Every year around late summer, hummingbirds start packing in as many calories as possible before making their long flight down to Central America. If you’ve noticed extra activity around your feeders lately, you’re not alone.

This time in Middle Tennessee brings a massive surge in feeder activity as hummingbirds enter hyperphagia, a pre-migration feeding frenzy where they double their body weight to prepare for the journey.

To celebrate these tiny birds before they make their grand exit, the Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park is hosting its annual Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5.

The free, family-friendly event gives the community an up-close look into the lives of local pollinators while offering a fun day outdoors for all ages.

If you’ve never seen a hummingbird up close, the morning session is where you’ll want to be. Between 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Cyndi Routledge of Southeastern Avian Research will be holding live hummingbird banding. Seeing these ultra-fast birds held gently in a researcher’s hand to receive a tiny leg band is one of the highlights of the day.

Photos by Ashleigh Newnes

Banding wraps up promptly at 10:45 a.m., so arrive early if you want to see it in action.

While the birds are a huge draw, the event is also about slowing down and appreciating other local wildlife.

“As our city continues to see growth, this festival serves as a reminder of the other captivating creatures we share our space with,” said Wilderness Station Coordinator Amanda Rodriguez.

Beyond the morning banding, the festival runs until 3 p.m. with plenty to do across the grounds. You’ll find local art vendors, environmental education booths, garden tours, food trucks, and hands-on nature play areas for kids.

There’s also a solid lineup of brief educational presentations scheduled to take place inside the retreat room throughout the day. This includes:

10:45 a.m. – Tagging Butterflies: Citizen Science with Monarch Watch (Lauren May)
11:15 a.m. – Meet the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird: Tiny Pollinators, Big Adventurers! (Cyndi Routledge)
12:30 p.m. – Butterflies of Tennessee (Rita Venable, author of Butterflies of Tennessee)
1:30 p.m. – Hummingbird Photography: iPhone to Pro (Kim McCollom, Boro Birders)

At its heart, the festival is about making nature accessible and building community connections across Murfreesboro.

When asked why the event means so much to the Wilderness Station team, Rodriguez responded, “because it serves as a welcoming space for every person in our city to come learn together! Participants of all ages and backgrounds come to share their excitement and knowledge.”

If you’re a long-time backyard birder, looking for a free weekend outing with the kids, or just want an excuse to wander the back trails at Barfield Park, it’s a great way to spend a Saturday.

2026 Murfreesboro Hummingbird Festival
Saturday, Sept. 5
Live Banding: 8–10:45 a.m.
Activities & Vendors: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park (401 Volunteer Rd.)
Free