The Bird Lover Weekend in Bastrop, Texas  celebrates the city’s Bird City Texas designation with activities like the “Big Sit” birdwatching, bird-themed art walks, educational raptor programs, and the popular Fabulous Bird Hat contest. This free, family-friendly event features guided, bird-focused tours and workshops in local parks and downtown venues.

DarkSky Texas will provide an educational presentation on Saturday May 2nd from 11am to noon at the Lost Pines Art Center.

Key Events and Highlights :

• FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026

  8:30am-10:00am – Birdwatching Little Hike – Bob Bryant Park
  10:00am-10:30am – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  12:00pm-8:00pm – In the Spotlight: Birdy Art – Bridges Emporium
  4:00pm-4:30pm – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  5:00pm-6:00pm – Beer and Bird Songs – 602 Brewing Co.
  6:00pm-7:00pm – Bird Hat Contest – Bridges Emporium
  6:00pm-7:00pm – Binocular Booth – Bridges Emporium

  SATURDAY, MAY 2, 2026

  8:30am-10:00am –  Birdwatching Big Sit – Fisherman’s Park
  9:00am-10:00am –  Bird Sculptures Field Trip on Chestnut – start with Barred Owl at Film Alley
  10:30am-11:00am – Meet the Purple Martins – Bob Bryant Park
  10:00am-11:00am – Sky Kings Raptors Program – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-12:00pm – DarkSky Texas Program – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-2:00pm –  Table Talks: Birdy Info Booths – Lost Pines Art Center
  11:00am-2:00pm –  Kids Room: Birdy Activities – Lost Pines Art Center
  12:00pm-1:00pm – Lunch break! BYO lunch and chat with local birders – Lost Pines Art Center
  12:00pm-8:00pm – In the Spotlight: Birdy Art – Bridges Emporium
  1:00pm-2:00pm –  Bastrop Backyard Birds Presentation – Lost Pines Art Center
  2:00pm-3:00pm –  Meet the Purple Martins – Behind City Hall
  5:30pm-6:00pm –  Meet the Purple Martins – Behind City Hall
  6:00pm-8:00pm – Art After Dark: “Free as a Bird” Art Show with Texas Artists & Live Music –  Lost Pines Art Center