Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival

Dead Horse Ranch State Park

April 23-26, 2026  

A kingfisher bird perches on a branch with white dormant trees in the background.

The Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival gives participants the opportunity to experience birding during the peak spring migration season. The four-day festival is held at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. With close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek and other perennial waters, festival participants are invited to choose from a wide selection of offerings such as guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats. Visit the festival website for details and specifics!

This beloved celebration of birding and nature during peak migration in the Verde Valley began as a celebration of birding at Dead Horse Ranch State Park in 2001. The founders of the festival sought a way to provide a fun and educational birding experience to both the local community and visitors. They knew we had an undiscovered treasure in the diversity of habitats within the Verde Valley, as well as great birding in Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

This event is part of Outdoors250, a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary and Arizona’s natural heritage. By participating in this event, you can enter to win Outdoors250 prizes by signing up at AZStateParks.com/Outdoors250.