BirdFest & Bluegrass

BirdFest & Bluegrass is the event put on by the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the City of Ridgefield, to celebrate the Refuge, the community, and everything nature has to offer. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will be fee-free on Saturday, October 4, 2025! Seasonal Trails, including the Kiwa Trail and Carty Lake Trail, will be open! On the Carty Unit, follow the Friends' self-guided hike, attend a walk, check out our partners, and do some crafts. Take a drive around the River 'S' Auto Tour, or head Downtown for Bluegrass Music, vendors, crafts, and more! Sandhill Crane Tour tickets available in advance only (STAY TUNED).

BirdFest & Bluegrass Official Website

Button purchase locations, Carty Unit & River 'S' Unit Refuge event schedule specifics, Bird of the Year details, and more!

Bluegrass Music, City Family Activities & Vendor Marketplace

The Schedule for the City of Ridgefield downtown events; including Family crafts, music schedules, and shopping, orienteering, and more.

Want to be a vendor downtown?

Visit the City of Ridgefield First Saturdays Vendor page.

Visit the Refuge

Find maps and directions to the two separate units of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, the River 'S' Unit and Auto Tour, and the Carty Unit.

Visiting a Refuge

Not a Park! Wildlife Refuges are different, find out how

BirdFest & Bluegrass Sweatshirt

Support BirdFest & Bluegrass and celebrate conservation with this environmentally conscious hoodie uses recycled materials to create a midweight blended fabric.

Partner Party Partner List

Dark Sky International

Dark Sky International restores the nighttime environment and protects communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy, and conservation.

Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries

Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) serves residents of southwest Washington in rural, suburban, and urban settings in Klickitat and Skamania Counties, all of Clark County except for the City of Camas, and the City of Woodland and the Yale Valley Library District in Cowlitz County.

Habitat at Home

Formerly known as the Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary Program, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is working to encourage Washingtonians to connect with nature where they live, work, and play. By learning ways to increase biodiversity through planting native plants, coexisting with wildlife, and making decisions that positively impact the health of our communities, we can all make a difference.

Mount St Helens Science & Learning Center

The Mount St. Helens Institute, founded in 1996, connects people of all ages to Mount St. Helens and our natural world through educational programming designed to enrich visitors’ appreciation and understanding of the Pacific Northwest’s youngest and most active volcano.

Ridgefield Garden Club

Check out the plant sale in Davis Park! Do you want to add some color to your yard or patio? Are you ready to plant some vegetables? Do you need a great gift? Then check out the Ridgefield Garden Club Plant Sale!

USFWS Fire Management

Eighty percent of Service lands, from marsh to forest to prairie, evolved with fire and depend on periodic fire to remain productive wildlife habitat. Fire is a vital conservation tool. The Service’s fire management program has three main areas of focus: fuels management wildfire management wildfire prevention

Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the State Agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating the state’s fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.

Washington Trails Association

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward, and champion trails and public lands.

Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington

The Watershed Alliance works to educate and engage community members to be active stewards of SW Washington’s natural legacy. We educate children and adults, by giving hands on opportunities to participate in the restoration and protection of waterways.

Want to Join the Party?

If you are a local non-profit connected to the Refuge or Nature and want to host a table on the Refuge, send us a message!

Ridgefield Participating Businesses

Ridgefield Craft Brewing

Besides being a location for bluegrass jamming, Ridgefield Craft Brewing will be running a special promotion with their boat-shaped flight tray called "Taking Flight," which includes four 5oz tasters of any beer for $9 (add $2 w/cider).