The upcoming Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival, taking place on January 18th-19th, 2025, promises a vibrant celebration of wildlife and culture at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge in Nashville, TN. This free event will focus on the migration of thousands of sandhill cranes and educate visitors about the region's Native American heritage through folklore and artifacts. Attendees can expect live wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of bald eagles and possibly endangered whooping cranes, with volunteers assisting with spotting scopes. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including the Wings to Soar Live Raptor Show and musical performances by Nashville artists like Second Nature. Additionally, a children's craft room and various raffles will enhance the experience for families.

The cafeteria will open early each day, providing food options for attendees. Shuttle transportation will be available from the Birchwood Community Center to the festival locations, as public parking is not permitted at the Hiwassee Refuge. For more information, visitors can check the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's website, TNWildlife. org.