Great Salt Lake Bird Festival Returns to Farmington May 14–17
What Is the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival?
The 28th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival runs May 14–17, 2026, in Farmington, Utah. Organized by Discover Davis — Davis County’s tourism and events office — the festival draws hundreds of birders, naturalists, and families from across the region each year to celebrate the migratory birds of the Great Salt Lake ecosystem. The free Wings & Things Vendor Fair on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Western Sports Park is open to everyone at no cost.
By DavisCountyUtah.com Staff | May 1, 2026
One of Utah’s most beloved nature events returns to Davis County this month, and you don’t have to be a birder to enjoy it.
The 28th Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival runs May 14–17, 2026, with festival headquarters at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area — one of the most spectacular natural settings on the Wasatch Front.
This year’s festival features 70+ field trips and 12 workshops, ranging from beginner birding walks to behind-the-gates access to state wildlife areas and national refuges not typically open to the public. The 2026 spotlight bird is the Black-necked Stilt, and keynote speaker is celebrated birder and author Kevin Karlson, who will deliver his farewell address, “Through the Looking Glass: Reflections of a Grateful Birder,” at a Saturday evening dinner at the Davis Conference Center.
What’s Free — and What Requires Registration
The Wings & Things Vendor Fair on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Western Sports Park in Farmington is completely free. Families can browse local artisan and small business booths, connect with birding organizations, and enjoy activities for all ages — no registration required.
Field trips and workshops require registration, now open at daviscountyutah.gov/greatsaltlakebirdfest. Field trips with provided transportation depart from the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay. Many trips also allow participants to meet guides on location if you prefer to drive yourself.
Workshop offerings include owl pellet dissections and live raptor encounters — popular with families and school groups. Evening events Thursday through Saturday include the keynote dinner and additional programming.
Why the Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake sits at the heart of a critical migratory flyway between North and South America. Its hypersaline ecosystem supports massive populations of brine shrimp and brine flies — a critical food source drawing millions of shorebirds and waterfowl each spring and fall.
Farmington Bay, on the lake’s eastern shore, is considered one of the premier birding destinations in the Intermountain West. The festival’s mission is to increase awareness and conservation of this ecosystem — a mission that has grown more urgent as the lake’s water levels have declined in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival 2026?
The festival runs May 14–17, 2026, with headquarters at the Eccles Wildlife Education Center at Farmington Bay in Farmington, Utah. The free Wings & Things Vendor Fair is at Western Sports Park on Saturday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Do I need to register for the Bird Festival?
The Wings & Things Vendor Fair is free and requires no registration. Field trips, workshops, and evening events require advance registration at daviscountyutah.gov/greatsaltlakebirdfest. Spots fill quickly — register early.
Is the Bird Festival good for kids and families?
Yes. The free Saturday Vendor Fair is family-friendly with activities for all ages. Workshops including owl pellet dissections and live raptor encounters are especially popular with children. Many field trips are suitable for beginners and families.
What is the spotlight bird for 2026?
The 2026 spotlight bird is the Black-necked Stilt, a striking wading bird found in the wetlands surrounding the Great Salt Lake. Festival materials, exhibits, and programming highlight the species throughout the four-day event.
Register at daviscountyutah.gov/greatsaltlakebirdfest. The free Wings & Things Vendor Fair needs no registration — just show up at Western Sports Park in Farmington on Saturday, May 16, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Check the Davis County events calendar for more upcoming events this spring.
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