You don’t need to go to Jurassic Park to see majestic raptors. The birds of prey that evolved from dinosaurs will be in free flight at Raptor Fest, with lots to learn from trainers and environmental exhibitors.

Boyd Hill’s 12th annual event supports the care of its resident raptors and community learning programs. The nature preserve is home to around 20 birds of prey deemed non-releasable by licensed rehabilitators and are vetted to ensure they can be safely handled and used in educational programs, per the City of St. Petersburg.

Parking at the preserve is for handicap permit only. A free shuttle runs between the center and parking at Lakewood High School and the Lake Vista Recreation Center. Bring an animal-loving spirit, but leave pets at home.

There is no cover for Raptor Fest, happening Saturday, Feb. 7 in St. Petersburg.

Raptor Fest

Time Sat., Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way S, St. Petersburg

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This article appears in Feb. 05 – 11, 2026.

Selene San Felice is managing editor of Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. Prior to joining CL in 2025, she started the Axios Tampa Bay newsletter and worked for her hometown paper, The Capital in Annapolis,...