Owls capture the imagination. This Saturday, you’ll have a chance to see owls up close at the annual Owl Festival, a family-friendly event that takes place at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center. Linda Conrad, VINS lead experience navigator, says in an email, “The event is appropriate for all ages. Owls are very popular with children and adults alike!”

The day starts with Owl Chats, where you can meet with VINS educators throughout the raptor enclosures and learn about an owl’s amazing abilities. In the Pavilion Exhibit Hall, you will see a Eurasian Eagle Owl and a Barn Owl from New England Falconry. At Hawkfly, you can see a live owl and hawk and learn about their differences, plus get to know other raptors such as a falcon and a turkey vulture.

Throughout the day, kids will also enjoy having their faces painted with their favorite owl and making owl-themed arts and crafts. Then your whole family can participate in a hooting lesson provided by Mark and Marcia Wilson of Eyes on Owls while getting the scoop about native and international owl species.         

Be sure to check the weather and dress accordingly, as many of the activities take place outside. In the afternoon, spend some time around the campfire listening to owl legends and stories from around the world. If hunger strikes while you’re at the event, there will be food trucks ready to accommodate most appetites.

Linda Conrad adds, “We have done this for several years now. Last year was our largest event, with over 1,400 people attending.”