Planning your Monte Vista Crane Festival weekend should be almost as enjoyable as the festival itself. For 2027, we’re making a few changes designed to make it easier to understand what your ticket includes, choose the experiences that interest you most and build the festival weekend that works for you.

Meet the Festival Pass

What was previously called General Admission is now the Festival Pass — a name that better reflects just how much is included.

Your Festival Pass gives you access to the festival’s full lineup of talks and presentations at Ski Hi, including our 2027 keynote with Bird Mentor founder Kristi Dranginis, as well as the Friday night film.

In other words, you don’t need to purchase separate tickets for individual talks. Get your Festival Pass, then choose the sessions that interest you throughout the weekend.

Please remember: seating for talks, the keynote and the film will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Add a Guided Experience

Want to venture beyond the main festival venue? Our limited-capacity guided experiences (formerly called "special tours") offer opportunities to explore the San Luis Valley with knowledgeable guides, visit special locations and experience the landscape in ways you might not be able to on your own.

These experiences are ticketed separately because space is limited, and participants will also need a Festival Pass.

Expect a range of choices — from wildlife viewing and birding to opportunities that explore the natural, cultural and scientific stories of the San Luis Valley.

Art Workshops Stand on Their Own

You don’t need a Festival Pass to participate in one of our ticketed artist workshops. That means locals and visitors alike can sign up for a creative experience even if they aren’t attending the rest of the festival. This year’s offerings will include a variety of ways to experience the cranes and landscape through art.

Kids 15 and Under Attend the Main Festival for Free

We want the next generation of nature lovers to be part of the festival. Children ages 15 and under do not need a Festival Pass to attend talks, the keynote, the Friday night movie or free programming at Ski Hi with a parent or guardian.

Separate tickets are still required for limited-capacity guided experiences and ticketed workshops when applicable.

Build Your Own Crane Festival Weekend

Come for the cranes. Stay for a fascinating talk. Join a guided outing. Make some art. Watch a film. Explore the Craft & Nature Fair.

The goal of the new ticket structure is simple: give you one easy entry point into the festival while still allowing you to customize your weekend. More schedule and ticket information is coming soon, so stay tuned!

The 44th Annual Monte Vista Crane Festival takes place March 5–7, 2027, in Monte Vista, Colorado.