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/Audubon Southwest

Connecting Community Through Nature: Rio Community Festivals

Throughout the year, Rio Salado Audubon 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 Audubon'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 upcoming events to learn more about the next Rio Community Festival.

Upcoming Events

View All Events

Desert Rivers Audubon: Sunset Bird Walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve

Oct

5:00 PM - 6:15 PM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: Sunset Bird Walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve

Gilbert, AZ

Prior to our Monthly Speakers Meeting please join an early evening bird walk at Gilbert Riparian Preserve. Let go of the day's stresses as we observe...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Saturday Guided Bird Walk

Oct

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Rio Salado Audubon Center

Saturday Guided Bird Walk

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

6th Annual Queens Rise Art Showcase

Oct

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

Audubon Southwest

6th Annual Queens Rise Art Showcase

Phoenix, AZ

Queens Rise celebrates and supports local women artists through an interactive evening art walk at the Rio Salado Audubon Center. Enjoy live...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Desert Rivers Audubon: Big Sit at Veterans Oasis Park

Oct

7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: Big Sit at Veterans Oasis Park

Chandler, AZ

BIG SIT at Veterans Oasis Park is designed for all nature lovers including those with accessibility challenges; wheelchairs, walkers, or other...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Desert Rivers Audubon: Higley Ponds Monthly Bird Walk

Oct

7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Audubon Community Chapters

Desert Rivers Audubon: 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. These...

Art, Culture & Community In-Person

Thursday Guided Bird Walk