From live bluegrass music, craft vendors and wildlife viewing, the annual Ridgefield BirdFest and Bluegrass festival will feature something for everyone.
The event returns to Ridgefield to celebrate its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 5. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with live music continuing until 9 p.m. The day of celebration is hosted by the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Ridgefield and celebrates nature, music and community.
Those looking to immerse themselves in the cultural heartbeat of Ridgefield can head downtown to enjoy live bluegrass performances, indulge in shopping and participate in interactive craft activities.
In downtown Ridgefield, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can explore over 60 vendors and make crafts at Davis Park. During the same time, a children’s entrepreneur market is taking place at Overlook Park. At 10:30 a.m., attendees can register for free Dragon boat rides at the Ridgefield Waterfront.
Bluegrass performances will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the day at various locations. Performance locations include Overlook Park, Davis Park, the Sportsman’s Public House and Ridgefield Craft Brewing. Musicians are also invited to bring their own string instruments and play with others at dedicated jamming locations.
Attendees can explore the expansive nature of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, which will be open and free on the day of the event. The refuge’s seasonal trails, including the Kiwa Trail at the River S Unit and the Carty Lake Trail, will be accessible for everyone.
Additionally, the Carty Unit will offer family-friendly crafts, guided hikes and scenic trail walks that allow nature enthusiasts to explore and connect with the wildlife refuge.
At the wildlife refuge, the Chinook Indian Nation will conduct a blessing at 9 a.m. at the Carty Unit. Various activities take place there throughout the day, such as hourly nature walks, a photo contest display, self-guided walks, crafts and more. At the River S Unit, the auto loop and Kiwa Trail will be open during regular hours. The Vancouver Audubon Society will have spotting scopes available along the route.
“We are uniquely fortunate to have the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge as a resource right in our own backyard,” said Jim Maul, one of the organizers, in a press release. “By learning not only how to appreciate the beauty, but the necessity of it, you come one step closer to being able to support it.”
A special gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of the event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, on the Ridgefield Waterfront and attendees a sneak peek into the next day’s festivities. The special gathering costs $10 and an ID check is required.
Guests can partake in a pre-registered sunset paddle on the Lake River with the dragon boats after a welcoming blessing by both the Chinook Indian Nation and Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Participants should arrive by 5:30 p.m. for a 6 p.m. start.
Also on Oct. 4, hot chocolate, wine, desserts and music will also take place along the waterfront with an area for under-21 to enjoy crafts and treats.
Admission to BirdFest and Bluegrass is free, although some events require pre-registration, the release stated.
Parking is encouraged at the Ridgefield Waterfront as a free C-Tran shuttle will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the event to facilitate travel between the waterfront parking area, Davis Park and the Carty Unit of the refuge. There is additional parking available at Union Ridge Elementary, the city stated in a press release.
