Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Waterfowl Festival?

A wildlife art and sportsman's expo featuring nature and wildlife paintings, sculpture, carvings, duckstamps, photography, books, gifts and antique decoys. Also, Dog Shows, Retriever and Fly Fishing demonstrations, World Championship Goose and Duck Calling Contests, Decoy Auction, scrumptious Eastern Shore food, delightful live music, Masterclasses, Kids Activities, Sportsmans Pavilion, Wine Tasting Pavilion, and After Hours Concerts - truly something for everyone! Waterfowl Festival, Inc. is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that raises money for waterfowl and wildlife habitat preservation, conservation, and education projects. Since 1971, more than $5 million have been raised by hosting the annual Waterfowl Festival.

What are the future Festival dates?

The Waterfowl Festival is held annually on the second full weekend in November. Future dates are:

Are dogs allowed at the Waterfowl Festival?

We love dogs! Dogs are welcome at the Festival, leashed, at outdoor venues only. They are not allowed in any of the inside exhibitions, with the exception of course, of seeing eye dogs. Also, they are not allowed on buses.

Do I have to buy a ticket?

Tickets are required to enter all exhibits. Friday and Saturday tickets are $12, Sunday tickets are $10, and multiday tickets are $24. For advance tickets until October 23, click here. Festival tickets will not admit you to the Calling Contests, After Hours Concerts, or Wine Tasting Pavilion. For more information on those events, please click on each one.

Can I buy a ticket on site? Where?

You can purchase tickets at the Festival at any one of the following ticket locations: Armory, Tidewater Inn, Thompson Park, Easton High School, Easton Middle School, Easton Elementary School, Sportsman's Pavilion, and Easton Village Ponds.

How do I get around?

Continuous free bus transportation is available to all exhibit locations. Two bus lines serve all parking areas. It is not necessary to purchase a ticket prior to boarding the shuttle bus. Some of the buses have handicapped accessibility, and all are capable of seating approximately 40 persons. Bus service will be provided continuously during Festival hours. Although at least one bus will leave each exhibit location after the official closing time, visitors relying on bus transportation are advised to board the bus as soon as possible after 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Where do I park?

Parking areas for visitors are available at Easton High School, Easton Marketplace, Easton Plaza, Easton Elementary School, and Tred Avon Square. Signs on Route 50 will direct visitors to parking areas.

How do I get to Easton? What is the closest airport? Where can I stay?

Please click here for directions. Baltimore-Washington International is the closest commercial passenger airport, while Easton Airport handles smaller, noncommercial aircraft. There are many places to stay in Easton and Talbot County from bed & breakfast establishments to motels and hotels. Please click here for more information.

I want to exhibit at the Festival - how do I do that? Can I apply to be a food vendor?

The deadline for all potential Waterfowl Festival exhibitors to apply to appear at the Festival is February 15. You may either call the office in December at 410-822-4567 and we will gladly send you an application, or you may download an application from the website. The application MUST be received no later than February 15 and must be accompanied by a $25 non-refundable fee. There are no commercial food vendors at the Waterfowl Festival. All concessions are run by local, nonprofit, civic organizations such as schools, churches, scout groups, etc.

I want to be in the Calling Contest - how can I do that?

Please click here for all information for viewing and participating in one of the Festival's calling contests.

Are group rates available?

There are no group tour rates available at this time.

Any campgrounds nearby? Where do I park my RV?

The closest campground and RV park is located in Greensboro, Maryland at Holiday Park Campground, 410-482-6797.

Accommodations for bus groups and tours?

Bus groups are handled on an individual basis - please give us a call at 410-822-4567.

Are there any activities for children?

Tons! From nature activities and displays to retriever and fly fishing demonstrations to dog agility exhibitions, to the Kids Fishing Derby to Willa the Fox, Webster the Goose, and the Orioles' Bird, plus interactive conservation exhibits, junior duck stamp exhibits, shooting demonstrations, puppet shows, and duck and goose calling contests, kids (of all ages) will find a great deal to see, do and enjoy. Some of the many kids art activities include learning to carve decoys, soap carving, and painting decoy magnets.

When I become a VIP donor where does my money go?

Net proceeds from the Waterfowl Festival VIP Donor Program are designated to fund habitat, education and research projects related to waterfowl and wildlife conservation.

I'm a VIP donor - can I bring a guest? How do I get my badges and information?

Guests of benefactors can purchase Benefactor Guest Tickets to permit use of special entrances. These tickets may be purchased prior to the Festival at the Festival office in the Armory at 40 S. Harrison Street. During the Festival, they can be purchased at the Hospitality Room ONLY. Please keep in mind that these tickets DO NOT include Preview Night activities or Sunday brunch. Donors at all levels of the program may pick up their packets of information (which include all badges, tickets, etc.) at the Hospitality Room beginning at 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday of the Festival. This information is NOT mailed in advance.

How much does the Festival contribute to conservation? What organizations? Can my organization apply to receive a grant?

Since 1971, The Waterfowl Festival has contributed more than $5 million to conservation organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, Adkins Arboretum, Pickering Creek, Ward Foundation, Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, Fair Hill Environmental Foundation, Wildfowl Trust of North America, and Talbot County Public Schools. Any organization that complies with the Festival's principal purpose can apply to receive a grant. The purpose of the Waterfowl Festival is to provide funds for the enhancement of waterfowl and other wildlife conservation through habitat preservation, education, and research. All grants must meet this purpose. All grant recipients must be nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations with a priority in the Chesapeake Bay region.

Are the exhibits handicapped accessible? What about parking?

All exhibits at the Waterfowl Festival provide handicapped access. Privileged entry to exhibits is offered to the handicapped without waiting in lines. There are a number of handicapped parking spaces available in the rear of the Mayor & Council building on South Harrison Street for vehicles authorized for handicapped parking privileges. There is also wheelchair access on sidewalks within the Town of Easton. Each bus line is also equipped with at least one handicapped accessible shuttle.

Where are the restrooms? First Aid? Lost and Found?

Restrooms are located at all exhibits and at the Courthouse on South Washington Street. First Aid is available in the German, Hersloff and Swanson office building located next to the Armory on South Harrison Street. Lost and Found is located in the Festival headquarters, the Armory, at 40 South Harrison Street. All these locations are indicated on the map and also in the Waterfowl Festival Directory that comes with the purchase of a ticket.

How can I volunteer for the Festival?

We are always looking for volunteers, not only during the Festival, but all year long to assist in a wide variety of duties. The Festival is extremely fortunate to have a large corps of loyal and dedicated volunteers, but we always welcome more. Give us a call at 410-822-4567 or fill out the Volunteer Form and our volunteer coordinator will be glad to chat with you today - and put you to work tomorrow!