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Flock of birds flying over Matagorda Bay Birdfest wetlands.

Matagorda Bay Birdfest

Be part of the 11th Annual Matagorda Bay Birdfest, arriving April 15, 16, & 17, 2027, in Palacios, Texas.

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Join us for the 11th Annual Birdfest

April 15, 16, & 17, 2027

Matagorda Bay is a unique intersection of habitats—Gulf coastline, salt marshes, and coastal forests—sitting right on the Central Flyway. Named the Birding Capital of Texas, Matagorda County consistently leads the nation in species counts. Join us as we celebrate this vibrant ecosystem through education, science, and community connection.

Tickets Available Soon
  • Birders with binoculars at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • People carrying a giant bird puppet in a parade at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • Matagorda Bay Birdfest youth bird art display gallery
  • Flock of White Ibises at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • Audience at Matagorda Bay Birdfest viewing a presentation.
  • The Peaceful Pelican B&B sign for Matagorda Bay Birdfest
Chestnut-sided Warbler at Matagorda Bay Birdfest

Explore the Birdfest

From dawn walks along the bay to an eventful parade down main street, here's everything happening this year.

  • Reddish Egret wading during Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • Osprey perched on a dry branch at Matagorda Bay Birdfest
  • Red-tailed Hawk soaring at Matagorda Bay Birdfest by Fred Beck
  • Painted Bunting at Matagorda Bay Birdfest Texas Birding Festival
  • Black-necked Stilt at Matagorda Bay Birdfest
  • A Little Blue Heron and shorebird at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
Birding Tours

Guided walks through Matagorda Bay's marshes and coastal flats with local birding experts, spotting roseate spoonbills, herons, and the migratory species passing through on their spring route.

Speaker Sessions

Hear from leading conservationists and ecologists on coastal restoration, waterbird migration, and what's next for the Texas Gulf Coast. 

Parade of Birds

Grab your feathers and beak. A free, family-friendly parade through historic downtown Palacios with handmade costumes, giant bird puppets, and live music. 

Keynote Dinner

An evening under the stars with guest speakers, fresh Gulf Coast fare, and a toast to another year protecting Matagorda Bay. 

Youth Art Contest

Calling all young artists. K-12 students across the county are invited to capture the Clapper Rail and other local species for a chance to be featured at the festival.

Mosaic artwork of a bird for Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • Mosaic artwork of shorebirds at Matagorda Bay Birdfest
  • Painting of a bird flying at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
  • Belted Kingfisher painting from Matagorda Bay Birdfest

Youth Art Contest Spotlight

Capture the spirit of Matagorda Bay! We invite students across the county to showcase their connection to the Clapper Rail. Join the competition, exhibit your work at the festival, and win cash prizes in our annual celebration of nature and art.

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Flock of cranes in flight at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.

402 Species

That’s how many bird species eBird has recorded in Matagorda County over the years, and it’s likely an undercount since not every sighting gets logged. In an average year, birders spot around 316 of them. All of them have visited Matagorda Bay, and they rely on the habitat of Matagorda County for their migratory success.

SEE GALLERY
Little Blue Heron at Matagorda Bay Birdfest Texas Birding Festival

Parade of Birds!

Experience the truly unique celebration through historic downtown Palacios, featuring art cars, floats, costumes, puppets, and community spirit.

Participants in bird costumes at Matagorda Bay Birdfest.
Miss Palacios waving at the Matagorda Bay Birdfest parade
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2025 Parade
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2026 Parade - Barn Owl & Reddish Egret

Thank you to our Sponsors

Matagorda Bay Parade of Birds is free to the public thanks to the generosity of our regional funding partners.

Logos of Matagorda Bay Birdfest sponsors and partners.

City of Palacios, Trull Foundation, Ed Rachal Foundation, Matagorda Bay Foundation, Visit Bay City, Lisa and John Harrison, Cynthia and Robert Garrett, and Mary Jon and JP Bryan

Become a 2027 Sponsor

Join our group of supporters and help keep the Birdfest thriving. Reach out to become a sponsor.

info@matagordabaybirdfest.org

Contact Inquiries

info@matagordabaybirdfest.org
Event Dates: April 15–17, 2027

Tickets Available Soon
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