About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

Beach

Beach

Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

Golf Club

Golf Club

Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

Wildflower Weekend

Wildflower Weekend

Fire Pinks at Eagle Creek

Get Full Schedule

Wildflowers for All!

Wildflower Weekend is a celebration of the beautiful variety of wildflowers that emerge each spring. Whether you love trout lilies, mayapples, goldenrods, or other spring ephemerals, you’re sure to see stunning blooms during your visit.

In addition to wildflower hikes, the weekend features exciting programs like Frog Call Frenzy, Box Turtles and Blooms, and Nature’s Stinkers. The outdoor education staff at the Earth Discovery Center has decades of combined experience—you’re bound to learn something new and have a blast doing it!

Wildflower Weekend is a fundraiser for the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers. Proceeds from the event support the care of the center’s animal ambassadors, including turtles, salamanders, a skunk and more. So whether you take home the new event t-shirt or purchase some native plants, you’ll be supporting the work of the Earth Discovery Center!

Support the Earth Discovery Center >

Register for a hike or event*
Give Back

*registration not required for most hikes and events

LOCATION:

Earth Discovery Center (other locations for specific events)

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

ECPF@eaglecreekpark.org

DATE and HOURS:

Friday April 18, 2025, 1:00 – 5:30 pm

Saturday April 19, 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sunday April 20, 2025, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

EVENT DETAILS:

Indy Parks Wildflower Weekend Event Page >

Flowers and Fundraising

Support the Earth Discovery Center

Wildflower weekend: More than just a good time

Wildflower Weekend is more than a hike—it’s a chance to explore spring blooms with local experts and support the Earth Discovery Center, one of Eagle Creek Park’s two nature centers.

Many kids visit the Earth Discovery Center on their first trip to the park. It’s home to snakes, turtles, fish, salamanders—even axolotls—and plays a big role in nature education.

The Eagle Creek Park Foundation helps cover costs Indy Parks can’t—like animal care, food, and vet services.

You can support this work by picking up the Wildflower Weekend shirt, buying native plants, or making a donation. Sales take place at the Earth Discovery Center, with events happening throughout the park all weekend.

Donate!

Updates Straight from the Source

Follow on Facebook

Hike updates, tips and tricks

The naturalists at the Earth Discovery Center do an excellent job keeping the public up to date with programming and events. Besides the schedules and links above, following the Facebook page is one of the best ways to stay informed and engaged!

Get Full Schedule
Register for a hike or event

Kids Fishing Derby

KIDS FISHING DERBY

Kids Fishing Derby

 

Register for Fishing Derby

No license, no fees, just fun!

Join us for the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s Free Fishing Derby, a beloved tradition for over 25 years! Held on DNR’s free fishing day, no license is needed, and park entry fees are waived for families attending the event—so you can enjoy a full day at Eagle Creek Park.

Kids ages 4-14 and their families are invited to this catch-and-release event from 9 am to 1 pm. Fishing poles, bobbers, and bait are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, but feel free to bring your own gear. After fishing and free hot dogs, feel free to stay to explore the park’s beauty.

Many families bring chairs, blankets, and coolers for a comfortable, fun-filled day!

Register for Fishing Derby
Watch: A look back at Fishing Derby

Fishing Derby Registration

Register

Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 9 am to 1 pm
Cost: Free!
Location: Lilly Lake >, Eagle Creek Park

Park entry, fishing gear rental, and lunch are all provided at no cost to the visitor.

The event is scheduled during a DNR Free Fishing Day.

Complete this form to let us know you’re coming. We prepare fishing gear and food for anyone who attends!

Register the whole family for the Kids Free Fishing Derby!

Volunteer and Sponsorship Opportunities

Want to Volunteer?

Eagle Creek Park Foundation needs volunteers to make the Kids Fishing Derby a reality! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. We need help before, during, and after the event with any of the following:

  • Fishing Guidance
  • Registration
  • Setup and Tear-Down
  • Parking
  • Distribution of Fishing Gear

Reach out about volunteering >

Sponsors

While The Kids Fishing Derby is funded entirely by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, we invite area businesses to donate food, goody bag items, bait or fishing gear. If you or a business you know may be interested in becoming a sponsor, please email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org to find out more. A nonprofit acknowledgment will be provided to donors.

Reach out about sponsorships >

Directions

The easiest way to access Lilly Lake is to enter through the 71st Street entrance, and then take your first left (65th St.), then take the first right (Lilly Lake Dr.), then right at the tee in the road.

As you enter the park, let the gate attendant know you’re here for the Fishing Derby, participants will have gate fees waived.

Fishing Derby Photo Gallery

A young girl with braided hair fishing by a serene lake, wearing a blue hoodie and holding a fishing rod.
A child wearing a mask holds a caught fish while fishing by a lake, showcasing a fishing rod and bobber in the background.
A family fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a child and an adult casting fishing lines into calm waters surrounded by greenery.
Eagle Creek Park Foundation table setup near a pond, showcasing brochures and promotional materials for visitors.
Group of children fishing by a lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and family bonding moments.
A mother and her child fishing by a serene lake, showcasing a bonding moment in nature with fishing gear and a calm water backdrop.
Outdoor pavilion with people preparing food and snacks on a table, surrounded by greenery.
Two volunteers at a charity event with a snack table featuring chips, condiments, and drinks in a natural outdoor setting.
Children fishing by a serene pond surrounded by greenery, showcasing outdoor family activities and nature exploration.
A vibrant community gathering along a lakeside with people enjoying nature and activities amidst lush greenery.
Group of people fishing by a pond, showcasing community engagement in outdoor activities.
Group of people fishing by a lake, including adults and children with fishing rods and tackle boxes.
A child with curly hair fishing by a serene lake, showcasing outdoor recreational activities and nature.
A child fishing from the shore while an adult stands nearby, surrounded by greenery and a calm water body.
Fishing

Fishing

Enjoy some peaceful fishing at Eagle Creek Park.

Iron Eagle Paddle Run

Iron Eagle

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

 

Iron Eagle Paddle and Run

Indy’s most enjoyable summer challenge!

Iron Eagle is a unique run-paddle-run adventure race designed for all fitness levels and experience levels. Iron Eagle serves as a fundraiser for Eagle Creek Park’s trails.

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just looking for a fun challenge, this race offers a scenic and exciting course through Eagle Creek Park’s trails and reservoir.

The race centers around a 1.5-mile paddle on Eagle Creek reservoir, sandwiched between two 2.6-mile runs through Eagle Creek Park’s beautiful wooded trails.

Individuals and relay teams can participate. All participants receive a medal, t-shirt and access to the post-race party. Register below!

About the Race >      More Info >     Race Experience & Results >

Register for Iron Eagle

Support the park

Eagle Creek Park Foundation presents Iron Eagle – a relaxed race for all ages and abilities. Proceeds from the race go to Eagle Creek Park’s trail maintenance fund >.

The trail maintenance fund was used to build a new bridge on the Orange trail in 2023, which competitors now run over during the race!

In 2026, using the funds raised, the Iron Eagle committee has set their sights on renovating the amphitheater and Red Trail behind the Earth Discovery Center. These enhancements will increase the usability, sustainability, and safety of that section of the trail! Phase 1 of the project was completed in July 2025, Check out Phase 1 >

Donate to the Trail Fund

Iron Eagle 2026

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

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Second(s)

Register for Iron Eagle

About the Race

Iron Eagle Course Map

Download Course Map

About the Race

Iron Eagle is a run-paddle-run adventure race for individuals and teams of all ages and ability levels. The race features a 2.6-mile trail run, a 1.5-mile paddle, and another 2.6-mile trail run back to the finish at the Eagle Creek Park swimming beach for the post-race party.

This event showcases the amazing trails and open water of Eagle Creek Park while offering a fun and scenic challenge. Proceeds support trail maintenance and improvements at Eagle Creek Park.

Date and Time
  • August 8, 2026
  • 6:30 am-7:30 am boat drop-off, at marina
  • 6:30 am – 7:30 am check-in/registration, & packet pick-up at beach
  • 8 am race starts at the beach.
  • Post-race party concludes at 12 pm.
Pricing
  • Priced per person, team information below
  • Proceeds benefit Eagle Creek trail fund
  • $60 before June 8th
  • $70 before July 8th
  • $80 before August 2nd
  • $90 from August 3rd until race day
  • Foundation members receive a $10 discount for Iron Eagle. Become a member today >
Register for Iron Eagle

Race Experience and Results

Iron Eagle Race Day

Iron Eagle Photo Gallery

Iron Eagle participants range in age, gender, and ability level. The only thing they have in common is that all finishers receive a custom Iron Eagle medal. 

Prior Years' Photos
Group of runners participating in a race on a gravel path near a lake.
Two male runners participating in a trail race through a wooded area.
Group of runners participating in a trail run through a wooded area.
Three women running along a wooded trail during a race in a forested area.
A woman in a green tank top running on a wooded trail with other runners in the background.
A male runner wearing a backpack running on a forest trail surrounded by greenery.
Two individuals running on a forest trail, one waving and the other smiling, both wearing race bibs.
Multiple kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with two individuals observing from a railing.
Two individuals paddling in a double kayak on calm water with blue paddles.
Individual paddling a bright yellow kayak on calm water, wearing a blue life jacket and a headband.
An adult and a child paddling together in a double kayak on calm water.
A group of kayakers paddling on a calm body of water with several boats in the background.
Individual paddling a turquoise solo kayak on calm water with a paddle.
A man in swim shorts and a life jacket exiting an orange kayak onto a riverbank.
Individual paddling a kayak on calm water with a paddle in hand.
Individual paddling a red and yellow kayak on calm water with a paddle.
A runner in an orange tank top crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.
Two women crossing the finish line of a race with arms raised in celebration.
A male runner crossing the finish line at Eagle Creek Park event with a camera in hand.
A man and woman running together across a finish line at Eagle Creek Park event.
Iron Eagle Results

Check out race results from 2019 onward by clicking below! The gallery highlights our 2024 winners. Awards are given for Male and Female Individual, 2-Person Team, and 2-Person Relay categories. (The 3-Person Relay category is not awarded.)

Prior Years' Results
Two women standing together, one holding a trophy and the other wearing a medal, in an outdoor event setting.
A man in athletic wear receiving a paddle award from a woman in a casual shirt at an outdoor event.
Three women holding paddles and awards after a competition, smiling at the camera.
Two male relay race winners holding wooden paddles and medals, smiling at the camera.
Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.
2024 Iron Eagle with Foundation Staff

 In 2024 Eagle Creek Park Foundation Staff decided to participate in Iron Eagle – and we had a blast!  We particularly enjoyed making our team name: “Titanium Turkeys” into a fabulous t-shirt and getting to meet many of the participants on the day of the event. Also we technically won the 3-Person Relay, as we were the only entrants in the category for 2024.

2024 Iron Eagle Staff Takeaways

Our staff team had a blast at Iron Eagle 2024 and learned a few things along the way! The race atmosphere is fun and welcoming, no intense training is required to enjoy it, and many participants return year after year. If you’ve ever thought about joining, now’s the perfect time to sign up!

Group of participants running in a race, some wearing numbered bibs and athletic clothing.
A woman running on a trail in a forest, with other runners visible in the background.
Individual paddling a turquoise kayak on calm water, wearing a gray shirt and a cap.
A participant in athletic attire crossing a finish line at an Eagle Creek Park Foundation event.
Three individuals wearing gray t-shirts and medals, smiling and holding snack bars at an event.

More Information

Iron Eagle Divisions

You will select your division when you register on the race website

Individual
  • One person completes the entire race by themselves.
  • This includes both the run stages and the paddle stage.
  • Historically, it is our most popular division.
  • 1st place male and female individuals receive an award.
2-Person Team
  • Both participants run both running stages and the paddle stage
  • Teams can consist of two people of any gender.
  • Teams are welcome to use two single boats or a double boat
  • Participants need to stay within 50 feet of their teammate
  • Boat(s) must remain in the boat transition area until both runners have arrived
  • Finish time and place are based on when the last runner crosses the finish line.
  • One award is presented to the winning team for this category.
2-Person Relay
  • Relays can consist of two people of any gender.
  • One person runs both running stages, and the other completes the paddle stage.
  • The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the runner arrives.
  • One award is presented to the winning team for this category.
3-Person Relay
  • Relays can consist of three people of any gender.
  • One person runs the first run stage, the second completes the paddle, and the third person runs the second run stage.
  • The paddle person and boat need to stay in the boat transition area until the first runner arrives
  • The second runner must stay in the boat transition area until the paddle portion is complete
  • 3-person relay teams are welcome, but will not be eligible for the awards
    Register for Iron Eagle

    Iron Eagle FAQ

    If you have additional Iron Eagle questions, email ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org

    Is there a course map?

    The Iron Eagle course used for the 10th anniversary race has become our standard race and can be found here Iron Eagle Course Overview

    Can I bring my own kayak/canoe/watercraft?

    Competitors and teams are allowed to bring their own watercraft, provided you also bring your own appropriate lifejacket(s) and paddles.

    Are watercraft rentals available?

    Yes. Kayak and canoe rentals are available in advance through Eagle Creek Outfitters on a first-come, first-served basis. $10 from every boat rental benefits the Foundation. Rentals come equipped with paddles and life jackets.

    Single dugout & sit-on-top kayaks are $28. Double kayaks & canoes are $33.

    What are the award categories?

    Winners will be honored in the following categories:

    • First place individual female
    • First place individual male
    • First place two-person team (2 participants complete the entire race together)
    • First place two-person relay team (2 participants, each completes 1 or 2 stages)
    Where can I park?
    • The race begins and ends at the beach.
    • Race check-in, packet pick-up, and registration all occur at the beach.
    • There is plenty of parking at the beach for competitors and spectators alike.
    • Before the race, you’ll need to visit the marina to drop off your watercraft or pick up your rental.
    • Plenty of temporary parking at the marina while you get your watercraft situated before the race.
    Can I volunteer at Iron Eagle?

    We’d love to have you! We need help with the following:

    • Water aid stations
    • Road crossings
    • Medal distribution
    • Registration
    • T-shirt distribution
    • Boat management
    • The after party

    Please contact ecpf@eaglecreekpark.org for volunteer information.

    Foundation Staff, Board members and volunteers all pitching in

    Are spectators allowed?

    This race starts and ends at the beach with the marina serving as the transition area. Spectators are welcome to view the race at either location.

    Note that you won’t be able to drive between the marina and the beach once the race begins. 

    2026 Iron Eagle Sponsors

    Go Ape Treetop Adventure logo featuring a tree icon and bold typography, representing outdoor adventure activities.
    1st Source Bank logo featuring bold typography and a distinctive design, representing the bank's brand identity.
    Burnside Builders logo featuring a modern design with circular elements in green and beige colors, representing construction and design.
    Eagle Creek Outfitters logo featuring a kayaker and flowing water design, representing outdoor adventure and water sports.
    Three Sixty Group logo featuring a circular design and bold typography in orange and black, representing the brand's identity.
    Nogginwerks logo featuring the brand name in a modern font, suitable for branding and marketing purposes.
    Forte Sports Medicine and Orthopedics logo featuring bold typography in black and white, emphasizing health and wellness in sports.
    Assemble logo featuring geometric shapes and text, representing purpose-driven real estate solutions.
    IWM Consulting Group logo featuring a recycling symbol and bold text, emphasizing sustainability and consulting services.

    Bird Fest

    Bird Fest

    Graphic for Birdfest 2025 featuring a yellow warbler and event details.

    Celebrate Spring Migration

    Bird Fest is an annual celebration held during the spring bird migration at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center >. Birds from all over the Western Hemisphere fly incredibly long distances to find their summer nesting spots.

    Eagle Creek Park is located in the Mississippi Flyway which means hundreds of beautiful bird species pass through the Park! Visitors may see Red-Winged Blackbirds, Bluebirds, Sandhill Cranes, and warblers of many varieties!

    The Ornithology Center staff plans hikes and other events, calling on experts and volunteers to make the event an unforgettable day (or weekend!) of birding fun. See full schedule >

    View 2025 Schedule

    Donate to the Birds

    Besides being a weekend full of hikes, events, and family fun, Bird Fest is a fundraiser for Eagle Creek Park’s Ornithology Center. Click the button to donate to the Ornithology Center and support the work they do in caring for the Avian Ambassadors!

    Donate Now

    LOCATION:

    Ornithology Center

    6515 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

    CONTACT:

    317.327.2473 (BIRD) >

    HOURS:

    For 2025

    Saturday 5/10 : 10 am – 5:00 pm

    Sunday 5/11: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

    WEBSITE:

    Indy Parks >

    Other Offerings at Eagle Creek Park

    Marina

    Marina

    Launch your kayak or paddleboard from the Marina at Eagle Creek Park.

    Boat Ramp

    Boat Ramp

    Get in the water at the Boat Ramp at Eagle Creek Park.

    Causeway

    Causeway

    About the 56th Street Causeway at Eagle Creek Park.

    Beach

    Beach

    Go for a swim at the beach at Eagle Creek Park!

    Golf Club

    Golf Club

    Fore! Play a round at the Eagle Creek Golf Club.

    Owl Fest

    OWLFEST 2025

    Sponsored By Wild Birds Unlimited

     

     

    ABOUT OwlFest:

    Free with Park admission, OwlFest is the Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! Thank you to our 2025 sponsor, Wild Birds Unlimited!

    Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, noon – 7 p.m. daily at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center. For a full list of daily activites, times and locations, scroll down.

    All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

    What’s included? Crafts, games, wildlife programs and more! all FREE with park admission, no ticket required.

    DONATE TO THE ORNITHOLOGY CENTER

    OwlFest 2025 is scheduled for October 18th and 19th. Festival hours are 12-7pm on Saturday and Sunday at the Ornithology Center (OC) (6515 Delong Rd) but some programs are scheduled before these hours. Mark Booth’s live owl presentations will be at Lilly Lake Shelter this year due to highly anticipated crowds.

    Activites include owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, the silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit the raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course, and explore our exhibits.
    All funds raised go to the Ornithology Center and our Avian Ambassadors! Thank you to our presenting sponsor, WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED, the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, and our other sponsors for making this event possible.

    SATURDAY OCTOBER 18th

    Ornithology Center open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
    12:00 pm – 6:30 pm  Activities, Crafts, & Tables at the Ornithology Center
    Owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, quidditch, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit our raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course, and explore our exhibits. Come in costume and get a free piece of candy or small prize!
    10:00 am – 12:00 pm Feminist Bird Club Morning Bird Hike Location: Ornithology Center
    “The Feminist Birding Club is for LGBTQ+, disabled folks, BIPOC & women with chapters across the so-called US, Canada & Europe.” The Indianapolis chapter of FBC will meet us at the Ornithology Center for a bird walk at 10am. Join the Feminist Bird Club of Indianapolis for a .5 mile walk to Lilly Lake on the Red Trail. Rain or shine. All genders, ages and levels of experience are welcome.
    Trail: 0.5 miles, easy, fairly accessible
    12:00 – 12:30 pm  Owl Trainer Chat Location: Ornithology Center
    Have you ever wondered how the Ornithology Center trains their Raptor Ambassadors? Learn about animal behavior and contemporary training methods from OC Manager Jenna McElroy and see our two owl ambassadors in their new enclosures.
    12:30 – 1:00 pm Owl Hike to Lilly Lake Location: Ornithology Center
    Planning to watch Mark Booth’s Owl Program at 1:00 pm at Lilly Lake? You can either park around Lilly Lake or at the Ornithology Center! If you are at the Ornithology Center around 12:30, we will be hiking over to Lilly Lake as a group with binoculars to enjoy the fall leaves and birds we see along the trail.
    Trail: 0.5 miles, easy, fairly accessible
    1:00 – 2:00 pm Live Owls with Mark Booth (Take Flight!) Location: Lilly Lake Shelter
    At the Lilly Lake Shelter this year! One of our most popular Owl Fest programs! Local falconer and wildlife educator, Mark Booth, will teach you all about the amazing nocturnal adaptations of owls, with a little help from his live owl coworkers.
    1:00 – 1:30 pm Skunk Saturdays Location: Earth Discovery Center
    Get up-close and personal with our sweet and stinky skunk! Each Saturday at 1pm, Stinkerbell the Skunk comes out for a training session with one of her trainers. Ask questions, learn about skunks in Indiana and beyond, and discover how we train our animal ambassadors. This program takes place indoors in the Earth Discovery Center’s main exhibit hall at Eagle Creek Park. The skunk will be in a pen with her trainer, and NO touching or handling by the public is permitted.
    1:30 – 2:30 pm Native Plant Garden Tours Location: Ornithology Center
    Join Volunteer Naturalist, Laura Graham, for a casual tour of the garden spaces around the OC to find out ‘what’s growing on’ with native plants! Learn about the complex relationships between plants, insects & birds, and how even a small garden plot can harbor enormous diversity, support wildlife, and if necessary, improve water drainage.
    2:00 – 6:00 pm Face Painting Booth  Location: Ornithology Center
    Fly on by to our artist Tiphanny’s booth, to make your face-painting dreams a reality! Free, but donations/tips accepted.
    2:30 – 3:00 pm  Raptor Feeding Time Location: Ornithology Center
    Watch one of the naturalists feed the birds of prey in their enclosures at the Ornithology Center. They eat quickly so don’t be late!
    3:00 – 4:00 pm  Big Trees & Owl Habitat Hike Location: Ornithology Center
    Eagle Creek Park is home to trees that were living before colonizers arrived in the 1800s! During this hike, you will explore a forest containing champion-size trees of several species and their connected family groves. This forest ecosystem near the Ornithology Center has experienced less disturbance historically than other areas in the park, preserving important habitat for owls. Led by Eagle Creek Park Volunteer Marty Risch.
    Trail: 1 mile, easy, fairly accessible.
    3:30 – 4:30 pm Fantastic Beasts & Dragonology Location: Ornithology Center
    Turns out, you don’t need to go to wizard school to meet magical creatures. Some of them live right in our backyard! Join a dragonologist to discover the fantastic abilities of all sorts of animals and meet a few of them up-close and personal. Photo ops included!
    4:00 – 7:00 pm S’mores & Campfire  Location: Ornithology Center
    Enjoy cooking a perfectly toasted (or perfectly burnt) s’more from 4-7pm. S’mores supplies will be available for purchase at the concession stand during this time and roasting sticks will be available around a campfire. We may also be selling hot dogs but you are welcome to bring your own food to cook or enjoy around the campfire!
    5:00 – 5:20 pm  Owls vs. Vultures Location: Ornithology Center
    Owls and vultures have so many unique adaptations! Meet our vulture and owl ambassadors in their aviaries and learn about what makes them so different. We will also have skulls and feathers for you to compare!
    5:30 – 6:00 pm  Whooo Knows Owl Calls?  Location: Ornithology Center
    Ask anyone what sound an owl makes, and you’re likely to hear them hoot back at you! But here’s something you might not know—owls not only hoot, but also can also screech, bark, growl, scream, hiss, clack, and shriek! Join Naturalist Donna on the deck to discover a fascinating array of owl vocalizations. And hey, if you have a great owl call up your gizzard, there will be a chance to share!
    6:00 – 7:00 pm  Forbidden Forest Hike  Location: Ornithology Center
    Calling all witches and wizards of all ages! Dress up in your favorite costume or Hogwarts house colors and join your Hogwarts professors on a stroll through the Forbidden Forest in search for fantastic beasts and magical creatures. Trail: 0.5-1 mile, easy, fairly accessible. *If you cannot join at this time, a magical, self-guided Forbidden Forest scavenger hunt will be set up during festival hours 12-7pm Saturday and Sunday, so come in your costume and explore on your own!
    6:30 – 7:00 pm Owl Campfire Stories  Location: Ornithology Center
    Join a naturalist for some not-so-spooky campfire stories, all about Owls! Cook & enjoy your very own s’more creation, available for purchase at the concession stand!
    _________________________________________________________________________________________________

    SUNDAY OCTOBER 19th

    Ornithology Center open 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    12:00 pm – 6:30 pm  Activities, Crafts, & Tables at the Ornithology Center
    Owl pellet dissections, crafts, games, quidditch, scavenger hunts, concessions, vendor tables, silent auction display, and more will be set up at the Ornithology Center during festival open hours (moved indoors if raining). Visit our raptor ambassadors in their enclosures, learn about owls, try the migration obstacle course, and explore our exhibits. Come in costume and get a free piece of candy or small prize!
    9:00 – 11:00 am Amos Butler Audubon Society Morning Bird Hike Location: Ornithology Center
    Join a group of new and experienced birders for a brisk morning bird walk! Meets every Sunday morning at 9:00 am, led by ABAS, rain or shine. Trail: various, depending on the group size and preference.
    10:00 –12:00 pm Mindful Birding  Location: Ornithology Center
    Pre-registration required here at indyparks.org – program #37179
    Mindful Birding is a nature-based wellness experience that blends mindfulness with the joy of bird observation through a slow, sensory, and immersive walk. Guided by Certified Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT) Guide Michelle Morton, participants will engage their senses to connect deeply with the natural world and the birds within it. Gentle prompts will encourage mindful, intentional observation without the pressure to identify species. This 1 hour and 45-minute walk includes short-distance wandering, sitting, exploring, and opportunities for group sharing, concluding with tea and snacks. The experience covers about half a mile and costs $15 per participant. Ages 10+. Youth need to be registered along with a registered adult.
    12:00 – 12:30 pm  Owl Feeding Time Location: Ornithology Center
    Watch one of the naturalists feed the owls and other Raptor Ambassadors in their enclosures at the Ornithology Center. They eat quickly so don’t be late!
    12:30 – 1:00 pm Owl Hike to Lilly Lake Location: Ornithology Center
    Planning to watch Mark Booth’s Owl Program at 1:00 pm at Lilly Lake? You can either park around Lilly Lake or at the Ornithology Center! If you are at the Ornithology Center around 12:30, we will be hiking over to Lilly Lake as a group with binoculars to enjoy the fall leaves and birds we see along the trail.
    Trail: 0.5 miles, easy, fairly accessible, stroller friendly
    1:00 – 2:00 pm Live Owls with Mark Booth (Take Flight!) Location: Lilly Lake Shelter
    At the Lilly Lake Shelter this year! One of our most popular Owl Fest programs! Local falconer and wildlife educator, Mark Booth, will teach you all about the amazing nocturnal adaptations of owls, with a little help from his live owl coworkers.
    2:00 – 6:00 pm Face Painting Booth  Location: Ornithology Center
    Fly on by to our artist Tiphanny’s booth, to make your face-painting dreams a reality! Free, but donations/tips accepted.
    2:00 – 3:30 pm Fall Migrant Hike Location: Ornithology Center
    Join Ornithologist, Aidan Rominger on a birding hike around the bird sanctuary in search of fall bird species within the park! We will target a variety of gulls, shorebirds, pelicans, warblers, and more! This is a great opportunity for beginner birders to get hands on identification experience in the field with an experienced birder. The majority of the program will be hiking so dress accordingly for the weather. Binoculars will be provided to those that need them!
    Trail: 2 miles, moderate
    2:00 – 2:30 pm  Snake Recess Location: Ornithology Center
    Visit with our educational black rat snake ambassador as she enjoys some enrichment and time out of her enclosure and learn about the native snakes of Indiana. Depending on weather we may be in inside or we may be outside near the giant log.
    2:30 – 3:00 pm  Meet a Raptor Location: Ornithology Center
    Meet Freyja, the Peregrine Falcon ambassador! Learn about Freyja and the peregrine conservation success story from her trainer and park volunteer, Donna McCarty.
    3:00 – 4:00 pm  Poisonous Plants Hike Location: Ornithology Center
    Do you know the difference between poisonous and venomous? Join naturalist Frank Brown for this short hike to learn about some of the more “dangerous” plants in the forest.
    Trail: 0.5-1 mile, easy, fairly accessible.
    4:00 – 5:00 pm Magizoology Location: Ornithology Center
    Join renowned Hogwarts professor and Magizoologist Dr. Nawrocki to explore the skulls and artifacts of muggle and magical creatures alike, including owls, raptors, dinosaurs, and more!
    4:00 – 7:00 pm S’mores & Campfire  Location: Ornithology Center
    Enjoy cooking a perfectly toasted (or perfectly burnt) s’more from 4-7pm. S’mores supplies will be available for purchase at the concession stand during this time and roasting sticks will be available around a campfire. We may also be selling hot dogs but you are welcome to bring your own food to cook or enjoy around the campfire!
    5:00 – 5:20 pm Not So Scary Scavengers  Location: Ornithology Center
    Scavengers, such as vultures, get a bad rap, but they’re really nature’s immune system! You might also be surprised to learn that Bald Eagles, while known for their amazing fishing ability, also regularly scavenge for food. Come meet Matilda the Turkey Vulture and Carson the Bald Eagle and learn about how scavengers, such as vultures and eagles, are important for healthy ecosystems!
    6:00 – 7:00 pm  Sunset Owl Prowl Location: Ornithology Center
    This guided sunset stroll is a slow wander in the forests near the Ornithology Center, where Barred Owls are frequently seen. We’ll explore the forest and see if we can spot these nocturnal hunters as they begin to wake up for their night on the prowl!
    Trail: 0.5-1 miles, easy, fairly accessible, stroller friendly