Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, Sherman/Lake Texoma
Sherman Bird Festival & Sculptures
MAY 16, 2026: CELEBRATING BIRDS!
The Sherman Cultural District joins with Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for a spectacular day of bird-themed events, avian art, and activities in tribute to Sherman's unique bird connections.
ABOUT
Our new Bird Festival is a multi-location, multi-event celebration of our feathered friends! There's something for everyone at the May 16 main event and beyond. Attractions will be spread throughout the Downtown Sherman Cultural District and at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge to create a one-day immersive art and nature experience. Check out the offerings and visit this page often for new additions to the schedule in coming weeks.
This project is funded in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Additional funding comes from the City of Sherman. Special thanks to Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge for programmatic support and birding expertise.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
BIRD SCULPTURE
REVEAL
A Public Art Project in the Cultural District
We're unveiling five beautiful sculptures commissioned by the Cultural District with support from Texas Commission on the Arts. The works highlight the beauty and ecological significance of native and migratory birds of North Texas, and acknowledge Sherman's proximity to Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, host to hundreds of bird species.
SHERMAN ACTIVITIES
Celebrating our Feathered Friends
Visit Downtown Sherman to experience a day of bird-themed art shows, restaurant and shopping specials, fantasy birdhouse competition, hands-on activites, and the 2026 Sherman Art Dash - a favorite for art lovers!
We'll start with breakfast and end with some amazing culinary specials including - of course! - wine, beer, and whiskey flights at your favorite downtown restaurants.
HAGERMAN ACTIVITIES
All things BIRD at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
For 2026, Hagerman's annual spring fest is held in conjunction with the inaugural Sherman Bird Festival! It's a day of bird walks, tram tours, lectures, children's activities, book signing with Sam Crowe, and more at the Refuge. Just 15 miles from Downtown Sherman, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience of birding and bird art in one special day.
SCULPTURE DEDICATION
The star attraction of the weekend is unveiling of five beautiful bird sculptures that have been commissioned by Sherman Cultural District. Ceremony will be held Saturday, May 16, time and location to be announced in April.
THE BIRD ARTISTS
The artists behind the new bird sculptures were selected in a competition in late 2025. Their works will become part of the permanent collection of public art in the Cultural District, adding to the visual richness of our historic downtown area.
SCULPTURES
ART WALK JURIED SHOWS
The Birds of a Feather Art Show, featuring a curated show displayed in multiple downtown businesses, will showcase the work of various artists depicting any theme that honors birds. Show locations to be announced in April.
ArtRageous Art Hub is also hosting a bird show and offering a workshop.
2026 ART DASH
The biennial Sherman Art Dash is back! What is the DASH? It’s an artist reception with a twist - 40 unique 5x5 works by various artists will literally be up for grabs! Ticket-holding DASHERS will line up, and at the sound of the horn, dash to the art wall to take the work they want. Tickets on sale April 1. Watch for more details and the participating artist list on our DASH page.
FANTASY BIRD HOUSES
You've never seen anything like it! Downtown businesses and community artists are hatching some marvelous creations in our fantasy birdhouse competition. Grab a mini-map to find all the houses and vote for your favorite!
Winner of the People's Choice Award and Good Egg Judges' Award will be announced on Monday, May 18.
ART SHOWS
Stroll downtown to see some amazing art and perhaps take home a piece
Vitina's Deli
Specials announced soon!
White Rabbit
Specials announced soon!
The Post
Specials announced soon!
Kairo's Tacos
Specials announced soon!
903 Brewers
Specials announced soon!
La Piazza
Specials announced soon!
Cranky's Ice Cream
Specials announced soon!
Red River Winery
Specials announced soon!
The Milieu Wine Bar
Specials announced soon!
Wall Street Winery
Specials announced soon!
Pop Pop Popcorn
Specials announced soon!
CJ's Coffee
Specials announced soon!
Sage Cafe
Specials announced soon!
Camino Viejo
Specials announced soon!
Lupes's Tamales
Specials announced soon!
Good Karma Indian Restaurant
Specials announced soon!
BITES & FLIGHTS
From Breakfast With the Birds to the last drink flight!
FIND SOMETHING SPECIAL
The many locally owned businesses in downtown Sherman's Cultural District will have you flocking to see their special offerings during Sherman Bird Festival and the month of May. Because...what would Spring be without all our favorite things that speak 'bird', from May flowers to avian-themed gifts?
FLUFF YOUR FEATHERS
If you're ready to feel like spring, stop by a downtown spa or salon for a new look or some warmer weather pampering. Festival specials will have you feeling like singing (like a bird....)
VISIT THE BIRD SHOPPE
The Grayson County Master Gardeners and Sherman Farmers Market will have backyard bird items for sale, from birdseed to native plants that provide food and shelter for birds.
BIRD-Y SHOPPING
HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES
Would you like to try your hand at your own bird art? Paint a piece of pottery, create a bird house, add you mark to a bird mural. Kids can chalk the sidewalks, color bird pages or make bird treats at the Nesting Table, and play Bird Bingo. Join special activities at the Sherman Public Library and The Sherman Museum. Engage with the new sculptures through talks with master naturalists about each bird, and learn more about wildlife in Grayson County with the Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge at their Bird Festival.
BIRDING ACTIVITIES
On May 16, Hagerman Bird Festival will provide awesome birding opportunities throughout the day! And check back here in mid-March for an announcement of birding opportunities in Sherman.
For the curious, learn more about backyard birds at Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website. You can also check out Cornell's apps for your mobile device: eBird to report birds you see, and Merlin Bird ID to help identify birds you hear or see. Both are free downloads in your App store.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
HAGERMAN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Around 230,000 visitors annually come to the Refuge for wildlife observation, photography, hiking, fishing, hunting, and interpretive and educational programs. The Refuge is well-known for for the diversity of migratory birds that can be found - in all, 338 species have been spotted so far!
Hagerman Bird Festival provides a day to collaborate with Sherman around nature and art. The Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge have put together a day to celebrate birds and birding. Full schedule is available here, and more information about the Refuge and Friends organization is linked below.
