Join us for the 37th Annual Nisqually Watershed Festival happening on Saturday September 26th, 2026!
Check out the 2025 Festival Recap Video Here
Fall is just around the corner and we’re ringing in the season with a community-wide celebration at the upcoming Nisqually Watershed Festival! Join us at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge on Saturday, September 26th from 10am – 4pm for a day of exploration, creativity, and connection as we honor the land, people, and environment that make Nisqually such an incredible watershed. Now in its 37th year, the festival serves as a gathering place for community members of all ages who enjoy the outdoors and want to experience hands-on environmental science with natural resource professionals and educators.
In the morning, the mainstage will be brimming with snakes, lizards, turtles, and more as the Reptile Man introduces a menagerie of scaly friends to all who dare to take a front row seat. If you’re no early riser, don’t worry because contrary to popular belief, the early bird doesn’t always get the worm. Feathered friends will take flight when The Falconer introduces his birds of prey ambassadors on the mainstage in the afternoon. Throughout the day guests will be treated with music, shark and salmon dissections, an insect extravaganza, a “Native Birds of the Watershed” poster contest, nature walks, and of course the opportunity to climb inside FIN the 25-foot giant wild salmon!
As you explore the many hands-on activities located in Critter Corridor and beyond, make sure to bring a t-shirt for salmon printing because yes – you paint a real salmon! Attendees can also explore animal furs and skulls in the education center, search the grounds for a selfie with Puddles the Blue Goose, and fuel up for more fun with a variety of food vendors – including a Salmon barbecue with fish donated from the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
Whether you’re interested in the creatures of the Puget Sound, the glaciers of Mount Rainier, or the river and forests in between; there’s something for everyone at the Nisqually Watershed Festival. So mark your calendars for the last Saturday in September and we’ll see you there!
Free parking and a continuous shuttle will be available from the Hawks Prairie Park-N-Ride (2548 Hogum Bay Road NE, Olympia)
Best of Show & First Place Poster Contest Winners Announced – View All Winners Here!
2026 Festival Schedule
| TIME | ACTIVITY | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 AM | Olympia Highlanders Rousing Bagpipes, Drums, & Dance! | Mainstage |
| 10:30 AM | TBA | Mainstage |
| 11:00 AM | The Reptile Man Up-Close Encounters with Snakes, Alligators, Iguanas, & More! | Mainstage |
| 12:00 PM | Poster Contest Award Ceremony Native Birds of the Watershed | Mainstage |
| 12:30 PM | Nisqually Stream Stewards Trivia & Graduation Ceremony | Mainstage |
| 1:00 PM | TBA | Mainstage |
| 1:00 PM | Shark Dissection Learn about the anatomy of local Puget Sound sharks! | Amphitheater |
| 2:00 PM | The Falconer Up-Close Encounters with Vultures, Owls, & Falcons! | Mainstage |
| 3:00 PM | Salmon Dissection Learn about the anatomy of local Nisqually River Salmon! | Amphitheater |
Festival Map
Volunteer at the Nisqually Watershed Festival
Volunteer at the Nisqually Watershed Festival – EMAIL CONTACT
Donate to Support the Nisqually Watershed Festival
Festival Host Committee
Interested in participating as an exhibitor? Contact info@nisquallyriver.org!