Wild and Wonderous Raptors are Back in Bristol!
Audubon Raptor Weekend 2026
Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium, 1401 Hope Street (Route 114), Bristol, RI
September 12 & 13, 2026; 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Spend the day with birds of prey! Hawks, falcons, and owls are descending on Audubon for Raptor Weekend! These avian hunters with long sharp talons, hooked beaks, and highly developed eyesight are headed to the Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol, RI on September 12 & 13, 2026.
Numerous raptor species will be featured in live presentations, educational programs, and activities for bird enthusiasts of all ages. Audubon Raptor Weekend presents a unique opportunity for visitors to get up-close with these amazing birds and learn about their conservation, adaptations and habitats in an engaging, family-friendly weekend event.
In addition to hawk and owl presentations by Audubon Society of Rhode Island experts, wildlife rehabilitators from the Northeast will bring their expertise and birds of prey to the event.
New for 2026! Black Vulture Presented on Saturday
Connecticut-based raptor rehabilitator Mary-Beth Kaeser of Horizon Wings will present a Black Vulture at 11:30am on Saturday. Discover this fascinating species that features a charcoal-black body, bare black head, and white patches under their wingtips. Learn all about their life history and amazing adaptations, as well as a number of birds of prey that Kaeser will present.
Master Falconer Gregory Martel is back with the popular Master of the Sky live-flight programs on both days. Martell has worked with over 55 raptors during the past 14 years and has been a full-time falconer and educator since 2016. He will be presenting a number of hawks and owls in live-flight programs on both Saturday and Sunday.
On Sunday, the ever-popular Marcia and Mark Wilson of Eyes on Owls will introduce the audience to a wide variety of live owls, some native to New England and other species that are found across the globe. The Wilsons will also explore the protection of owls and their habitats.
Engaging games and activities for all ages will be featured both days. Grab lunch or a snack from the Bristol County Lions Club as they serve family-friendly fare. In addition, the from Pitt Stop Food Truck (gyros, falafel, shawarma, and other specialties) will be available on Saturday, and a truck from Blount’s on Sunday. The popular Kay’s Ice Cream will have delicious cold treats both days.
Admission also provides access to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium and the 28-acre wildlife refuge, including aquarium exhibits, a scenic boardwalk to Narragansett Bay, and the Palmieri Pollinator Garden.
- For more information on Raptor Weekend, visit asri.org/raptor-weekend.
- Tickets may be ordered in advance at: asri.org/raptor-weekend or purchased the day of at the event.
Advance Purchase:
$20/adult, $15/child. Family 4 Pack: $60
On-Site, Day of Event:
Non-Members: $25/adult, $20/child. Family 4 Pack: $75
VIPs: $60 per person, advance purchase only
Limited VIP tickets include admission, preferred seating, free on-site parking, and $10 lunch voucher.
Photos:
– Falconer Gregory Martel with a Barn Owl: Photo credit Janelle Hollis
– Eurasian Eagle Owl by Peter Green
– New for 2026, a Black Vulture will be presented at Raptor Weekend by Horizon Wings on Saturday, September 12 at 11:30am.
Audubon Raptor Weekend 2026 is sponsored by Bristol County Lions Club, Hey Rhody Media Co., NEC Solar, Now 93.3, Renewal by Anderson