Featured on New Day Cleveland
Watch our interview to learn why the Headlands Birding Festival has become one of Ohio’s premier birding weekends.
What’s New for 2026
Improved registration process
Expanded programming & walks
Smaller groups for many walks
New birding locations
Talks/vendors Saturday & Sunday
More vendors & exhibitors
Saturday Social event
Keynote Speaker
Peter Kaestner
Join us for an inspiring keynote by Peter Kaestner, who became the first person in history to observe 10,000 species of birds — a feat that he has repeated two more times!
Friday, September 18 • 7:00 PM
Springbrook Gardens Park
Guided Bird Walks
Join a festival guide on a small group hike at Headlands Dunes, Mentor Marsh, and other nearby parks.
Limited Spots
Lake Erie Boating Trip
Navigate the inland waters of Lake Erie in search of migrating shorebirds and other rarities, led by experienced guides.
Food Trucks & Vendors
Local food trucks and area vendors will be on-site with delicious options and unique goods.
Kid’s Scavenger Hunt
• Free
• All Weekend
Explore the festival, spot birds and nature items, and earn fun stickers and prizes!
Pick up your scavenger hunt checklist at the Registration table.
Come back to the Registration table with your completed checklist and pick up your prize.
Online Store
Bring the Festival Home
Shop official Headlands Birding Festival apparel, gifts, and accessories. All merchandise available at the festival can also be shipped directly to your door.
Ships to You
Fast & reliable shipping
Official Gear
The same items sold at the festival
Support the Festival
Every purchase helps our mission
don’t miss the festival finale!
Festival Wrap-Up & Species Celebration
Wrap up the Headlands Birding Festival with our closing ceremony! Join us at Headlands Beach State Park as we announce the total number of bird species observed throughout the weekend and celebrate another successful festival. Don’t miss the exciting Friends raffle drawing, featuring a fantastic selection of prizes—the perfect finale to a great weekend of birding.
Sunday
3:00 PM
Parking Lot 1
Free and open to all attendees
Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Piping Plover Level
Presenting Sponsor
Verdantas is proud to support the Headlands Birding Festival because it advances education, stewardship, and community engagement around one of Northeast Ohio’s most significant natural resources—the Lake Erie shoreline and its role in global bird migration. The festival’s focus on expert-led programming, public education, and inclusive outdoor experiences aligns with our commitment to thoughtful collaboration, scientific curiosity, and long-term resilience of natural systems. By supporting an event grounded in local partnership and volunteer leadership, Verdantas reinforces its dedication to strengthening communities while promoting informed appreciation and protection of the environment we all depend on.
In partnership with
Experience the best of Lake County with events, attractions, and dining. Enjoy nature, wine, and local favorites for a memorable visit. Visit TourLakeCounty.com
Wood Duck Level
Sanderling Level
Yellow Warbler Level
We are grateful for the support and collaboration of these organizations, whose contributions help make the Headlands Birding Festival possible:
Blackbrook Audubon Society, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Friends of Headlands Beach State Park, City of Mentor Natural Resources, Lake Metroparks, and Tour Lake County.
New to Birding?
You do not need to be an expert to enjoy the festival. Beginner-friendly walks and talks are available throughout the weekend.
A Community that Loves Birds
- 350+ species documented in Lake County
- Birders from across the Midwest
- All experience levels welcome
Festival Begins in
September 18–20, 2026
Mentor, Ohio
Be Part of the Festival Community
There are many ways to support the Headlands Birding Festival—find the one that fits you.
Volunteer With Us
Meet fellow birders and help create an unforgettable weekend.
Support the Festival
Your gift helps fund programs, speakers, and conservation.
Partner With the Festival
Show your business’s commitment to nature and the community.
Powered by volunteers, donors, and local partners.
Bird of the Month – July 2026
Despite being an uncommon visitor to Ohio, American Avocets are an iconic bird of Headlands Beach State Park. These birds often fly off Lake Erie and land on the beach to forage. With their striking black-and-white plumage and warm cinnamon head in spring, American Avocets bring beauty and excitement to beaches and mudflats while other birds are scarce in summer.
Here’s what attendees had to say about last year’s festival:
You have knowledgeable and committed staff and volunteers. It showed how much the community cares about this “special” place.
Thank you for such a great event. I’ve been there 2 years in a row and plan to continue attending future years.
Awesome festival! Everyone was so nice and helpful! Can’t wait til next year!
The volunteers did a great job! Everyone was helpful and so kind to share their knowledge.
So much fun. Everyone was so friendly and helpful! We met people that we hope to connect with next year.
The best part was being around fellow birders. The [keynote] speaker was good and the sound system much improved since last year. The wine tastings and the snacks made for an enjoyable evening.