FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Registration:You must register online prior to the festival. Pre-registration will open in March, and selection of events in early April. All communication will be by email. To learn more about how registration works, please click on the yellow registration button on the upper left of your screen. NOTE THAT STARTING IN 2026, all kids age 12 and under will not be charged for field trips (van trips excluded), and get half price on the PELAGIC SEABIRD BOAT TRIP.
Registration Desk Hours:
We will have daily Registration Desk hours during the festival (generally from 10am-3pm - but subject to change) .
Where is the 2026 Festival Center?
The festival headquarters will be at the Causeway Club (Red Barn), with talks at the Wendell Gilley Museum - both locations are in Southwest Harbor:
Causeway Club (Red Barn) (registration, vendors, swag, snacks, silent auction, some talks)
10 Fernald Point Road
Southwest Harbor, ME
Google Map
Look for the big red barn at the parking lot
Wendell Gilley Museum (social, talks)
4 Herrick Rd
Southwest Harbor, ME
Google Map
We are a No-Playback Festival
In 2025 ABF began committing all of its guides and all of its program offerings to not using playback in the field. Playback is the practice of playing the recording of a birdsong in order to pull a desired bird out into view. After surveying our guides and our participants, and consulting the American Birding Association’s Birding Code of Ethics, we have decided to make No Playback a permanent feature of our festival. Our reasons include a) ensuring consistency with the ban on playback in all National Park properties; b) a desire not to stress or harm birds during the high-stakes breeding season; c) not to disturb the experiences of other nearby nature-seekers; and d) to be cognizant of our position as role models of ethical birding.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK PASS - Please read
A PARK PASS IS REQUIRED if you plan to drive your car into Acadia National Park. Many of our field trips are in the Park. If the trip name includes the letter "(ANP)" then the trip is in Acadia National Park, and you need a park pass. You can purchase a pass online at https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/fees.htm or buy at the ANP Visitor's Center in Hulls Cove, or the Southwest Harbor Chamber (inside the Harbor House on Main St) as well as a few other locations on MDI. If you are 62 or over, you can purchase an ANNUAL PASS for $20. Otherwise, a week-long CAR PASS (for anyone) is $35. If you already have a senior National Park Pass, then there is no need to buy another pass.
What should I bring?
Definitely bring your binoculars. In addition, you might consider bringing a notepad/sketch pad, camera, and scope if you have one. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, and mosquito repellent. The weather can be cool or hot. Typically in late May and early June we can expect temperatures in the 60s and 70s. It could be clear or rainy. If you are signed up to do the Pelagic Seabird Boat Trip, bring WINTER clothes. It is always cold out on the water.
How do I decide which field trips to attend?
In general, there will be more bird activity on the morning trips than afternoon trips, so if possible, plan on some morning trips. But sure to check out the level of difficulty under the Trip Descriptions before signing up.
How do I get to my event?
The ABF website has descriptions and directions to each event, and a map too (only for trips on MDI). We highly recommend that you view this material prior to arriving at the festival (and download to have on hand). Here on the links: Trip Descriptions and Area Map. Be sure to use Google Maps or something similar to find the off-island field trip locations.
What if it is raining during my field trip?
ABF does not cancel field trips due to rain. Please plan to attend regardless of weather. The Pelagic Seabird Boat Trip is more dependent on weather so be sure to read the cancelation instructions (under the Pelagic trip description).
Do you ever cancel the Pelagic Seabird Boat Trip?
We had to cancel twice in the last 16 years. We pay very close attention to the weather, and we will make our final GO or NO GO decision by 6pm on Friday. If canceled, you will receive an email saying so, with instructions for make-up trips such as Saturday morning bird walk locations and your alternate puffin trip selection you made on your registration. Be sure to wait until AFTER 6pm on Friday for an email update! Even if the land weather looks good, the seas could be too rough to go. There will be no refunds if the Saturday morning Pelagic trip is canceled. Makeup details will be sent to you by email.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
If you cancel your registration by May 15, a refund, less a $25 fee, will be made to you. After May 15, there will be no refunds. TO CANCEL, YOU MUST EMAIL BECKY at beckym@acadiabirdingfestival.com. "No-Shows" will not be refunded. Acadia Birding Festival reserves the right to cancel a field trip, program or activity for any reason. In the event this becomes necessary, we will notify you and issue a refund. If trips are canceled, especially due to weather conditions, some may be rescheduled. If they cannot be rescheduled, they will be refunded. If a rescheduled trip conflicts with one you have already registered for, you may pick which one you would like canceled and refunded. There will be no refunds for foul weather except for trips ABF cancels.
What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions about the festival, please contact Becky at beckym@acadiabirdingfestival.com.
