Southwest Projects

Rio Community Festivals

Our Goals
Reconnecting people and nature through free community festival events.
What We’re Doing
Rio Community Festivals bring together local partners, community organizations, and the public to celebrate nature, conservation, culture, art, music and more.
Liberty Wildlife Presentation. Photo: Danny Roper-Jones/̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest

Connecting Community Through Nature: Rio Community Festivals

Throughout the year, Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center hosts free Rio Community Festivals featuring music, art, culture, or food, while also celebrating our shared connections to nature. The festivals are built on strong partnerships, helping uplift both incredible community organizations and ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s conservation partners. Activities may include live animal workshops, conservation action tables, bird walks, arts and crafts, and other family-friendly fun. From Indigenous music, art, and culture in the fall to Valentine’s Day–themed festivals in the winter, each festival offers a unique and engaging experience for all, while offering ways for people to engage in conservation and community science.

Explore our to learn more about the next Rio Community Festival.

Upcoming Events
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May
2
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Saturday Morning Guided Birding
Phoenix, AZ
Join our local bird enthusiasts for a guided bird walk through the Rio Salado habitat! These walks are for everyone: experts, novices, and people who...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
May
2
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Burrowing Owl Relocation Volunteer Days, May 2
Salome, AZ
# Roll-up your sleeves to help displaced owls! Burrowing Owls are day-active birds that live and nest in abandoned underground burrows. Once common...
Conservation & Habitat Restoration In-Person
May
8
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch Potluck Presentations
Elgin, AZ
Join us for Potluck Presentations at the Appleton-Whittell Research Ranch! Bring a dish and enjoy presentations delivered by local science and...
Education & Workshops In-Person
May
9
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Habitat Restoration Volunteer Days at Rio Salado
Phoenix, AZ
Spend a few weekend hours helping ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ help birds at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center in South Phoenix. Work varies throughout the year and...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
May
14
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Guided Nature Walks
Phoenix, AZ
Join us for a peaceful and mindful walk through the Rio Salado habitat. Together, we’ll explore the trails, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature...
Birding & Community Science In-Person
May
18
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Community Chapters
Desert Rivers ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk
Gilbert, AZ
**Join us for this urban wetlands bird walk!** Wide, flat trails parallel the groundwater recharge ponds for easy viewing and comfortable walking...
Art, Culture & Community In-Person
May
23
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Southwest
Nature Explorers
Phoenix, AZ
### Join us for a fun, family-friendly nature adventure at the Rio Salado ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Center! Families are invited to get outside, explore the trails and...
Family & Kids In-Person