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Owl Fest

OWL FEST

Owl Fest at Ornithology Center

 

Indy Parks and Recreation logo featuring a leaf and colorful icons representing outdoor activities and community engagement.

In partnership with Indy Parks

For Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

 

ABOUT Owl Fest:

Owl Fest is Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser!

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

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family!

There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

Check out the schedules on this page to plan your visit for Owl Fest!

DONATE TO THE ORNITHOLOGY CENTER
Plan your 2024 Owl Fest

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

5901 Delong Road, Indianapolis, IN 46254

CONTACT:

317-327-7148

Date:

Typically on Saturday & Sunday in the last two weeks of October. 

Owl Fest 2024 details >

Owl fest by Year

Owl Fest 2024

9th Annual Owl Fest | Raptor Election Oct 26 & 27. Who’s ready?!

Read More

Owl Fest 2023

8th Annual Owl Fest | Introducing the Carlsen Aviary! Who’s ready?!

Read More

Owl Fest 2023

8th Annual Owl Fest | Introducing the Carlsen Aviary! Who’s ready?!

Read More

Owl Fest 2024

OWL FEST 2024

Obi the Barn Owl

 

Plan your 2024 Owl Fest
Vote in Raptor Election
Banner showcasing the partnership with Indy Parks and Recreation, featuring logos and a leaf graphic, promoting outdoor activities.
Presenting SponsorWild Birds Unlimited logo featuring a birdhouse and colorful birds, representing bird feeding and nature products.
Wild Birds Unlimited

Arrow icon indicating navigation or directional movement, commonly used in user interfaces and applications. Map Options  Stylish black square icon representing full-screen mode, ideal for enhancing user experience and interface design. Full-Screen  Minimalistic social media share icon featuring interconnected circles and arrows, symbolizing sharing and connectivity. Share Map Red directional arrow icon indicating movement or navigation, featuring a white arrowhead pointing right on a red background. Navigate

What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is two days of owl-themed fun and Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family! There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

In 2024 you can vote to elect your favorite raptor!

ADMISSION:

Included with Eagle Creek Park admission

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center >

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

Date and Time:

Sat. October 26th | 10:00am-5:00pm

Sun. October 27th | 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Owl Fest promotional poster featuring various owl species and event details for Eagle Creek Park on October 26 and 27.

Support the Birds

The best way to support the Ornithology Center is to contribute to Adopt a Raptor, which gives directly to the Ornithology Center (OC) Fund. This fund, exclusive to the Ornithology Center and managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today!

Silent Auction
Vote in Raptor Election
Watch this Clip: Owl Fest 2023

Plan your visit

Parking at Owl Fest

Owl Fest is one of the busiest days of the year in the park – find a parking spot right near the fun!

Arrow icon indicating navigation or directional movement, commonly used in user interfaces and applications. Map Options  Stylish black square icon representing full-screen mode, ideal for enhancing user experience and interface design. Full-Screen  Minimalistic social media share icon featuring interconnected circles and arrows, symbolizing sharing and connectivity. Share Map Red directional arrow icon indicating movement or navigation, featuring a white arrowhead pointing right on a red background. Navigate

Owl Fest 2024 Schedule & Map

Plan your day, and find parking and locations for your favorite Owl Fest 2024 hikes, programs, and activities.

 

Detailed map for Owl Fest 2024 at the Ornithology Center, showing event locations, parking, and schedules for attendees.

Owl Fest 2024 Detailed Schedule

Find hikes, events, bird programs, hayrides, and more! Fill your Fall with Owl Fest!

Owl Fest event flyer featuring various owl species and event details for Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis.
Owl Fest 2024 Raptor Election poster featuring various raptor species and a voting box, promoting wildlife awareness and engagement.

Vote for your favorite raptor!

Voting Page
Carson the Bald Eagle with open beak, showcasing its striking features and vibrant plumage, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and educational content.

Carson

Bald Eagle

Vote for Carson
Freyja, a Peregrine Falcon, showcasing its distinctive plumage and sharp features, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Freyja

Peregrine Falcon

Vote for freyja
Turkey vulture named Matilda with distinctive red head and dark feathers, showcasing its unique features and characteristics.

Matilda “Tilly”

Turkey Vulture

Vote for Matilda
Close-up of Hazel, the American Kestrel, showcasing its distinctive features and vibrant plumage, ideal for bird enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Hazel

American Kestrel

Vote for Hazel
Great Horned Owl named Minerva with striking yellow eyes and distinctive feather patterns, a raptor species known for its strength.

Minerva “Minnie”

Great Horned Owl

Vote for Minerva
Barn owl named Obi with distinctive facial features and a curious head tilt, promoting a voting campaign for favorite raptor.

Obi

American Barn Owl

Vote for Obi
Close-up of a red-tailed hawk showcasing its distinctive plumage and features, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.

Reddington “Red”

Red-tailed hawk

Vote for Red
Promotional image for Eagle Creek Nature Notes Season 2 featuring a barn owl and event details.

Nature Notes Season 2 Premiere

The OC Staff Talk Raptor Ambassadors

Listen to Podcast
Promotional poster for the Eagle Creek Park owl event featuring an owl illustration and event details for October 26th.

Bilingual Naturalist Event

The Legend of the Owl! (no need to register)

Details and Registraton

Presenting Sponsor: Wild Birds Unlimited

Visit Wild Birds Unlimited>

Wild Birds Unlimited logo featuring a birdhouse and colorful birds, representing bird feeding and nature products.
Logo of the Amos Butler Audubon Society featuring a stylized bird in flight, representing conservation and birdwatching in Central Indiana.

Sponsor: Amos Butler Audubon Society

Visit Amos Butler >

 

Indiana Audubon Society logo featuring a red cardinal, acorn, and leaves, celebrating 125 years of conservation efforts.

Sponsor: Indiana Audubon

Visit Indiana Audubon >

Thank you Owl Fest sponsors!

Your generous support makes amazing events like Owl Fest possible at our beautiful park. 

< Owl Fest 2023

Owl Fest 2023

OWL FEST 2023

Owl Fest 2023

 

Indy Parks and Recreation logo featuring a leaf and colorful icons representing outdoor activities and community engagement.

In partnership with Indy Parks

For all Eagle Creek programs, please visit this Indy Parks page.

 

Owl Fest is one of the busiest days of the year in the park – check out the parking map below

 

Support the Birds

The best way to support the Ornithology Center is to contribute to Adopt a Raptor, which gives directly to the Ornithology Center (OC) Fund. This fund, exclusive to the Ornithology Center and managed by the Eagle Creek Park Foundation, supports the care of raptor ambassadors, staff training, and much more. Consider supporting the OC Fund today!

Adopt a Raptor

What is Owl Fest?

Owl Fest is Eagle Creek Park Foundation’s largest fundraiser! All funds raised will go directly to support the Raptor Ambassadors at the Eagle Creek Park Ornithology Center.

Besides fundraising, there is fun for the whole family. There are guided hikes called “Owl Prowls”, live animal programs, haunted hayrides, shirts, buttons, and more for sale!

FREE WITH PARK ADMISSION

Take me to Owl Fest 2024! >

LOCATION:

Ornithology Center

6515 Delong Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46278 >

CONTACT:

317-327-2473 (BIRD)

Date and Time:

Saturday October 21st 10:00am-5:00pm

Sunday October 22nd 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Footage from 2023 Owl Fest
Owl Fest fundraiser announcement with details about donations, merchandise, and silent auction for bird care.

Introducing the Carlsen Aviary

Carlsen Aviary Opening

Owl Fest 2023 celebrated the opening of the Carlsen Aviary at the Ornithology Center. Pictured are designer and builder Kevin Carlsen (right), Center Manager Jenna McElroy (center), and Assistant Manager Donna Riner (left). Kevin, a long-time supporter and former Center naturalist, deserves a huge thanks, along with his team!

Learn More > 
Three individuals standing in front of the Carlsen Aviary signage, showcasing educational materials about raptors and wildlife conservation.
Gallery Owl Fest 2023

Check out photos from Owl Fest 2023. Follow us on social media for more!

Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn foliage, featuring a small island and scattered birds on the water.
A wildlife educator engages with visitors at an outdoor animal exhibit, showcasing a bird of prey.
Visitors engaging with educators at a nature event, featuring an owl display and educational materials on wildlife.
Group of people observing a nature exhibit with educational displays about wildlife and conservation efforts in a natural setting.
A wildlife educator engages with children during a presentation about owls in a zoo setting.
Educator feeding an owl during a wildlife presentation to a group of children at a wildlife center.

Sponsor: Amos Butler Audubon Society

Copy for Amos Butler

Visit Amos Butler >

 

Logo of the Amos Butler Audubon Society featuring a stylized bird in flight, representing conservation and birdwatching in Central Indiana.

Sponsor: Indiana Audubon

Copy for Indiana Audubon

Visit Indiana Audubon >

Indiana Audubon Society logo featuring a red cardinal, acorn, and leaves, celebrating 125 years of conservation efforts.

Thank you Owl Fest sponsors!

Your generous support makes amazing events like Owl Fest possible at our beautiful park. 

Owl Fest 2024 >