Open Audio Article Player Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife prepares for the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival
SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife prepares for the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival. -COURTESY PHOTO

Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife (CCFW) invites the community to celebrate one of Cape Coral’s most beloved residents at the 24th Annual Burrowing Owl Festival Wildlife and Environmental Expo. This lively, family-friendly event honors the city’s official bird—the burrowing owl—while highlighting the importance of protecting local wildlife and habitats.

The festival takes place on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rotary Park in Cape Coral and offers a full day of wildlife education, hands-on experiences, and fun for all ages.

Event highlights include:

Live animals & wildlife encounters – Get up close with fascinating animals presented by Adam’s Animal Adventures, bringing engaging wildlife education to the festival.
Local wildlife bus tours – Ride along to see burrowing owls and other wildlife living right here in Cape Coral.
Southwest Florida Birding Specialty Tour – A guided birding bus tour led by renowned local bird experts David and Tammy McQuade and Eary and Jennifer Warren. Advance ticket purchase required at ccfriendsofwildlife.org.
Rotary Park Butterfly House tours – Explore the park’s beautiful butterfly sanctuary.
Wildlife & Conservation Expo – Meet representatives from over 30 local environmental and conservation organizations.
Guest speakers – Enjoy a series of presentations by wildlife and conservation experts covering topics relevant to Southwest Florida.

A $5 donation at the entrance is appreciated for guests ages 12 and up.

Fun for the whole family:

Kids’ activities include face painting and hands-on fun.
Arts & crafts vendors featuring unique, handmade items.
Silent auction with one-of-a-kind items supporting wildlife conservation.
CCFW merchandise, including t-shirts, jewelry, hats, and more.
Food & beverages from local vendors.

Online auction:

CCFW’s Online Auction features hundreds of items donated by businesses and organizations from across the U.S. The auction is live now and runs through March 1. It’s a great way to support wildlife conservation—even if you can’t attend the festival.
Visit bforg.com/CCFW or  ccfriendsofwildlife.org to participate.