Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please contact us.

When and where do I pick up my festival tickets?

This year we have opted to employ an electronic registration form therefore there will not be “tickets”.  All registrants will receive a printed confirmation email which will serve as your “ticket” for each event.  If you need to change a trip, guided tour or workshop you will be able to do so on a first come first served basis at festival headquarters during the dates of the 18th Annual Birding and Wildlife Festival.

Where are the festival headquarters, and what are the hours of operation?

The festival is based out of the Cape Charles Volunteer Fire Department building, 501 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, Virginia. Headquarters will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, October 8, 2010; 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 9, 2010; and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, October 10, 2010.

Where do I head for the reception and keynote speaker on Friday evening?

The reception will be held from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Friday, October 7, 2011, at the Stage Door Gallery, next door to the Palace Theatre, 305 Mason Avenue, Cape Charles, Virginia. From there proceed into the attached Palace Theatre for the keynote speaker’s presentation at 7 p.m.

If we can not make it to the festival and have already paid, can I get a refund?

Registration for the Birding and Wildlife Festival activities are generally non-refundable. The only exception will be separate boat trip tickets if the trips are called off due to extreme inclement weather. Refunded payment for these tickets will be made by mail immediately after the festival from the ESVAFestival offices in Cape Charles, VA.

How far is Onancock, the site of the kickoff, from Cape Charles?

Onancock is roughly 40 miles north of Cape Charles.

Where should I stay and/or eat during my visit?

For a list of accommodations and restaurants, visit the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce website at http://ccncchamber.com.  Go to the Visitors tab and from there you can choose accommodations, dining and wine, etc.  There are lovely accommodations throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Towns near Onancock include Onley and Parksley. Towns near Cape Charles include Cheriton and Eastville.  All of our businesses on the Eastern Shore of Virginia are looking forward to welcoming you during your stay.

Where should I park near the festival headquarters?

There is plenty of off-street parking near the festival headquarters in Cape Charles, VA.  Please be mindful of our friends and neighbors who live near our headquarters.  Please do not block driveways or fire hydrants and observe all traffic regulations.

What should I expect to find at the festival headquarters? 

Many federal, state and local agencies and organizations will feature displays on nature, wildlife and local natural history.  Vendors will also offer an array of nature items for sale. 

What is the “Passport Program”? 

To encourage family participation in the Eastern Shore of Virginia Birding and Wildlife Festival the Eastern Shore Environmental Education Council will again sponsoring the Passport Program all day Saturday for young visitors.  Participants should pick up a passport booklet at the registration area and get it stamped at participating booths within the headquarters area with special signs.  In addition, a wide variety of family-friendly activities will be offered in the Activity Area as part of this program.  Adults will also enjoy visiting exhibitions between birding trips or on a family tour of the headquarters area.  There is information for all levels of wildlife watchers.

Are there restaurants and shops near festival headquarters? 

There are several nearby restaurants as well as a drugstore soda fountain and a coffee house very near to the festival headquarters.  Take time to enjoy food ranging from local specials to great pizza.  Additionally, there are several locally owned shops along Mason Avenue in Cape Charles.