FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the 21st Annual Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest?
April 24-28, 2024
Where is the Festival located?
Florida’s Birding & Photo Fest is headquartered at the Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia, 5205 A1A South, St. Augustine, FL 32080. The registration desk, photography seminars, some field workshops, an exhibitor area with gear related products can be found there April 24-28, 2024. Note: the exhibitor area closes at 12pm and registration desk closes at 3pm on Sunday, April 28th.
How do I register for the Festival?
The festival requires a one-time registration fee - $15 for Early Bird, $25 after February 14th. If you do not add this to your cart when you order event tickets, you will be required to submit paid registration when you check in on-site.
When is the registration desk open?
The registration desk is open daily Wednesday-Sunday, April 24-28.
Wednesday, April 24 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Thursday, April 25 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday, April 26 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, April 27 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Sunday, April 28 8:30 AM - 3 PM
Is there an exhibitor area?
Located at the Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia, the exhibitor area is the perfect place to spend time in between classes. Some of our exhibitors this year include Hunt’s Photo & Video, Tamron, Used Photo Pro, Wildside Photo Tours, and more.
Please be mindful of the exhibitor hours. The exhibitor area will only be open during these hours – you are not permitted to enter the exhibit hall when it is not open.
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Wednesday, April 24 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM *EXHIBIT HALL SOCIAL 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM*
Thursday, April 25 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday, April 26 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday, April 27 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday, April 28 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM *NOTE: Some Exhibitors may dismantle early.*
Purchase Tickets in 3 easy steps!
1. Add your One-Time Festival registration to your cart.
2. Review the Speakers, Keynote, Boat Tours and Kayak Tours pages.
3. Click "Order Now" on your preferred workshops to add to your cart, visit cart and select CHECK OUT.
Do I need to print my tickets?
Please note that you are NOT required to print your event tickets. Your name will be on an attendee list and you will check in with a Festival representative at each event.
If I purchased a ticket and cannot attend can I send someone in my place?
If you purchased a ticket for an event and cannot attend you may transfer it to someone else. Please inform the registration desk or team via email at theteam@floridasbirdingandphotofest.com.
What is your cancellation policy?
Due to the limited capacity of these workshops, no refunds will be offered.
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Florida's Birding & Photo Fest reserves the right to cancel an activity of the festival or substitute qualified presenters when necessary. If we cancel an event for any reason, a full refund will be issued. Should that unlikely occurrence become necessary you will be notified in as timely a manner as possible.
What should I bring with me on field workshops?
• Camera Gear – suggested gear lists are with each field workshop description.
• Rain gear
• Water – Florida can be hot, especially if you aren’t used to humidity.  Be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Bug Spray
• Hat
• Light jacket for evening weather
Are there suggested gear lists for the field workshops?
Suggested gear lists are included with each field workshop description.
Do I need a Photo Pass to attend a field workshop at the Alligator Farm?
Yes. The Alligator Farm REQUIRES guests that want to enter early or stay after hours to have a Photo Pass. 2024 Annual Photo Passes are $149.95.
This pass will allow you to enter the Alligator Farm before the general public, at 7AM for our Photo Fest workshops, and at 8AM if you’re on your own. You’ll be able stay after the park closes (park closes at 6PM and photo pass holders usually stay until sunset). Photo passes can be used any day of the week and only need to be purchased ONE time annually. You must present the pass and your Photo ID when you enter the Alligator Farm.
How do I purchase a Photo Pass for the Alligator Farm?
Photo passes can be purchased through the Alligator Farm for $149.95. https://shop.alligatorfarm.com/#/Membership/New/PhotoMembershipÂ
Please note their Photo Passes are DIGITAL. You will be required to show pass and photo ID at entry.
I’ve purchased the Alligator Farm pass – where do I pick it up?
The Alligator Farm has gone digital! All Photo Passes will be emailed, and you must present you Photo Pass and Photo ID at Entry. *Please note that this annual photo pass is good for an entire calendar year, and you can enjoy it's benefits outside of our festival.
What happens if I arrive late at the Alligator Farm?
There is only ONE game keeper at the Alligator Farm on duty to let you in for the AM workshops. If you are late, even two minutes late, you will NOT get in and you will NOT be refunded. Come early, have your gear ready, be ready to walk in on time, and be ready to learn! Suggested gear lists are listed in every field workshop description.
What is the Festival’s policy on late arrivals?
The Festival’s policy is to wait 5 minutes for late arrivals – at that point, the trip will begin and any late arrivals will have to catch up on their own.  Please be courteous if you are late - the instructor may have to wait until the end of the workshop to explain anything that you missed.
Is there a list of meeting locations for field workshops or events that do not take place at the Festival Headquarters?
It is the festival participant’s responsibility to map out meeting locations prior to the field workshop.  It is best to arrive 15 minutes early for field workshops with your gear ready. If you have any questions regarding meeting locations, please stop by the registration desk or email theteam@floridasbirdingandphotofest.com ahead of time.
How long does it take to get from location to location?
St. Augustine is a vacation destination that can be quite busy especially during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) Plan ahead and allow sufficient travel time between events at the Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia (Festival headquarters) in St. Augustine Beach to St. Augustine (downtown and the Alligator Farm). Please allow additional time so you can arrive early.
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Below are estimated drive times from Celebration Hall at St. Anastasia (Festival Headquarters), 5202 A1A S. to the following locations:
Frank Butler Park East, 5860 A1A S. - 3 minutes
St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd. - 9 minutes
St. Augustine Alligator Farm, 999 Anastasia Blvd. - 10 minutes
Matanzas Inlet, 8805 A1A S. (The end of the boardwalk on the East Parking lot (beach side) - 10 minutes
Marineland Rock Beach, 9700 Oceanshore Blvd. - 13 minutes
Classic Car Museum, 4730 Dixie Hwy. - 15 minutes
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 Oceanshore Blvd. - 17 minutes
Downtown Plaza (Gazebo), 170 St. George St. - 20 minutes (see parking info below)
Flagler College, 74 King St., Henry Flagler statue - 20 minutes (see parking info below)
Castillo de San Marcos, 1 S Castillo Dr. - 20 minutes (see parking info below)
St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez - 20 minutes (see parking info below)
Celebration Hall to Vilano Beach Pier, 260 Vilano Rd. - 30 minutes
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NOTE - The Bridge of Lions goes up on the hour and ½ past (every 30 minutes). Traffic is heavier during peak hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) Please plan accordingly so you are not late for your event.
Where is the best/easiest place to find parking in downtown St. Augustine?
Parking can be a challenge in the downtown St. Augustine area. Here is some helpful information.
Parking for the Municipal Marina Boat Trips:
All boat trips leaving from the Municipal Marina at 111 Avenida Menendez must find offsite parking. The Municipal Marina does not have a parking lot. There is metered street parking and there are paid lots within walking distance. Please allow at least 20 minutes to park and walk to the Marina for boat trips. Please note that metered parking is FREE after 5 PM and on Sundays.
Parking for Sigma’s Historic St. Augustine Architecture Photo Walk with Brett Wells Field Workshop:
This field workshop will meet at Flagler College, 74 King St., at the Henry Flagler statue and begin promptly at 8 AM.
Please allow 20 minutes to park and walk. There is a metered parking lot around the Plaza and along the street for you to utilize. You must pay for parking from 8 AM to 5 PM. Please note that metered parking is FREE after 5 PM and on Sundays. If you cannot find parking around the Plaza, there is a parking garage behind the Visitors Information Center, located at 10 W. Castillo Dr. for $15 or side street parking.
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Parking for the Castillo de San Marcos (the Fort) can be found in the Castillo lot, on a side street or at the Historic Downtown Parking Garage.
What is the typical weather like in northeast Florida?
Florida’s Historic Coast has a warm humid temperate climate which can turn to cool at night. It’s best to be prepared for warm weather during the day and have a light jacket with you for the evenings.
Average high in April – 80°
Average low in April – 62°
Is there a host hotel offering special rates for Festival attendees?
See our Lodging Page​
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What activities are available for non-photographers?
On Florida’s Historic Coast, we're never at a loss for things to do. Discover attractions like the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum. Dive into history at the Fountain of Youth and Castillo de San Marcos. Visit beautiful beaches, or go fishing or golfing. Plus we've got dining, shopping and nightlife.