Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

About The Festival

November 6-8, 2026

The 28th Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival will feature a full weekend of festivities, with guided crane tours offered throughout the event.

Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival

About The Festival

November 6-8, 2026

The 28th Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival will feature a full weekend of festivities, with guided crane tours offered throughout the event.

Festival Information

The official 2026 Festival begins with opening events on the evening of Friday, November 6. If you are arriving early, pre-festival tours are available Wednesday through Friday. The full slate of activities and tours will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Shades of Grey © Michael Forsberg

— Celebrating the Festival’s Return

A Weekend Inspired by Sandhill Cranes

Festival activities take place at Hutchins Street Square Community Center, located at 125 S. Hutchins Street in Lodi, California.

For 28 years, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association has celebrated the return of the cranes. In partnership with the City of Lodi, the Association welcomes visitors to experience the wonder of the Sandhill Crane and the wildlife habitats and farmlands surrounding the Lodi area.

— Festival Highlights

What Happens During The Festival

Festival admission is free. Tour prices vary.

Book a Tour

Join a guided tour and experience the Sandhill Cranes and local wildlife up close with expert naturalists and guides.

Presentations & Workshops

Discover fascinating insights about cranes, conservation, photography, birding, and the natural world through engaging talks and workshops.

Art Show

Explore nature-inspired artwork from talented local and regional artists celebrating wildlife and the beauty of the outdoors.

Vendors & Exhibits

Browse unique vendors, conservation exhibits, educational displays, gifts, books, and more throughout the festival marketplace.

— A Lodi Tradition

What Makes Our Festival Special

Each year, thousands of visitors come to the Lodi area to witness the remarkable return of Sandhill Cranes to local wildlife refuges and farmlands. The region’s water, soil, climate, agricultural lands, and protected habitat provide an ideal home for the cranes while enriching the community and supporting the local economy.

For 28 years, the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association, in partnership with the City of Lodi, has celebrated this extraordinary natural event through the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival. Visitors can enjoy engaging wildlife presentations, educational talks from wildlife specialists, informative exhibits, quality wildlife art, and a variety of tours offering opportunities to see cranes and other local wildlife. With activities and experiences for all ages, the Festival offers something for the entire family.

— Festival Events

Click The Tabs Below To See The Daily Schedules

TOUR #126 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #1 (Pre-Festival Tour)

TOUR #126 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #1 (Pre-Festival Tour)

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a caravan tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $20.00 – $25.00 Time: 8:00 am
View Details
TOUR #226 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #2 (Pre-Festival Tour)

TOUR #226 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #2 (Pre-Festival Tour)

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a caravan tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $20.00 – $25.00 Time: 12:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #326 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #3 (Pre-Festival Tour)

TOUR #326 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #3 (Pre-Festival Tour)

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a caravan tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $20.00 – $25.00 Time: 8:00 am
View Details
TOUR #426 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #4 (Pre-Festival Tour)

TOUR #426 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #4 (Pre-Festival Tour)

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a caravan tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $20.00 – $25.00 Time: 12:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #526 – Slow & Scenic Birding at Cosumnes River Preserve

TOUR #526 – Slow & Scenic Birding at Cosumnes River Preserve

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Enjoy easy-paced, accessible boardwalk birding at Cosumnes Preserve — limited mobility friendly.
Cost: $20.00 Time: 10:00 am
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TOUR #626 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #5

TOUR #626 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #5

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a small-bus tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $35.00 – $40.00 Time: 12:30 pm
View Details
TOUR #726 – Delta Birding Sunset Cruise

TOUR #726 – Delta Birding Sunset Cruise

Delta Boat Tours
Set sail on a sunset Delta cruise to spot waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, and Tundra Swans.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 3:15 pm
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TOUR #826 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #1

TOUR #826 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #1

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Ride along with crane expert Dr. Gary Ivey to watch cranes feed, then catch the evening fly-in.
Cost: $45.00 – $55.00 Time: 3:20 pm
View Details
TOUR #926 – Sandhill Crane Behavior and Crane Fly-In with Paul Tebbel

TOUR #926 – Sandhill Crane Behavior and Crane Fly-In with Paul Tebbel

Sandhill Cranes with Paul Tebbel
Ride the Delta with crane expert Paul Tebbel to watch cranes feed, then catch the evening fly-in.
Cost: $40.00 – $50.00 Time: 3:30 pm
View Details
TOUR #1026 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-in at Staten Island #1

TOUR #1026 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-in at Staten Island #1

Staten Island Crane Fly-in
Step into Staten Island’s private farmland by small bus and cap it off with the crane fly-in.
Cost: $33.00 – $45.00 Time: 3:50 pm
View Details
TOUR #1126 – Crane Fly-in WER North Unit #1

TOUR #1126 – Crane Fly-in WER North Unit #1

Tours
Settle into a comfortable viewing shelter and watch the evening crane fly-in up close.
Cost: $33.00 – $40.00 Time: 4:15 pm
View Details
TOUR #1226 – Crane Fly-in WER South Unit #1

TOUR #1226 – Crane Fly-in WER South Unit #1

Tours
Witness thousands of cranes converge at dusk on flooded fields, with a CDFW docent talk.
Cost: $23.00 – $30.00 Time: 4:15 pm
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Sandhill Crane Homecoming Banquet

Sandhill Crane Homecoming Banquet

Association Events
Celebrate with us at the Sandhill Crane Homecoming BanquetJoin us for a memorable evening celebrating the opening of the Wintering Sandhill Crane Season here in Lodi. Gather wi...
Cost: $45.00 Time: 6:00 pm
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TOUR #1326 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Paul Tebbel #1

TOUR #1326 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Paul Tebbel #1

Sandhill Cranes with Paul Tebbel
Greet the sunrise as cranes take flight at Woodbridge Reserve, guided by expert Paul Tebbel.
Cost: $45.00 Time: 5:30 am
View Details
TOUR #1426 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Dr. Gary Ivey, #1

TOUR #1426 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Dr. Gary Ivey, #1

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Greet the sunrise as cranes take flight at Woodbridge Reserve, guided by Dr. Gary Ivey.
Cost: $45.00 Time: 5:30 am
View Details
TOUR #1526 – Bird Walk Through the Nature Area #1

TOUR #1526 – Bird Walk Through the Nature Area #1

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Stroll the Lodi Lake Nature Trail with local birding experts — a bird walk for all levels.
Cost: $17.00 – $20.00 Time: 6:45 am
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TOUR #1626 – Mokelumne River Rendezvous

TOUR #1626 – Mokelumne River Rendezvous

Birding Walks
Hike the Mokelumne River at sunrise to scout 35+ bird species and maybe spawning salmon.
Cost: $17.00 – $20.00 Time: 6:50 am
View Details
TOUR #1726 – Delta Birding Cruise #1

TOUR #1726 – Delta Birding Cruise #1

Delta Boat Tours
Start your day drifting through the Delta with a naturalist — waterfowl, cranes, and more.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 7:00 am
View Details
TOUR #1826 – Eagles and Their Environment #1

TOUR #1826 – Eagles and Their Environment #1

Eagles and their Environment
Cruise Pardee Reservoir with naturalists to spot Golden and Bald Eagles and other raptors.
Cost: $58.00 – $65.00 Time: 7:00 am
View Details
TOUR #1926 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey- #1

TOUR #1926 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey- #1

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Head into the fields with Dr. Gary Ivey to watch Sandhill Cranes foraging up close.
Cost: $40.00 Time: 7:30 am
View Details
TOUR #2026 – Birds and Biomes

TOUR #2026 – Birds and Biomes

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Explore the Preserve’s wetlands, oak forest, savanna, and riparian habitats on foot.
Cost: $25.00 Time: 7:30 am
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TOUR #2126 – Boardwalk Migratory Birds

TOUR #2126 – Boardwalk Migratory Birds

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Walk the Preserve boardwalk to spot wintering waterfowl, raptors, and Sandhill Cranes.
Cost: $17.00 – $20.00 Time: 8:00 am
View Details
TOUR #2226 – Delta Birding Cruise #2

TOUR #2226 – Delta Birding Cruise #2

Delta Boat Tours
Start your day drifting through the Delta with a naturalist — waterfowl, cranes, and more.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 9:30 am
View Details
TOUR #2426 – Family Waterfowl Adventure

TOUR #2426 – Family Waterfowl Adventure

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Bring the family to the boardwalk for scopes, naturalists, and kid-friendly microscopes.
Cost: Free – $5.00 Time: 10:00 am
View Details
TOUR #2526 – Model Wetlands at the Black Hole

TOUR #2526 – Model Wetlands at the Black Hole

Model Wetlands Habitat
Tour a private wetland refuge by small bus and see habitat restored for Wood Ducks and Mallards.
Cost: $50.00 Time: 10:00 am
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TOUR #2626 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

TOUR #2626 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Head into the fields with Dr. Gary Ivey to watch Sandhill Cranes foraging up close.
Cost: $40.00 Time: 10:00 am
View Details
TOUR #2326 – Kayaking on the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake #1

TOUR #2326 – Kayaking on the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake #1

Kayak the Mokelumne River
Paddle the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake on a guided kayak tour with Boathouse staff.
Time: 10:00 am
View Details
TOUR #2726 – Eagles and Their Environment #2

TOUR #2726 – Eagles and Their Environment #2

Eagles and their Environment
Cruise Pardee Reservoir with naturalists to spot Golden and Bald Eagles and other raptors.
Cost: $58.00 – $65.00 Time: 10:45 am
View Details
TOUR #2826 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #6

TOUR #2826 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #6

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a small-bus tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $35.00 – $40.00 Time: 12:30 pm
View Details
TOUR #2926 – A Walking Meditation for Bird Watchers

TOUR #2926 – A Walking Meditation for Bird Watchers

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Step into a mindful, binocular-free walking meditation on the Cosumnes Preserve trails.
Cost: $20.00 Time: 1:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #3126 – Small Group Behind the Scenes at Cosumnes River Preserve #1

TOUR #3126 – Small Group Behind the Scenes at Cosumnes River Preserve #1

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Join a small-group tour of Cosumnes River Preserve with the biologists who manage it.
Cost: $23.00 – $35.00 Time: 2:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #3026 – Kayaking on the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake #2

TOUR #3026 – Kayaking on the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake #2

Kayak the Mokelumne River
Paddle the Mokelumne River and Lodi Lake on a guided kayak tour with Boathouse staff.
Time: 2:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #3226 – Capturing Cranes and Nature: A Special Photography Tour with Michael Forsberg

TOUR #3226 – Capturing Cranes and Nature: A Special Photography Tour with Michael Forsberg

Photography
TOUR DESCRIPTION Join acclaimed conservation photographer Michael Forsberg for a special photography experience focused on the beauty and drama of migrating Sandhill Cranes and the...
Cost: $100.00 Time: 2:00 pm
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TOUR #3326 – Stone Lakes Family Birding and Crane Fly-in

TOUR #3326 – Stone Lakes Family Birding and Crane Fly-in

Stone Lakes NWR
Wander the trails of Stone Lakes Refuge with the family, then watch the evening crane fly-in.
Cost: Free Time: 2:55 pm
View Details
TOUR #3426 – Delta Birding Cruise #3

TOUR #3426 – Delta Birding Cruise #3

Delta Boat Tours
Spend the afternoon cruising Delta waterways with a naturalist, watching for birds and wildlife.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 3:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #3526 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

TOUR #3526 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Ride along with crane expert Dr. Gary Ivey to watch cranes feed, then catch the evening fly-in.
Cost: $45.00 – $55.00 Time: 3:20 pm
View Details
TOUR #3626 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-in at Staten Island #2

TOUR #3626 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-in at Staten Island #2

Staten Island Crane Fly-in
Step into Staten Island’s private farmland by small bus and cap it off with the crane fly-in.
Cost: $33.00 – $45.00 Time: 3:50 pm
View Details
TOUR #3726 – Crane Fly-in WER North Unit #2 with Crane Expert Paul Tebbel

TOUR #3726 – Crane Fly-in WER North Unit #2 with Crane Expert Paul Tebbel

Tours
Watch the evening crane fly-in from a cozy shelter with expert Paul Tebbel and docents.
Cost: $33.00 – $45.00 Time: 4:15 pm
View Details
TOUR #3826 – Crane Fly-in WER South Unit #2

TOUR #3826 – Crane Fly-in WER South Unit #2

Tours
Witness thousands of cranes converge at dusk on flooded fields, with a CDFW docent talk.
Cost: $23.00 – $35.00 Time: 4:15 pm
View Details
TOUR #3926 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Paul Tebbel #2

TOUR #3926 – Early morning Crane Fly-out with Paul Tebbel #2

Sandhill Cranes with Paul Tebbel
Greet the sunrise as cranes take flight at Woodbridge Reserve, guided by expert Paul Tebbel.
Cost: $45.00 Time: 5:30 am
View Details
TOUR #4026 – Early Morning Fly-out with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

TOUR #4026 – Early Morning Fly-out with Dr. Gary Ivey #2

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Greet the sunrise as cranes take flight at Woodbridge Reserve, guided by Dr. Gary Ivey.
Cost: $45.00 Time: 5:30 am
View Details
TOUR #4126 – Early Morning Photography

TOUR #4126 – Early Morning Photography

Photography
Capture cranes at dawn on a photography tour built for low light, fog, and early birds.
Cost: $45.00 Time: 6:15 am
View Details
TOUR #4226 – Migrating Birds Walk in the CRP Tall Forest

TOUR #4226 – Migrating Birds Walk in the CRP Tall Forest

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Venture deep into the Tall Forest on an early walk with up to 90 bird species possible.
Cost: $30.00 Time: 6:20 am
View Details
TOUR #4326 – Bird Walk Through the Nature Area #2

TOUR #4326 – Bird Walk Through the Nature Area #2

Birding Walks
Stroll the Lodi Lake Nature Trail with local birding experts — a bird walk for all levels.
Cost: $17.00 – $20.00 Time: 6:45 am
View Details
TOUR #4426 – Delta Birding Cruise #4

TOUR #4426 – Delta Birding Cruise #4

Delta Boat Tours
Start your day drifting through the Delta with a naturalist — waterfowl, cranes, and more.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 7:00 am
View Details
TOUR #4526 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #3

TOUR #4526 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #3

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Head into the fields with Dr. Gary Ivey to watch Sandhill Cranes foraging up close.
Cost: $40.00 Time: 7:30 am
View Details
TOUR #4626 – Eagles and Their Environment #3

TOUR #4626 – Eagles and Their Environment #3

Eagles and their Environment
Cruise Pardee Reservoir with naturalists to spot Golden and Bald Eagles and other raptors.
Cost: $58.00 – $65.00 Time: 8:00 am
View Details
TOUR #4726 – Sustainable Vines, Wines, and Wildlife

TOUR #4726 – Sustainable Vines, Wines, and Wildlife

Birds and Wineries
Walk the LangeTwins vineyards and wildlife habitats with a naturalist to spot birds and wildlife.
Cost: $30.00 Time: 9:00 am
View Details
TOUR #4926 – Delta Birding Cruise #5

TOUR #4926 – Delta Birding Cruise #5

Delta Boat Tours
Start your day drifting through the Delta with a naturalist — waterfowl, cranes, and more.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 9:30 am
View Details
TOUR #4826 – Birding Beneath the Oaks with David Yee at Jessie’s Grove Winery

TOUR #4826 – Birding Beneath the Oaks with David Yee at Jessie’s Grove Winery

Birds and Wineries
Birding and wildlife walk with David Yee at Jessie’s Grove Winery.
Cost: $40.00 Time: 9:30 am
View Details
TOUR #5026 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #4

TOUR #5026 – Cranes Foraging: A Roving Tour with Dr. Gary Ivey #4

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Head into the fields with Dr. Gary Ivey to watch Sandhill Cranes foraging up close.
Cost: $40.00 Time: 10:00 am
View Details
TOUR #5126 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #7

TOUR #5126 – Farms, Floodplains, and Flyways #7

Agriculture and the Environment
Join a small-bus tour of Staten Island farmland where cranes, farming, and conservation coexist.
Cost: $35.00 – $40.00 Time: 12:30 pm
View Details
TOUR #5226 – Beginner Birding Adventure at WER North Shelter

TOUR #5226 – Beginner Birding Adventure at WER North Shelter

Birding Walks
Start birding the easy way from the WER North viewing shelter — binoculars provided.
Cost: $15.00 – $25.00 Time: 1:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #5326 – Small Group Behind the Scenes at Cosumnes River Preserve #2

TOUR #5326 – Small Group Behind the Scenes at Cosumnes River Preserve #2

Cosumnes River Preserve Tours
Join a small-group tour of Cosumnes River Preserve with the biologists who manage it.
Cost: $23.00 – $35.00 Time: 2:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #5426 – Delta Birding Cruise #6

TOUR #5426 – Delta Birding Cruise #6

Delta Boat Tours
Spend the afternoon cruising Delta waterways with a naturalist, watching for birds and wildlife.
Cost: $43.00 – $50.00 Time: 3:00 pm
View Details
TOUR #5526 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #3

TOUR #5526 – Crane Roving and Fly-In with Dr. Gary Ivey #3

Sandhill Cranes with Gary Ivey
Ride along with crane expert Dr. Gary Ivey to watch cranes feed, then catch the evening fly-in.
Cost: $45.00 – $55.00 Time: 3:20 pm
View Details
TOUR #5626 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-In at Staten Island #3

TOUR #5626 – Behind the Scenes Tour & Crane Fly-In at Staten Island #3

Staten Island Crane Fly-in
Step into Staten Island’s private farmland by small bus and cap it off with the crane fly-in.
Cost: $33.00 – $45.00 Time: 3:50 pm
View Details
TOUR #5726 – Crane Fly-In WER North Unit #3

TOUR #5726 – Crane Fly-In WER North Unit #3

Tours
Settle into a comfortable viewing shelter and watch the evening crane fly-in up close.
Cost: $33.00 – $40.00 Time: 4:15 pm
View Details
TOUR #5826 – Crane Fly-In WER South Unit #3

TOUR #5826 – Crane Fly-In WER South Unit #3

Tours
Witness thousands of cranes converge at dusk on flooded fields, with a CDFW docent talk.
Cost: $23.00 – $30.00 Time: 4:15 pm
View Details

— Student Art Exhibition

Migration and Changing Seasons

Lodi student artwork and haiku will be displayed during the Festival and later at the Lodi Public Library and Lodi Community Art Center.

— Student Art Exhibition

Migration and Changing Seasons

Lodi student artwork and haiku will be displayed during the Festival and later at the Lodi Public Library and Lodi Community Art Center.

— Festival Memories

See The Festival In Action

Click on any image to enlarge and view slideshow.