THANK YOU FOR JOINING US IN 2025!

Mark your calendar for BirdFest & Bluegrass, Saturday, October 3, 2026! 

2025 EVENT DETAILS BELOW. 

2026 EVENT DETAILS WILL BE ADDED AS WE NEAR THE EVENT.

Join us on Saturday, October 4 for BirdFest and Bluegrass in Downtown Ridgefield!

BirdFest & Bluegrass is a joint event planned in a partnership between the City of Ridgefield and the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the Refuge, the community, and everything nature has to offer. BirdFest & Bluegrass includes birding activities at the Refuge, vendors, kids crafts, Bluegrass performances, and a Pickers Festival.

Schedule and Activities

Link to the Interactive Schedule Booklet

PARKING INFORMATION

Parking

Parking is available at:

• Ridgefield Waterfront
• Carty Unit (28908 N Main Ave)
• Union Ridge Elementary
• Along Railroad Ave and Mill St
• Street Parking

Shuttle

CTRAN is providing a free shuttle between the Ridgefield Waterfront, Library, and Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

DOWNTOWN RIDGEFIELD

First Saturday Vendor Market

Explore over 60 local vendors from 9 AM to 2 PM at Davis Park. Vendors include artisan bread and pastries, handmade crafts and gifts, artwork from local artists, snacks, ceramics and so much more.

Children's Entrepreneur Market

Stop by Overlook Park to shop the Children's Entrepreneur Market where kids rise to the challenge of deciding what to sell, creating a booth, talking to customers, and handling money at Overlook Park from 9 AM to 2 PM.

BirdFest and Bluegrass Crafts

Visit the City of Ridgefield Events Trailer at Davis Park from 9 AM - 2 PM to create your bird or music related craft. Crafts are for all ages and are available while supplies last.

Paddle for the Wild Dragon Boat Paddle - Ridgefield Waterfront

Join us on our Kaohsiung Dragon Boats to paddle Lake River and the shoreline of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge as we Paddle For The Wild. This BirdFest event is Free! 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Registration is required.

Bluegrass Jamming – All Day!

Bring your string instrument and jam along with others at one of our dedicated jamming locations!

• The Neighborhood Refuge (3 PM - 7 PM)
• Ridgefield Skate Park Gazebo
• Stan Okinaka Courtyard (Old Game Park)
• Old Liberty Theater Outdoors
• Ridgefield Craft Brewing stage (11 AM - 3 PM)

Bluegrass Performances

Overlook Park
11 AM - 2 PM: Phoenix Duo

Davis Park
12 PM - 2 PM: Oregon Music Academy Fiddlers

Sportsman's Public House
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: Thunder Ridge Bluegrass
1 PM - 2 PM: Whistlin' Rufus
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM: Hardshell Harmony
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Corral Creek

Ridgefield Craft Brewing (21+ Establishment)
4 PM - 6 PM: Misty Mamas
7 PM - 9 PM: Whiskey Deaf

Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library Fall Book Sale

9 AM - 3 PM open to the public. Find great Fall reads and support your local library. (Members only sale is Friday, October 3rd, 5 PM - 6 PM)

Nest Food Cart BirdFest Special
Wagyu Burger Sliders: Classic 2 for $10 or Mini Nest 2 for $12

ON THE REFUGE

Carty Unit Activities

28908 N Main Avenue – Carty Unit

7 AM: Special Guided Hike “Birds in Flight” with Peter Cavanagh Visiting author Peter Cavanagh will share insights into the art and science of avian photography, helping you capture stunning images of birds in motion.*
8 AM: Guided Birding Hike with Ron Escano Whether you are new to birding or looking to sharpen your skills, Ron will help you focus on key identification points.* 
9 AM: Opening Blessing with the Chinook Indian Nation Join Sam Robinson, Vice-Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation, to bless and begin our festival. 
9:30 AM: Peter Cavanagh – Author & Bird Photographer Presentation Join bird photographer and biomechanist Peter Cavanagh as he explores the intriguing world of avian flight. Refuge admin building meeting room.  NEW LOCATION: Old Liberty Theater
10 AM – 12 PM: Explore The Ridgefield NWR Through Nature Journaling Learn new ways to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the Refuge through nature journaling. You will receive materials. (* Some drop-in spaces.) 
12 PM: Geology Hike with Jim Maul Join local geologist Jim Maul for a guided hike that explores the geological history of the Refuge and learn how glacial floods carved the landscape. 
1 PM: Pro Photo Supply Photography Hike Limited to 10 participants, no registration required

*Registration Required
9 AM - 2 PM: Self-Guided Wander Walks provided by Ridgefield Library and the Friends of RNWR 
9 AM - 2 PM: Family Activities & Crafts - Decorate and make your own binoculars and then spot the birds in town and on the refuge! 
9 AM - 2 PM: Pro Photo Supply Ridgefield Refuge Photo Contest Winner Display 
9 AM - 2 PM: Partner Party: Hang out with some of the partners who make our Refuge work! From Washington Native Bee Society to Lower Columbia Nature Network, & more!

11 AM - 1 PM: Columbia Play Project Mobile Museum - nature play activities, from imaginary play with a camp set up, to exploring natural materials with a digital microscope

River "S" Unit Events

1071 S Hillhurst Rd

9 AM - 2 PM: Vancouver Audobon Spotting Scopes
11 AM: Vancouver Audobon Family Birding Hike on Kiwa Trail
ALL DAY: River S Unit Auto Tour

Inaugural BirdFest & Bluegrass Art Competition

Hosted by The Friends of the Refuge and Ridgefield Art Association. This contest invites bird-loving visual artists of all ages to submit bird-themed artwork featuring species from the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. Entry is free and cash prizes will be awarded to winners of below categories:
- Hatchling (K-4th Grade)
- Nestling (5th-8th Grade)
- Fledgling (High School)
- Adult (Adults)
Rules: No Digital Works or Photography. MUST be Bird themed (preferably birds from the refuge)
Register for the Competition

Are you a business or organization planning something on this day? Let us know so we can share the details on this page! Send an email to Events@ridgefieldwa.us with all the details.

Looking for vendor information? Visit our First Saturdays Vendor page.