Festival of Owls Week
Friday, March 6, 2026
The Festival of Owls Week, observed annually from March 6 to 8, is a community celebration organized by the International Festival of Owls in Houston, Minnesota, since 2003. Dubbed the 'Owl Capital of the World,' Houston is home to the International Owl Center, the only all-owl educational center in the United States. The festival coincides with the peak of the great horned owl nesting season and the spring migration of many owl species. The event was founded with the mission of promoting owl conservation, education, and appreciation through a combination of scientific presentations, artistic expressions, and family-friendly activities. The festival has grown from a small local gathering into an internationally recognized event that draws owl enthusiasts, ornithologists, birders, and families from across the United States and beyond. The International Owl Center itself became a Smithsonian Affiliate in 2020.
History
The Festival of Owls was founded in 2003 by a group of passionate owl enthusiasts and community members in Houston, Minnesota, a small town located in the Bluff Country of southeastern Minnesota. The festival grew out of recognition that the surrounding river valleys and forests host an exceptional diversity of owl species, including great horned owls, screech owls, barred owls, and saw-whet owls. The event was designed to leverage this natural resource for community development and conservation education. In 2005, the festival organizers established the International Owl Center as a permanent venue. The center's founder, Karla Bloem, became a leading voice in owl research and conservation. The festival gained support from the Minnesota State Arts Board and numerous ornithological organizations, expanding its program scope significantly.
How It's Celebrated
The Festival of Owls Week features live owl presentations with educational birds from rehabilitation centers, guided owl-watching field trips into the Minnesota woodlands, and nest box building workshops. The International Owl Center offers hands-on exhibits, art shows featuring owl-themed works by regional artists, and children's craft activities. Scientific presentations by professional ornithologists cover topics such as owl biology, behavior, and conservation. The festival also includes owl pellet dissection labs, photography workshops, and a festival parade. Evening events feature 'owl prowls' where participants listen for owl calls under the night sky. Local restaurants offer owl-themed specials, and the community hosts a welcoming reception for out-of-town visitors.