Each spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed along the Washington Coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary during their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world's greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15,000 miles round trip! The concentration of birds during spring migration offers people a great chance to view a number of shorebird species. With luck you will also see the birds fly together in beautiful formation "murmurations" while trying to escape a Peregrine Falcon.

For more information and to register, visit the festival page.

Featured speakers for 2026 include:
Robert Steelquist, Friday Keynote
Allison Anholt, Saturday Dinner
Dave Slater, Program Speaker
John "The Falconer" Prucich,   
    Program Speaker

The Shorebird Festival has four locations:
On Friday, May 1, Daytime activities are at the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge.
Friday afternoon, 4 - 6:30 Registration is at Hoquiam Middle School Gym, 200 Spencer Street.
Friday evening the reception and Keynote Speaker are at Hoquiam High School Cafeteria & Little Theatre, 501 West Emerson Ave.

On Saturday, May 2, Registration, programs, exhibits and vendors are at the Hoqiam Middle School Gym.
Saturday evening the dinner and speaker are at the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, 500 N Custer St, Aberdeen.

On Sunday, May 3, Registration, programs, exhibits and vendors are at the Hoqiam Middle School Gym