October 26, 2026
Family-friendly fundraiser features live owl encounters, author readings, wildlife presentations and hands-on activities to support wildlife rehabilitation
VALPARAISO – Humane Indiana Wildlife invites the community to celebrate Indiana’s birds of prey at the Festival of Owls on Saturday, November 14, from 9 am to 4 pm at the Porter County Expo Center. This family-friendly fundraiser will feature live owl presentations, author readings, wildlife education, interactive activities, local vendors and food trucks. Proceeds will support Humane Indiana Wildlife’s rehabilitation efforts for injured, ill and orphaned wild animals.
“Community collaboration is essential to protecting wildlife and creating meaningful, lasting impact. We’re grateful to the Porter County Expo Center, Indiana Audubon, Project Owlnet and all of our presenters and community partners for helping bring the Festival of Owls to life. By coming together to educate, inspire and engage our community, we can deepen appreciation for the wildlife we share our environment with and strengthen support for the rehabilitation work these animals depend on,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, CEO of Humane Indiana.
Tickets are $15 per person, with discounts available for children and seniors. Tickets and additional event information are available at https://www.humaneindiana.org/events/festival-of-owls.
Attendees can meet live wildlife ambassadors, learn from wildlife experts, discover the science behind owl research and enjoy stories and illustrations inspired by these remarkable birds. With programming for nature enthusiasts of all ages, the festival offers an opportunity to connect with wildlife while helping support its care and rehabilitation.
“Every wild animal deserves the chance to heal and return to its natural habitat. Through wildlife rehabilitation and public education, we can help our community better understand and protect the animals we share our environment with. The Festival of Owls is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, spark curiosity about wildlife and support the care these animals need,” said Nicole Harmon, Senior Director of Humane Indiana Wildlife.
Event Details
Event Schedule:
The Festival of Owls offers a full day of presentations and activities for wildlife enthusiasts of all ages.
8 AM | DOORS OPEN
9-9:45 AM | LIVE OWL PRESENTATION
Nicole Harmon, Senior Director, Humane Indiana Wildlife | Great Horned, Eastern Screech & Barred Owl species presentation
9:45-10 AM | STORYTIME WITH CARRIE STEINWEG
Carrie Steinweg, Author of Into the Night | Live reading of Into the Night | Kids Activity Area
10-10:45 AM | TINY OWLS, BIG DISCOVERIES
Cookie Ferguson, IN Dunes NPS | Project Owlnet in Indiana Dunes State Park
11-11:45 AM | HOOTIN’ UP IN: OWL CALLING CONTEST
Brad Bumgardner, Executive Director, Indiana Audubon | Owl vocalizations and owl calling contest for kids and adults
12-12:45 PM | LIVE OWL PRESENTATION
Nicole Harmon, Senior Director, Humane Indiana Wildlife | Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Short-eared Owl species presentation
1-1:45 PM | WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY PRESENTATION
Jim Vincent, Photographer | Practical techniques for creating compelling wildlife images
2-2:45 PM | ‘TO SEE AN OWL” WITH MATTHEW CORDELL
Matthew Cordell, Author and Illustrator of To See an Owl | Join Matthew as he shares his journey writing and illustrating his book, To See An Owl. Matthew will read the story and step by step instructions for illustrating native owl species. All ages welcome.
3-3:45 PM | LIVE OWL PRESENTATION
Nicole Harmon, Senior Director, Humane Indiana Wildlife | Short-eared Owl, Saw-whet Owl species presentation.
ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES
9 AM – 3 PM | LIVE WILDLIFE AMBASSADOR ENCOUNTERS
Meet live wildlife ambassadors every half hour | East Room and 4-H Building near merchandise
ALL DAY | COMMUNITY OWL PAINT-BY-NUMBER
Help bring two large 24” × 36” owl paintings to life, with a new canvas featured in the morning and afternoon
ALL DAY | FOOD TRUCKS & VENDOR MARKET
Explore local vendors and enjoy food throughout the festival
Supporting Native Wildlife in Indiana
Proceeds from the Festival of Owls support Humane Indiana Wildlife’s work to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wild animals and provide wildlife education to the community.
Humane Indiana Wildlife cares for thousands of wildlife patients each year, providing specialized treatment and rehabilitation with the goal of returning healthy animals to their natural habitats whenever possible. Community support helps sustain this work and makes it possible for wildlife patients to receive the specialized care they need to recover.
By attending the Festival of Owls, guests can celebrate the wonder of owls, learn more about the wildlife that shares our region and help support rehabilitation efforts for animals in need. Learn more at HumaneIndiana.org.