Join us March 20-22, 2026, in the beautiful Columbia Basin, Othello, WA. You’ll have the chance to see thousands of Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and geese as they gather against the stunning backdrop of the Saddle Mountains and sprawling cornfields. We have a fantastic lineup of wildlife viewing opportunities, along with engaging talks, fun tours, hikes, […]
For more than twenty years, Othello, Washington has honored the annual arrival of nearly 35,000 sandhill cranes every March as they journey north to their breeding habitats in Alaska. This Festival provides a fantastic chance to observe the cranes up close, guided by local experts. Additionally, it features specialized tours highlighting the region's flora, fauna, […]
Currently, the 2022 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival will be virtual. To register for the online festival, go to https://www.othellosandhillcranefestival.org/contact. However, if the state allows for in-person events and the Othello School District allows the Festival to hold its event at their facilities, organizers will adjust plans.
The Othello Sandhill Crane Festival announced the 2020 theme as “The Sounds of Spring.” The 23rd annual festival will be held March 20, 21, and 22, 2020 in Othello, Washington. With the celebration of the spring migration of the Sandhill cranes, the festival offers a variety of events for the whole family to enjoy and […]
The 2019 theme of the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival is “Elegant Travelers on a Journey.” Kurt Braunwart, co-chair of the festival, says, “I have been involved with the festival for almost 20 years and it always amazes me how every year there is something fresh and new about nature and the local area. Even as […]
THE 2020 OTHELLO CRANE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED. The thousands of Sandhill Cranes that congregate in Othello in the early spring are heart-stirring, yet there is much more at this annual, well-organized festival to see, do, and learn. The festival helps you explore the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and Potholes Reservoir region, very different ecosystems […]
The thousands of Sandhill Cranes that congregate in Othello in the early spring are heart-stirring, yet there is much more at this annual, well-organized festival to see, do, and learn. The festival helps you explore the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge and Potholes Reservoir region, very different ecosystems from Western Washington, full of flora, fauna, and […]
The thousands of Sandhill Cranes that congregate in Othello in the early spring are heart-stirring, yet there is much more at this annual, well-organized festival to see, do, and learn. This year's theme is “Birding: The Next Generation.” The festival is honored to have 17 year old Lorenzo Rohani as a keynote speaker. Lorenzo is […]
