The City of Brownsville, the Brownsville Convention and Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Gladys Porter Zoo, has officially announced the inaugural Brownsville Birding Festival, a new eco-tourism event designed to showcase the city’s unique natural habitats and further establish Brownsville as one of the premier birding destinations in North America.
The Brownsville Birding Festival will take place April 11–12, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with programming hosted at the Gladys Porter Zoo and birding hotspots throughout Brownsville.
Festival participants will have the opportunity to experience 27 guided tours across nine locations throughout the city, led by more than 20 local expert birding guides. Activities will include walking tours through local parks and nature areas, kayaking birding tours with Brownsville Kayaks, and cycling tours with Caracara Trails, offering attendees a variety of ways to explore the region’s diverse ecosystems.
The festival will also feature educational workshops presented in collaboration with the UTRGV School of Integrated Biology and Chemical Sciences, along with family-friendly activities and photography opportunities for nature enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Local businesses and organizations are also supporting the festival. Warbler Coffee will serve as the Official Coffee Shop of the Festival, while the Rio Grande Valley Red Crowns Soccer Club and Pluton Brewing Company will host the festival’s official after-party, celebrating the close of the event with the community.
The Brownsville Birding Festival highlights the city’s commitment to eco-tourism, conservation, and outdoor recreation, while inviting residents and visitors alike to experience the rich biodiversity that makes Brownsville a globally recognized birding destination.
For more information on tour registration, ticket pricing, and festival details, visit www.visitbtx.com
