Celebrate Owls Year-Round: The International Festival of Owls & GlueStick’s Free Projects
Every March, families and owl enthusiasts flock to Houston, Minnesota for the International Festival of Owls—the world’s largest owl celebration! Held the first full weekend in March each year, this event is a can’t-miss for anyone who loves these fascinating birds and wants to learn, create, and connect with nature.
What is the International Festival of Owls?
The International Festival of Owls is an annual event in Houston, MN, dedicated to celebrating owls with:
Live owl programs (see real owls up close!)
Owl crafts and hands-on art projects
The International Kids’ Owl Art Contest
Owl calling contest
Owl pellet dissection
Nest box building
Birding and natural history bus trips
Owl-themed food, vendors and special programs
You can find the full schedule and details at the International Festival of Owls website.
The International Kids’ Owl Art Contest
One of the most inspiring traditions is the annual International Kids’ Owl Art Contest, hosted by the International Owl Center. Kids from all over the globe submit original owl artwork for a chance to be featured and win prizes. This year accepted submissions from over 40 countries! It’s a wonderful way for children to express their love for owls and creativity, and the winning art is truly impressive! Discover more about the Kids’ Owl Art Contest.
Celebrate at Home with GlueStick’s Free Owl Crafts
Whether you’re attending the festival or celebrating from home, you can join the fun! Every year during the festival, GlueStick makes all our owl-themed crafts free in the app. Our projects are:
Easy to follow for kids ages 3–12
Designed for household supplies (no special shopping needed)
100% ad-free and child-safe
Perfect for pairing with the festival’s creative spirit
Work well at home, the classroom, or the nature center
Sign up for a FREE GlueStick account to access all of our owl projects.
Featured Owl Projects
A sweet “Owl Always Love You,” project that’s a hoot of a craft! Perfect for any lover of owls or festival goer, this project is easy enough for preschool arts and crafts time.
Project Courtesy of A Little Pinch of Perfect
Time needed: 15-30 minutes
Recommended Age: 3-10 years old
Make an adorable owl using newspaper, construction paper, and a few simple supplies. You can use regular print newspaper or the comics section for a whimsical look. You’ll need a free account to access the printable, but check out the project guide using the button below.
Project Courtesy of In the Bag Kids Crafts
Time needed: 30-45 minutes
Recommended Age: 3-10 years old
Did you know there are about 250 different species of owls, and that they’re found on every continent except Antarctica? In this project, you’ll be able to cut and color masks that make you look like three of the most recognizable owls in North America: Barn Owls, Great Horned Owls, and Burrowing Owl Of course, you can always make your own creative rainbow owl, too!
Time needed: 10-20 minutes
Recommended Age: 3-10 years old
It might be snowy at the International Festival of Owls, but this little Snowy Owl doesn’t mind! He’s made of warm, fuzzy yarn using a pom pom technique you can apply to LOTS of other animal creations!
Project Courtesy of In The Bag Kids Crafts
These delicious owls are fun and easy! Bring a little sweetness to your International Festival of Owls celebration with these adorable desserts.
Project Courtesy of A Little Pinch of Perfect
Time needed: 15-30 minutes
Recommended Age: 3-10 years old
Join the Fun—All Year Long
Download the GlueStick app and unlock a world of creative, kid-led projects. Sign up during the festival to access our full library—including free owl crafts for a limited time—and see why families love learning and making together.
Let’s celebrate owls, creativity, and family fun at the International Festival of Owls and beyond!
Learn more about the International Festival of Owls | See the Kids’ Owl Art Contest | Download GlueStick
