Hummingbird Festival in Independence is free

As summer ends, so ends the residency of the ruby-throated hummingbird in Missouri.

Celebrate the hummingbirds, Missouri’s smallest birds, as they prepare to migrate to Mexico and Central America for the winter. They usually arrive in the Midwest in April and start heading south in August.

The Hummingbird Festival at George Owens Nature Parks celebrates the birds, with presentations, crafts and a hummingbird game for kids. Admission is free, thanks to the Parks Improvement Sales Tax.

Photo: Ruby throated hummingbird, Deposit Photos

The event takes place these days:

• Thursday, September 3: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Friday, September 4: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday, September 5: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

These activities will take place every day of the festival:

• 10:30 a.m. Learn How To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Yard
• 1 p.m. Understand Hummingbird Migration Patterns
• Build Your Own Hummingbird Perch
• Hummingbird Game for Kids

George Owens Nature Park is at 1601 Speck Rd., Independence, MO 64057.

More free and cheap things to do