March 5-7, 2027
The 44th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival Returns to the San Luis Valley March 5-7, 2027
The cranes are back! Join the Friends of the San Luis Valley Wildlife Refuges in our annual celebration of the Sandhill Crane migration. For three days, immerse yourself in learning experiences alongside other enthusiastic nature and wildlife lovers, experts, artists, and the welcoming San Luis Valley community.
Take an early morning photography workshop; pack up an easel and head out to the refuge to paint with an expert wildlife artist; learn how cranes and farmers co-exist; find out more about raptors; hop on a bus for the popular Crane Cruise or Waterfowl Window Tour. From place-based storytelling and hands-on art experiences to expert talks and archaeology tours, the Monte Vista Crane Festival offers art, science, conservation and of course, cranes! There’s something for every interest and age group.
A visit to the Monte Vista Crane Festival is an opportunity to see an amazing natural spectacle, learn about stunning migrators, and experience a unique rural community.
2027 Festival Highlights
Join us for guided crane viewings, bird walks and expert speakers. See live raptors, watch crane films, participate in family activities, and more.
Keynote Speaker
Kristi Dranginis, founder of Bird Mentor, a resource for live and online courses helping people build confidence learning about birds and the natural world.
Art Workshops
Plein air, printmaking, brush painting, paint and sip, and more! The 2027 MVCF offers a wide variety of art workshops to suit every interest.
Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences
From behind-the-scenes refuge access to tours of local research facilities, these experiences offer a deeper look at the San Luis Valley.
Youth + Student Experiences
Friday programming designed for school and college groups. Hands-on learning, expert-led activities and opportunities to explore.
A Festival Pass gives you access to talks, presentations and other included programming, while Into the Field experiences are ticketed separately. The San Luis Valley refuges remain open to the public throughout the festival.
Alongside the festival activities, visit the Craft & Nature Fair, at Crane Fest headquarters in the Ski Hi Complex.
Questions about the Craft & Nature Fair? Vendor Inquiries? That's not us! The Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce operates the Craft & Nature Fair and is the correct place to direct vendor inquiries.
Festival Information
Festival Information, Ticketing and Locations
The 2027 Monte Vista Crane Festival takes place March 5–7 in Monte Vista and at locations throughout Colorado’s San Luis Valley. Monte Vista is approximately four hours from Denver, three hours from Albuquerque, and within easy driving distance of northern New Mexico and parts of Arizona.
How Tickets Work
- A Festival Pass includes all talks and workshops at Ski Hi, the keynote presentation, and the Friday night movie.
- Into the Field: Guided Festival Experiences are purchased separately and require a Festival Pass. Space is limited, so each participant must have both a Festival Pass and a ticket for the selected experience.
- Artist workshops are standalone events and do not require a Festival Pass.
- Seating for talks, the movie, and the keynote is first come, first served.
- The Craft and Nature Fair is free and open to the public.
- Children 15 and under attend Festival Pass programming free and do not need a Festival Pass. They do need their own ticket to participate in any Into the Field experience.
Experience the Monte Vista Crane Festival Your Way...
Plan Your Visit
From festival maps to all the details on where to stay and eat while you're in town, we have you covered!
Learn More About Cranes in the SLV
We have the answers to all (or most) of your crane questions! Or at least we try. Find all your crane information here.
Become a Sponsor
Are you a local business interested in supporting the Monte Vista Crane Festival? Learn more about the different types of sponsorship opportunities available.
Crane & Festival Updates
More to Explore: What’s New at the 2027 Monte Vista Crane Festival
By MVCF admin |
Festival Passes, Guided Experiences and More
By MVCF admin |
2027 Keynote – Kristi Draginis
By MVCF admin |
A special thank you to our local organizing partners
