Snow Goose Festival

An annual winter wildlife celebration in Oroville and throughout Butte County

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the most recent Snow Goose Festival. We look forward to welcoming visitors back for the next festival season.

Each winter, tens of thousands of migratory birds descend on the northern Sacramento Valley, transforming the landscape into one of California’s most spectacular wildlife viewing experiences. The Snow Goose Festival celebrates this incredible seasonal migration with guided field trips, educational programs, art exhibits, and community gatherings across Butte County.



Headquartered at Patrick Ranch Museum, the festival brings together expert naturalists, birding enthusiasts, artists, and nature lovers to experience the beauty, ecology, and diversity of winter birdlife along the Pacific Flyway — with Oroville serving as a key gateway to many of these natural areas.

What Is The Snow Goose Festival?

The Snow Goose Festival is one of Northern California’s premier wildlife and birding events, held annually during the winter migration season. Festival programming typically includes:


  • Guided birding field trips led by experienced naturalists
  • Educational workshops and presentations
  • Community gatherings and special evening events
  • Art exhibits inspired by birds, landscapes, and conservation
  • Family-friendly and beginner-friendly activities



Events take place at locations throughout Butte County, offering visitors the opportunity to explore wetlands, rivers, refuges, and open spaces that support one of the region’s richest concentrations of winter birdlife.

Oroville & The Pacific Flyway

Oroville plays an important role in the Snow Goose Festival thanks to its proximity to the Feather River, surrounding wetlands, and key wildlife corridors. These habitats support a wide variety of migratory species, including snow geese, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds.


Festival experiences connected to Oroville often highlight:

  • The Feather River Parkway and riparian corridors
  • Nearby wetlands and open agricultural landscapes
  • River-based and walking field trips
  • Opportunities to observe birds in both natural and urban-edge environments



For many visitors, Oroville serves as a home base for exploring the Pacific Flyway during the winter season.

A Signature Winter Wildlife Event

Beyond field trips, the Snow Goose Festival is known for its emphasis on education, conservation, and community connection. Special events, keynote presentations, and art exhibitions help tell the broader story of migration, habitat protection, and the natural heritage of the North State.

Together, these experiences make the festival both an educational resource and a celebration of the landscapes and wildlife that define winter in this region.

Plan Your Snow Goose Festival Visit

With events spread across Butte County and limited availability for many programs, planning ahead is encouraged.

For full schedules, pricing, accessibility information, and registration:


 Visit SnowGooseFestival.org

Lodging Guide


Stay Local & Support Businesses
Browse the Oroville Chamber Business Directory to discover local lodging options and other businesses that make Oroville special.


Stay and Shop in the Heart of Downtown
Looking for a stay just steps away from the festivities? Explore Downtown Oroville Places for lodging and other local favorites, including unique historic stays right in the district.


Explore the Region
For a full list of accommodations across Butte County—including hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds—visit Explore Butte County’s Stay Guide.

Dining Guide


Support Local Businesses
Browse the Oroville Chamber Business Directory to find Chamber-member restaurants, cafés, and food services.


Eat in the Heart of Downtown
Many Downtown Oroville restaurants are just a short drive away from the festivities. Explore everything from casual bites to locally owned favorites before or after the parade.


Explore the Region
If you’re exploring more of the region, Explore Butte County’s Taste Guide features dining options throughout the county, including breweries, wineries, and farm-to-table favorites.

Learn More & Future Festival Details

The Snow Goose Festival is produced by partner organizations throughout Butte County.

Festival details are typically announced in the fall ahead of the winter migration season.

Visit SnowGooseFestival.org for updates, schedules, and registration information