In Southwest Florida, we care about our wild places, fresh air, and everything from manatees to seabirds. If you’re the type who loves boat rides, spotting rare birds, or just soaking up the outdoors, the Florida Birding & Nature Festival is for you. It’s a quick drive from Englewood, just over an hour, but it’s worth it. Four days packed with field trips, boat excursions, hands-on seminars, a lively bird show, big-name speakers, and a nature expo that won’t cost you a dime.
We all remember how hurricanes Helene and Milton shook things up last year. Because of the damage, they’re moving the festival to spring, the ideal time for migration.
This year’s festival brings together Tampa Electric, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Suncoast Youth Conservation Center, and Hillsborough County’s Conservation and Environmental Lands teams. Together, they’re celebrating the birds, wildlife, and wild spaces.
What’s in store? Four full days of learning, adventure, and discovery. Dig into expert-led seminars, listen to keynote talks, wander through the expo, explore the field and boat trips, and support conservation at the fundraising sale.
Expert Seminars
Hear from leading naturalists and birders during two full days of talks, Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Your registration includes all seminars. Can’t catch every talk live? No worries, you’ll get access to YouTube recordings after the festival. Check the schedule and mark your must-sees.
Free Nature Expo
Meet organizations working to protect Florida’s ecosystems, browse nature art, and pick up something special to take home. The Expo is open Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it won’t cost you a thing. Bird exhibitions soar (pun intended) into action on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
All photos courtesy of Florida Birding & Nature Festival Website
Field & Boat Trips
Looking to get out in the field? Sign up for a field trip, boat ride, kayak outing, or even a wagon, van, or bus adventure from Thursday through Sunday. Many trips visit spots usually closed to the public. Prices range from $25–$60, and tickets move fast, so grab yours early. Don’t forget to check the birding checklist from their 2021 festival for a taste of what you might see.
Keynote Events
Join fellow nature lovers at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for dinner followed by an inspiring keynote from a featured expert at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center. You don’t need to register in advance. The ticket ($40) covers both the buffet and post-event access to the keynote on YouTube. Save a little cash with the KEYNOTE SERIES ticket option.
Fundraising Sale
Support conservation by shopping our fundraising sale featuring donated items from vendors and supporters. Everything is on display during the Expo, with easy buy-it-now prices.
Lunch is available for purchase on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Florida’s natural wonders, see old friends, and make some new ones, in the heart of spring migration.
For more information:
FLORIDA BIRDING & NATURE FESTIVAL
April 9 – 12, 2026
6650 Dickman Rd, Apollo Beach
Click here to check out their website.
