The sounds of bluegrass jams and bird songs will flock to downtown Ridgefield and the scenic Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, Oct. 4, for another epic installment of Birdfest and Bluegrass.
The city of Ridgefield will host its annual BirdFest and Bluegrass Festival in partnership with the Friends of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. This family-friendly celebration highlights bluegrass performances and a Picker’s Festival, vendors, young entrepreneurs, themed kids’ crafts and the natural beauty of the Refuge with Sandhill Cranes, auto tours, and guided hikes. The Saturday event offers a packed schedule for music, nature and market lovers.
From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the First Saturday Vendor Market at Davis Park will feature over 60 local
vendors offering artisan breads, handmade crafts, artwork from local artists, and delicious
snacks. At Overlook Park during the same time, children take the lead at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, where young innovators set up booths, interact with customers and manage their own small-scale sales.
Nature enthusiasts can create bird and music-themed crafts at Davis Park. Visitors can also head to the waterfront to row along the shoreline of the wildlife refuge in a dragon boat, as free paddles will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
At the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, where Sandhill Cranes, the bird on the city seal, are migrating through, visitors can enjoy auto tours, guided hikes, interactive booths, and fun activities for kids.
Music fills the day in downtown as live bluegrass performances will take place in multiple locations. The Phoenix Duo headlines at Overlook Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oregon Music Academy Fiddlers will play at Davis Park from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and venues including Sportsman’s Public House and Ridgefield Craft Brewing host additional performances throughout the afternoon and evening.
Music enthusiasts can also team up for spontaneous jam sessions with their own string instruments at several downtown locations.
Parking is available at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Carty Unit, 28908 N Main Ave, Union Ridge Elementary, along Railroad Ave and Mill St, Ridgefield Waterfront and on downtown streets.
For a full schedule and details on how to participate, visit RidgefieldWa.us/BirdFest.
