2026 Results At-a-Glance
376
Attendees
52
Programs
158
species
17
Locations
33
New birds
Countless
memories
Festival Recap
A look back at an amazing weekend, with festival stats and eBird lists for each walk.
Festival Feedback
We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us improve future Headlands Birding Festivals.
Walk Leader Feedback
Did you join a guided bird walk?
Tell us about your experience and help us improve future walks.
as seen on
New Day
Cleveland
Watch our interview to learn why the Headlands Birding Festival has become one of Ohio’s premier birding weekends.
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Follow us for news, photos, and updates about next year’s festival.
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2026 Headlands Birding Festival
Photo Contest
Capture the moment. Share the wonder.
Open during the
Festival
Sept. 18–20, 2026
Submissions
Accepted
Through Oct. 4, 2026
Great Prizes
to be Won
Details on our content page
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
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
Headlands Birding Festival 2027
Join us next year!
We’ll announce the dates soon. Keep an eye on your inbox for more information, or check back here.
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.
Thanks to Our 2026 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
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.
Here’s what attendees had to say about the 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.