Sedona Hummingbird Festival Celebrates a Decade of Wonder

Sedona Hummingbird Festival Returns for 10th Annual Event

Residents are eagerly preparing for the **10th annual Sedona Hummingbird Festival** at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, July 26-28. The festival is well-known for celebrating the beauty and significance of hummingbirds in Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Organizers and Event Highlights

Sponsored by the **International Hummingbird Society**, a nonprofit based in Sedona, the festival was founded by the late H. Ross Hawkins in 1996. The organization aims to promote education and conservation about hummingbirds. The main exhibition space at the SPAC will be open to the public for free, featuring food trucks, exhibits, and activities from Friday to Sunday.

New Additions for 2024

This year introduces **Kids’ Day** on Saturday, July 27. Starting at 9:30 a.m., the Sedona Dance Academy will perform “Dance of the Hummingbirds,” inspired by the quick and sporadic flight patterns of these birds. Following the performance, live animal demonstrations and crafts will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Activities and Demonstrations

Post-dance performance, attendees can interact with Moonlight the screech owl, presented by Red Rock State Park Ranger Victoria Marshall. Sonoran Reptiles will showcase various snakes and lizards. Additional activities include balloon creations by Madam Eileen and a pollinator mural painting project.

Presentations and Expert Talks

**Alice Madar**, Executive Director of the International Hummingbird Society, emphasizes that the festival serves to deepen public knowledge about hummingbirds while celebrating their beauty and unique physiology. The festival will feature 14 guest speakers, including naturalist **Stan Tekiela**, who will discuss “What Makes Hummingbirds Unique” and “The Amazing World of Wildflowers.”

Additional Field Activities

Specialized activities include field trips, bird banding demonstrations, and dining opportunities for bird enthusiasts. Content covers a range of topics about hummingbirds and other pollinators, such as **Becky Hardy**’s presentation on monarch butterflies, discussing their fascinating behaviors and incredible migrations.

Tickets and Photography Contest

Tickets for the speaker series range from $50 to $150 and must be purchased in advance. A significant new feature this year is the **Hummingbird Print Photo Contest**, judged by professional wildlife photography instructor **Lisa Langell**. The winning photos will be displayed on the society’s website for a year, with VIP tickets awarded to the top entries.

Tours and Banding Demonstrations

The festival includes popular **hummingbird garden tours** and banding demonstrations. Garden tours occur on Saturday and Sunday, with tickets priced at $55 per person. Banding demonstrations will be held from 7 to 11 a.m. on all three days, offering insights into tracking and conserving hummingbird populations.

Festival Dinner and Other Offerings

The **Sedona Elks Lodge** will host a themed dinner on Saturday, July 27, titled “Down Home with the Hummingbirds.” Tickets for the dinner are $55, including one cocktail. Attendees are encouraged to wear hummingbird-themed clothing for raffle opportunities.

For more details and ticket purchases, visit **sedonahummingbirdfestival.com**. Remaining tickets will also be available at the door.