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404 1st St
Cordova, AK, 99574
United States

907-424-7260

We invite you to join the mass migration of Pacific shorebirds, raptors, waterfowl and songbirds.  Their shoreside respite is framed against the pristine backdrop of coastal glaciers and mountains, the breathtaking vista that we call home.  Come armed with your binoculars, spotting scopes, cameras, sketch books and pencils and leave with a heart full of memories.

2026 Shorebird Festival Cover Photos.png

2026 Schedule

The 2026 Shorebird Festival is taking flight!

Click here to view the festival schedule in grid format.

Click here to get your event listed on the Shorebird Schedule.

Filtering by: Third-Party Activity
Bird by Hand - Art Opening
May
7
5:00 PM17:00

Bird by Hand - Art Opening

with an introduction by Dotty Widmann and David Rosenthal at the Copper River Gallery

Opening May 7th 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Birds in flight are often mesmerizing, their movement feels like art, synchronized and graceful, but the patterns are often too quick for the eye to see. In Flight is a photography exhibit revealing these hidden rhythms, turning fleeting movement into lasting images. Using a stationary aerial camera, this project captures the arcs, ripples, and sweeping paths that waterbirds carve across the sky and along the tides, making the ephemeral visible - and inviting us to look closer, wonder more, and rethink patterns that shape the natural world.

FREE AND OPEN TO ALL

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Discover Cordova: Shorebird Frenzy
May
8
1:00 PM13:00

Discover Cordova: Shorebird Frenzy

The Prince William Sound Science Center will be at Eyak Corporation's upper camping area at Hartney Bay, exploring shorebirds and their adaptations through hands-on learning and play. Bring your beginning birders so they can get their feet wet in the wild world of birding. There will be a craft, games, scavenger hunt, and a chance to learn how to use binoculars and spotting scopes. Open to kids of all ages and their caregivers.

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Introduction to Nature Journaling
May
8
2:00 PM14:00

Introduction to Nature Journaling

at the education room in the City Center

Join Dotty Widmann for a talk on the basics of keeping a nature journal. Dotty will guide you through simple yet effective techniques to record your outdoor observations, helping you capture the beauty of nature in a personal and meaningful way. This talk is a great way to build on your shorebird knowledge and enhance your field experience.

FREE TO ALL SHOREBIRD REGISTRANTS

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Bay to Bay in May (Bike/Run)
May
9
10:00 AM10:00

Bay to Bay in May (Bike/Run)

Hartney Bay to Orca Adventure Lodge Race

This all-ages, family-friendly event offers two options:

  • Bike 6.1 miles from Hartney Bay to the City Center, then run/walk 3 miles to Orca Adventure Lodge

  • Run the full 9.1 miles from Hartney Bay to Orca Adventure Lodge

The race is not a relay, and the winner is determined by the most average time. Two winners will receive a prize.

Participants can sign up at Bidarki, online through the City of Cordova Parks & Recreation, or on race day at Hartney Bay. A $5 registration fee is required.

For more information, contact the City of Cordova Parks & Rec Dept at (907) 424-7282

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Arctic Tern Needle Felting Workshop
May
10
1:00 PM13:00

Arctic Tern Needle Felting Workshop

in the Education Room at the City Center

Enjoy an afternoon of crafting at the Net Loft as you create a framed wool painted Shorebird. You will learn the basics of needle felting while illustrating in wool, a male Black Bellied Plover in breeding plumage, a migratory bird that travels to the Copper River Delta region each spring.

May 10th 1:00pm - 5:00pm at The Net Loft

  • Class Instructional Fee $25, includes use of needle felting tools

  • Materials Fee $75, includes all fibers, felt background, mat, and thick shadowbox frame

  • *Shorebird Event Participants receive 5% discount with code distributed when enrolled in the festival

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Nature Yoga
May
10
7:00 PM19:00

Nature Yoga

  • Prince William Sound Science Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Beat the “Sunday Scaries” with Sunset Yoga at the Science Center.

Join PWSSC for a Shorebird themed yoga session in the atrium of our building on May 10th from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Come discover what birds can teach us about resilience and stamina. Don’t have a yoga mat? Let us know and we will try to have a few extra on hand.

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Net Loft- Framed Sandpiper Needlefelt Workshop
May
5
1:30 PM13:30

Net Loft- Framed Sandpiper Needlefelt Workshop

Enjoy an afternoon of crafting at the Net Loft as you create a framed wool painted shorebird. You will learn the basics of needle felting while illustrating in wool, the Western Sandpiper in breeding plumage, a migratory bird that travels to the Copper River Delta region each spring. 

View Event →
Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett
May
5
8:00 AM08:00

Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

View Event →
Net Loft- Fireside Chat & Journal Sharing
May
4
7:00 PM19:00

Net Loft- Fireside Chat & Journal Sharing

  • Library Fireplace inside the Cordova Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come join us following the speakers on Saturday evening for a casual shorebird sharing and journal show and tell.  Gather with other birders to share your viewing experiences, as well as your shorebird drawings and nature journaling from the festival weekend. Bring any journals you may have to share with the group and inspire one another.   Dessert and tea will be served.

Facilitated by The Net Loft.  Saturday May 4, 7:00-8:00 pm. Library fireplace. 

Please preregister to help us coordinate our set up for this gathering.

ALL WELCOME to this get together, whether or not you have a journal to share.  We will be discussing also our favorite nature journaling authors, books, and online instructors, so come prepared to share your sources for skill development and inspiration. SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER BELOW!

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Copper River Canvas Paint Night
May
4
6:00 PM18:00

Copper River Canvas Paint Night

Join us for a night of painting at the Moose Lodge on Saturday, May 4th at 6 pm.

Get in on this awesome experience led by the incredible Jessicca Morningstar Jones.

To book this class simply call Jessicca at (907) 429-7997.

All materials included. Cost is $45 for festival registrants, $50 for non-registered guests.

View Event →
Net Loft Indoor Session with Kim McNett
May
4
1:30 PM13:30

Net Loft Indoor Session with Kim McNett

Indoor Sessions include 2 hour instructional classes followed by 1 hour Open Studio in classroom space for those who want to continue working on projects.  Hot teas and snacks will be provided.

Indoor Classes will meet at Cordova Community Center, Education Room 

Quick and Easy Landscape Sketching. Learn beginner-friendly strategies for sketching landscapes and coastal habitats with Kim McNett. A small sketch goes a long way in documenting a sense of place and habitat in your field journal. 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

View Event →
Salmon Tasting Party/ Food Tour- By Liberty's Alaskan Seafood
May
4
12:00 PM12:00

Salmon Tasting Party/ Food Tour- By Liberty's Alaskan Seafood

Hey Cordova Shorebird Festival goers,

We are so excited to present you with an amazing array of our family's locally caught Copper River Salmon to taste. During this food tour you will meet us at a local eatery, Kayak Cafe, for an insightful presentation about our families fishery, and a tasting of our incredible salmon. You'll get to meet the fishermen and ask questions about Cordova, fishing, and much more!

Don't miss out on this hyper local experience and alaskan wild salmon tasting from the Copper River! From our boat to your table.

 Each person will need their own separate tasting party ticket to this event.

The tasting will be located at:

Kayak Cafe, 524 2nd St. Cordova Alaska 99574

This is a 3 minute walk from the Festival location at the Cordova Center.

If you are a registered Shorebird Festival Attendee, you can use your discount code provided in your registration email to get a discount to this event!

View Event →
Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett
May
4
9:00 AM09:00

Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

View Event →
Net Loft Indoor Session with Kim McNett
May
3
1:30 PM13:30

Net Loft Indoor Session with Kim McNett

Indoor Sessions include 2 hour instructional classes followed by 1 hour Open Studio in classroom space for those who want to continue working on projects.  Hot teas and snacks will be provided.

Indoor Classes will meet at Cordova Community Center, Education Room

Quick and Easy Landscape Sketching. Learn beginner-friendly strategies for sketching landscapes and coastal habitats with Kim McNett. A small sketch goes a long way in documenting a sense of place and habitat in your field journal. 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

View Event →
Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett
May
3
9:00 AM09:00

Net Loft Outdoor Session with Kim McNett

There are three separate outdoor field sessions.  We will likely be visiting Hartney Bay, Three Mile Bay, and Alaganik Slough.  Outdoor Sessions are subject to weather conditions and will meet in a classroom at the Cordova Center if weather is too harsh to meet outdoors.

Each session will include 30 minutes with a guide, 2 hours with Kim, and 30 minutes for outdoor post class wind down, before heading back to town. Outdoor sessions require a class material packet. If registering for more than one outdoor session, only one packet is required. ($35.00 packet fee includes required class booklet and Kim's streamline set of art tools she will be using in her outdoor sessions)

OUTDOOR SESSION SCHEDULE

Friday May 3, Outdoor Session 9-12 noon. $45  

Saturday May 4,  Outdoor Session 9-12 noon.  $45  

Sunday May 5, Outdoor Session 8-11 am  $45 

*Personally motivated  10-15 year old nature journalists may accompany a fully paid parent at a reduced rate for Saturday Sessions, with one discounted youth per fully paid registration. Accompanied Youth Scholarship Rate $24 ($22.80 after festival discount) There is a limited number of these youth spaces available. They will need to speak with Dotty first and purchase their own packet of supplies.

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop- Framed Whimbrel Needlefelt
May
7
2:00 PM14:00

Net Loft Workshop- Framed Whimbrel Needlefelt

Framed Whimbrel Needlefelt Workshop

May 7, Sunday 2-6 pm

Create a framed wool-painted shorebird, as you learn the basics of needle felting. Our subject will be the Whimbrel, a migratory bird that travels to the Copper River Delta region each spring. 

The class Instructional Fee $10, Materials Fee ($65) including all fibers, felt background, mat, and frame.  Use of needle felting tools included in class fee.    TOTAL $75

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop: Alaganik Nature Journaling Field Session
May
7
8:00 AM08:00

Net Loft Workshop: Alaganik Nature Journaling Field Session

  • Meet at Cordova Center then drive to Alaganik (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature Journaling at Alaganik- Field Session

Alaganik Slough:  Sunday, May 7, 8-10 am -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Concert: Blackwater Railroad Trio
May
6
8:00 PM20:00

Concert: Blackwater Railroad Trio

Join Cordova Arts and Pageants for a lively concert featuring Blackwater Railroad Trio at the Pioneer Igloo, a 2-minute walk from that evening’s festival speakers.

Blackwater Railroad Trio is made up of Tyson Davis(Guitar/vocals), Ben Sayers(Bass/vocals), and Kyle Comeau(Keys/vocals). Based out of Seward, AK, the band is celebrating 10 years of making music in Alaska. These three make up the creative core and the "engine" that BWRR's waring sound is built upon. BWRR's trio performances take you on a dynamic ride through the world of Americana, Folk, Rock, Country and really all manners of American Roots Music. The Trio spends its long winter months, dialing in three part harmonies that contributes to BWRR Trio's, at times, full band sound. "These shows are unique because with the stripped down line-up, we can let these songs be vulnerable when they need to be and raucous when they demand to be."(Davis) 

     With unique/eclectic covers and dozens of beloved originals, BWRR Trio has been thrilling venues full of fans all across Alaska and beyond! Come dance as the music starts. Come experience BWRR.

Tickets are $20 for festival registrants and $25 for non-registrants.

Shorebird registrants will receive a $5 discount at the door. If they get their ticket ahead of time, we'll give them $5 cash back at the door. 

View Event →
Net Loft- Fireside Chat & Journal Sharing
May
6
7:30 PM19:30

Net Loft- Fireside Chat & Journal Sharing

  • Library Fireplace inside the Cordova Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Saturday, May 6, 7:30-8:30 pm. Library fireplace. 

Come join us following the speakers on Saturday evening for a shorebird sharing and journal show and tell.  Gather with other birders to share your viewing experiences, as well as your shorebird drawings and nature journaling from the festival weekend. Preregistration required.  Dessert will be served.

Facilitated by The Net Loft. Aaron Bowman will be helping moderate our discussion.

Session is not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

SPACE IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER BELOW!

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop:  Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session
May
6
3:00 PM15:00

Net Loft Workshop: Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

  • Meet at Cordova Center then drive to Hartney Bay (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

Hartney Bay:  Saturday, May 6, 3-5 PM -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Salmon Tasting Party/ Food Tour- By Liberty's Alaskan Seafood
May
6
11:30 AM11:30

Salmon Tasting Party/ Food Tour- By Liberty's Alaskan Seafood

Hey Cordova Shorebird Festival goers,

We are so excited to present you with an amazing array of our family's locally caught Copper River Salmon to taste. During this food tour you will meet us at a local eatery, Kayak Cafe, for an insightful presentation about our families fishery, and a tasting of our incredible salmon. You'll get to meet the fishermen and ask questions about Cordova, fishing, and much more!

Don't miss out on this hyper local experience and alaskan wild salmon tasting from the Copper River! From our boat to your table.

 Each person will need their own separate tasting party ticket to this event.

The tasting will be located at:

Kayak Cafe, 524 2nd St. Cordova Alaska 99574

This is a 3 minute walk from the Festival location at the Cordova Center.

If you are a registered Shorebird Festival Attendee, you can use your discount code provided in your registration email to get a discount to this event!

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop- From Field to Finish: Tips and Techniques
May
6
11:00 AM11:00

Net Loft Workshop- From Field to Finish: Tips and Techniques

From Field to Finish: Tips and Techniques

Saturday, May 6 | 11AM - 1PM

This session will provide help and suggestions on how to complete journal entries back in the studio after being in the field.

Cordova Community Center, Room A/B. 

Class Fee $40  ($38 after festival discount) 

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop: Alaganik Nature Journaling Field Session
May
6
8:00 AM08:00

Net Loft Workshop: Alaganik Nature Journaling Field Session

  • Meet at Cordova Center then drive to Alaganik (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature Journaling at Alaganik- Field Session

Alaganik Slough:  Saturday, May 6, 8-10 am -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop: Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session
May
5
2:30 PM14:30

Net Loft Workshop: Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

  • Meet at Cordova Center then drive to Hartney Bay (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Nature Journaling at Hartney Bay- Field Session

Hartney Bay:  Friday, May 5, 2:30-4:30PM -Meet in front of the Cordova Center 30 minutes prior to class starting time if needing a ride, or meet at location at time indicated.

Class fee $45 (42.75 after festival discount) Ages 14 and up

Join John Muir Laws in the field for an opportunity to participate in  a guided field sketching experience. We will first spend time with the guide at each field location, and then branch off and begin our session with Jack.

Dress appropriately. Be prepared for cold temperatures and inclement weather. Transportation is not provided. We can carpool however, so if transportation needed, we can help you get there.  

Parents of interested nature journalists, ages 8-14 may bring along 1 child per registration, and the registration fee for that child will be reduced, 

$24 ($22.80 after festival discount) Please register for children at the shop

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop: Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling -Group A
May
5
12:00 PM12:00

Net Loft Workshop: Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling -Group A

Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling 

Group A: Friday, May 5 | 12-2 pm Located in Community Room A&B in the Cordova Center

Class Fee $40 ($38 after festival discount)

We have a limited number of spaces for Children 9 -14 accompanied by an attending registered parent, $24  ($22.80 after festival discount) 

Please register for children at the shop. 

Materials: Net Loft Laws Drawing Materials Kit* $79 value, Special $62.98  ($55 with festival discount), Laws Sketchbook. (in a drop-down menu on Net Loft Website) 

Class will be offered twice and will be very similar. Emphasis in Group A will be for those who are new to nature journaling. 

Sessions are not specifically children’s classes, but interested children are welcome to participate with a paid parent space. Children attending will need to get registered at The Net Loft in person for a discounted price; One child space per paid parent space. 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →
Net Loft Workshop: Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling -Group B
May
5
9:30 AM09:30

Net Loft Workshop: Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling -Group B

Beginning Shorebird Drawing /  Nature Journaling 

Group B: Friday, May 5  |   9:30-11:30 AM  Located in Community Room A&B in the Cordova Center

Class Fee $40 ($38 after festival discount)

We have limited number of spaces for Children 9 -14 accompanied by attending registered parent, $24  ($22.80 after festival discount) 

Please register for children at the shop. 

Materials: Net Loft Laws Drawing Materials Kit* $79 value, Special $62.98  ($55 with festival discount), Laws Sketchbook. (in drop down menu) 

Brought to you in part by Cordova Arts and Pageants.   Thank you!! 

View Event →