Celebrating 27 Years of Birding, Conservation, and Community
The Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival Returns January 21st through the 25th, 2026 at Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral. For nearly three decades, the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival has brought together nature lovers from across Florida and beyond – and in January 2026, the festival proudly celebrates its 27th year. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as the festival honors its Bird of the Year – the Pelican, a beloved coastal icon that symbolizes resilience, conservation success, and Florida’s rich coastal ecosystems.
Hosted by the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Association, this beloved annual event invites attendees of all ages and experience levels to explore Florida’s remarkable wildlife, learn from leading experts, and connect with a community that shares a passion for birds, nature, and conservation. Whether you are a lifelong birder, a casual nature enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a meaningful and enjoyable winter outing, SCBWF offers something for everyone, especially seniors seeking enriching, low-stress experiences close to home.
The festival features more than 50 exhibitors and over 100 presentations, guided field trips, photography workshops, and keynotes offered throughout the week. Attendees can enjoy expertly led birding excursions across Brevard County, engaging educational presentations and keynote talks, hands-on photography and conservation workshops for all skill levels, and vibrant Exhibit & Expo Halls showcasing optics and camera gear, nature travel companies, conservation organizations, artists, authors, and sustainability-focused groups – all designed to create a rich, immersive festival experience. Many programs are designed to be accessible and welcoming, with opportunities to learn at your own pace, whether that’s attending a single lecture or enjoying multiple days of activities.
Winter is one of the best times to experience Florida’s Space Coast, when migratory birds join resident species in wetlands, estuaries, beaches, and scrub habitats. From colorful shorebirds to majestic pelicans and wading birds, the region offers exceptional wildlife viewing during the festival season. SCBWF provides unique access to some of the area’s most rewarding birding locations, making it easy for participants to enjoy nature without extensive travel or strenuous activity.
At its heart, the Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival is about more than birds – it’s about protecting the places we love and ensuring future generations can enjoy them too. Festival proceeds support SCBWA’s year-round conservation efforts, educational programming, and community outreach, including initiatives that introduce young people to birding and environmental stewardship. By attending the festival, participants play a direct role in supporting local conservation and helping safeguard Florida’s natural heritage.
The 27th Annual Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival takes place January 21–25, 2026, with events headquartered at the Radisson Resort at the Port, Cape Canaveral. Flexible registration options allow attendees to choose individual field trips, lectures, or multi-day passes – making it easy to tailor the experience to personal interests and schedules. Whether you come for the birds, the learning, the camaraderie, or simply a few days immersed in nature, SCBWF promises a memorable and uplifting experience.
For more information or the register, visit scbwa.net.