For the Birds Opening Celebration

Celebrate the opening of For the Birds, presented in partnership with acclaimed music supervisor Randall Poster.

Be among the first to check out the new, Garden-wide birdhouse installation, meet the exhibition artists, join a dance party and parade, and get up close with incredible birds of prey.

All programs free with Garden admission.

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Activities

• 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  Entrances

  Warby Parker Birdocular Giveaway

  Get a pair of Warby Parker Birdoculars at any entrance while supplies last! Use your Birdoculars throughout the day to spot birds at the Garden.

  Warby Parker Birdoculars are designed for those 12 and older. They are not a toy and not for small children. Adult supervision is required.

• 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Discovery Garden

  Bird Puppet Crafting

  Decorate your own bird puppet in the Discovery Garden! Be part of the celebration as you take your puppet out and find other bird puppets and real birds around the Garden!

• 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
  Water Garden

  Volunteers for Wildlife Birds of Prey

  Get up close to some incredible birds of prey and learn about the many adaptations that make these animals some of the most skilled hunters on the planet.

• 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
  Atrium Patio

  Listening Station

  Enjoy recordings from “For the Birds: The Birdsong Project.”

• 12–1 p.m.
  Various Locations

  Meet the Birdhouse Artists

  Check out the brand-new For the Birds birdhouse sculptures throughout the Garden and get to chat with some of the artists.

• 1–3 p.m.
  Various Locations

  Bird Dance Party

  Insta-worthy, larger-than-life bird stilt walkers by Mortal Beasts & Deities and lifelike bird puppets from Processional Arts Workshop dance to processional music from Metropolis Ensemble. Musical textures created by Paula Matthusen, Matthew Evan Taylor, and John Wesley Dankwa and performed by 12 improvisers weave and play in dialogue with the dancing puppets.

  Performers begin at Lily Pool Terrace, the Osborne Garden, and the Water Garden, then parade to the Plant Family Collection for a giant dance party. Listen for the music, join a parade, and dance along!