FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do a tour to see the cranes?
No, you don’t have to do a tour. You are welcome to drive your self around, all the usual access to the refuge is available this weekend. There are crane viewing guides in the Kiosk at the entrance to the tour loop on the refuge. During the festival, you can stop by the Ski Hi Complex festival information booth, and we can give you more detailed suggestions and information on where people are seeing cranes. The cranes are usually in the valley between late February through mid-April.
How does ticketing work? What’s Included in the Festival Pass?
Tickets can be purchased through our website (or at Eventeny) beginning January 5th.
We’ve worked hard to simplify ticketing and make it clear what’s included:
A Festival Pass includes:
- All festival talks and presentations
- The keynote address
- The festival film screening Friday night
If you enjoy the educational talks and evening programs, this one pass covers it all—no need to choose individual talks.
Tours, workshops, and birding experiences
Some experiences are ticketed separately due to limited space. These include:
- Guided birding tours (including popular bus tours)
- Hands-on art workshops
- Special small-group outings
These optional tickets will be available when ticket sales open, and we recommend booking early if something catches your eye.
Plan for the full weekend
Crane Festival isn’t a one-day event—it’s designed as a Friday–Sunday experience. If your schedule allows, plan to come for as much of the weekend as you can.
If you have additional questions or need further ticketing assistance, email ticketing@mvcranefest.org and we will be happy to assist you!
Do I need a GA ticket (Festival Pass) to attend tours?
Yes. All tours and guided field trips require a General Admission (Festival Pass) ticket due to limited capacity. Art workshops do NOT require a Festival Pass.
Is seating reserved for talks or the keynote?
No. Seating is first come, first served.
Does my child need a ticket?
We love kids and we want you to bring them along to see the cranes and experience the wonder of the sandhill crane migration. For that reason, kids 15 and under are now FREE! You only need to purchase a ticket for a child under 15 if you want them to accompany you on a special tour or for an artist workshop.
The tour I wanted to book is sold out. Is there a waitlist?
Sorry, we don’t do a waitlist. Special tour tickets ARE refundable, however, so we encourage you to check our ticketing page as the festival gets closer to see if any refunded tickets have become available. If we have several slots open on special tours, we may send out a notification to our email list. Subscribe to stay in the loop!
Is there an entrance fee for the Craft/Nature Fair?
Entrance to the Craft/Nature fair is free.
Are dogs allowed?
No dogs (except qualified service dogs) allowed on tours, special events or at the Craft/Nature Fair.
I can't make it. Can I get a refund?
General Admission (Festival Pass) tickets are non-refundable. These fees directly support the festival’s operational expenses, help us make improvements from year to year, and contribute to the conservation and education efforts of the Friends of the SLV Refuges.
Tours and special ticketed events may be refunded up to 7 days prior to the festival. After that date, all tickets are non-refundable. If an event is canceled by the festival, ticket holders will receive a full refund or credit. Tickets may be transferred to another attendee by updating the attendee information prior to the event.
If you’re unable to attend, we hope you’ll consider your ticket purchase a donation to these important causes.
