The 2026 California Swan Festival

Where the Wild Skies Meet the Middle Mountains

Our Story:

Every November, a silent signal ripples through the Arctic, sending thousands of Tundra Swans on a 3,000-mile journey south. As they descend into the emerald rice fields and shimmering wetlands of the Northern Sacramento Valley, they find a sanctuary unlike any other. Here, at the feet of the majestic Sutter Buttes—the world's smallest mountain range—nature and agriculture exist in a timeless, delicate harmony.

The California Swan Festival is more than an event; it is a celebration of this "Middle Mountain" legacy. Hosted by the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust, the festival invites you to step out of the everyday and into the heart of the Pacific Flyway. Whether you are trekking through the volcanic spires of the Buttes, watching a white ribbon of swans take flight against a sunset sky, or learning from local farmers who steward this land, you are witnessing a story of conservation in action.

The Details

In 2026, we are bringing the festival back to its roots: the land itself. Our curated experience is designed to immerse you in the wild and working landscapes of Sutter, Yuba, and Colusa counties.

Guided Field Tours: Expert-led excursions into private ranches and restricted areas of the Sutter Buttes, offering rare access to "The Middle Mountains."
Birding & Wildlife Safaris: Sunset swan tours and guided trips through flooded rice fields to witness the 100,000+ waterfowl that call our region home each winter.
Conservation & Culture: Experience the rich heritage of the land through historical presentations and partnerships with local indigenous tribes and conservation experts.
The Kick-Off: Join us for our annual fundraiser celebration at, Montna Farms, a local rice farm, where community and conservation toast to the season ahead.

Our Mission Proceeds from the Swan Festival directly support the Sutter Buttes Regional Land Trust. Your participation helps us protect critical open spaces, maintain wildlife corridors, and preserve the agricultural heritage of our region for generations to come.

Join us this November to see for yourself what happens where the wild skies meet the middle mountains.

2026 Swan Festival

Where the Wild Skies Meet the Middle Mountains