Connect with Nature at the 2024 Winter Wildlife Festival Exhibit Hall

Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and venture into a day filled with awe and wonder at the Winter Wildlife Festival (WWF) exhibit day. This immersive experience offers unforgettable memories where you’ll witness the magic of owls and forge a deeper connection with the marvels of the natural world. 

Join Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation to meet more than 40 exhibitors on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Princess Anne Recreation Center to enjoy winged animals, walk-in workshops, winter and all things wildlife. While you’re there, enjoy a treat from Mellow Beans Coffee and Luvabowls food trucks onsite.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a family looking for a memorable day out, the Winter Wildlife Festival welcomes all. It's an invitation to step away from the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary beauty that our natural areas of Virginia Beach have to offer.

Up Close Encounters with Winter Winged Avian

At the heart of our Winter Wildlife Festival lies an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. The festival offers a unique chance to experience a connection and learn about owls’ vital role in maintaining ecological balance by meeting four different types of owls: Horned, Barred, Barn and Screech owls.

Across the Exhibit Hall, imagine standing mere feet away from the fastest bird in the world! Get a chance to meet the Peregrine Falcon which averages traveling flight speeds of 25-34 mph and reaches speeds of up to 70 mph when diving for prey.

Educational Insights at Walk-up Workshops

Participating in the wildlife festival is not just a treat for your senses; it’s a contribution to conservation efforts. By attending, you support initiatives aimed at protecting majestic birds and their habitats, ensuring a future where generations can marvel at their beauty.

Workshops include:

• 9:30 a.m.: Recovery & Sustainability of the Blue Crab in the Chesapeake Bay
• 11 a.m.: The Wildlife Beneath Our Feet
• 1 p.m.: Habitats at Home
• 2:30 p.m.: History of the Richmond Falcon Cam & The Rebound of Virginia’s Peregrine Falcon

Winter Wildlife Family-Friendly Fun

Beyond the enchantment, the wildlife festival is an education extravaganza. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities ensure an engaging experience for all ages. The festival is a perfect outing for families with children’s activities available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. These activities include crafts and games, animal encounters, paint sessions, wildlife bingo, and a story time reading of Warbler’s Journey read by author Scott Weidensaul.

Support the Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation Foundation by ordering a special edition shirt of winter birds wearing hats or WWF apparel. For more information including a schedule of events, visit winterwildlifevb.com.

Please note that live animals and exhibits are subject to change.