Raptor Fest is the rare free city event where a bald eagle is physically in front of you: past editions at Baisley Pond Park have brought bald eagles, peregrine falcons, American kestrels, eagle owls, screech owls and red-tailed hawks, with Masters of the Skies Falconry flying birds over the crowd. Around 450 people came the first time the Rangers staged it here. If you have kids who love animals, or you have never seen a falcon stoop at close range, this is the one to build the weekend around.
What to expect
An outdoor festival layout of education and activity stations plus live flight demonstrations at intervals. Expect handlers presenting birds at close range, ranger talks on migration and rehabilitation, hands-on tables about nests and anatomy for children, and a crowd of families spread across the park's event lawn.
Good to know
- Baisley Pond Park is at Baisley Boulevard and Sutphin Boulevard in South Jamaica; E/J/Z to Sutphin Boulevard then a bus
- Free and family friendly, run by the NYC Parks Urban Park Rangers
- Flight demonstrations happen at set points, so arrive early to catch a full one
- Bring sun cover and water; the event area is open lawn
- Binoculars help for the flight demos, though the birds come close
- Level paths and open ground make it stroller and wheelchair accessible
Planning Sep 19–20, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
What birds are usually there?
Past Baisley Pond editions have featured bald eagles, peregrine falcons, American kestrels, eagle owls, screech owls and red-tailed hawks.
Is it free?
Yes. Raptor Fest is a free Urban Park Rangers event open to the public.
Who flies the birds?
Flight demonstrations are presented by Masters of the Skies Falconry alongside Urban Park Ranger programming.
