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Crows on a black bsckground

For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Noah Howard, Public Relations Manager pr@tourcayuga.com

CAW! CAW!  Auburn to Host “First Ever Crow Cawcus”

A Community Celebration of the Iconic Downtown Crow Roost

Cayuga County, February 2026 – Each winter, Auburn is visited by one of nature’s most fascinating spectacles: the arrival of thousands of American crows, gathering nightly in the heart of downtown. This phenomenon, unique in its scale and character, has become a seasonal hallmark for the community and an unexpected attraction for visitors.

This February, Auburn is inviting residents and guests alike to come together and mark the occasion in a new way: Auburn’s First Ever Crow Cawcus, a citywide event set for February 20 and 21, 2026.

Celebrating a Natural Wonder

The annual winter crow roost has been a part of Auburn’s story for generations. As dusk falls, rivers of crows stream into downtown to roost together, transforming the evening sky into a living mural of wings and calls. While the crows can sometimes surprise first-time witnesses, for many locals, they have become a source of curiosity, inspiration, and lively conversation.

This year, Auburn is channeling that local pride into a celebration filled with creativity, learning, and a touch of humor. The First Ever Crow Cawcus is designed as a citywide, family-friendly weekend with activities and experiences for all ages.
“It Seemed to be an event waiting to happen.” Said Sue Waby, one of the event organizers. While Dr. Kevin J. McGowan of the Cornell Ornithology Lab noted “American Crows have been roosting together in large numbers in the winter as long as there have been crows. We have written evidence that they have been congregating in the Auburn area since at least 1913. However, it was only in the mid-1990s that the Auburn roost actually moved into town and created the phenomenon that we see today.” Dr. McGowan will be giving a talk titled The Hidden Life of the American Crow at 11:00 AM, Saturday the 21st in the Phoenix Building’s Havana Room.

A Weekend of Activities and Community Spirit

CAW! CAW!  Auburn to Host “First Ever Crow Cawcus”

Auburn’s First Ever Crow Cawcus features events across multiple downtown venues, with something for everyone:

  • Live music and performances to kick off the festivities
  • Crow-themed menus and special drinks at area restaurants and bars
  • Art markets, pop-ups, and local makers offering crow-inspired creations
  • Crafts, games, and creative activities for families and children
  • A presentation by a Cornell ornithology expert, Dr. Kevin McGowan, spotlighting our feathered visitors in the Phoenix Building Havana Room at 11:00 AM
  • Community happenings such as open mic poetry, a citywide scavenger hunt, and a family dance party at 2:00 PM.
  • Interactive art and downtown displays including an ice sculpture installation
  • Photo opportunities and playful participation for anyone ready to get in the spirit—costumes welcome!


The event is open to all, and everyone is encouraged to join in, dress up, and help make this inaugural Crow Cawcus a memorable winter tradition. –CAW!-

Media Invitation

Members of the media are invited to cover this unique community event. Auburn’s Crow Cawcus offers plenty of visual opportunities and a chance to share the story of how a city comes together to celebrate one of upstate New York’s most memorable winter sights.

Learn More

For more info and details and full schedule please visit the event website.

Attached is an event schedule and map, along with the event poster and banner assets.

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About Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau:

The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is Cayuga County’s tourism promotion agency. We increase tourism and related revenues through promotion and research-based targeted marketing, and we improve the visitor experience by providing data and training to local hospitality industry providers. We continuously work to increase tourism and improve the visitor experience, which in turn stimulates economic growth and sustains recreational and cultural opportunities in the County.