Jen Allen, a student studying Wildlife Management at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, had never been to the National Aviary until she made the trip to attend its Owl-O-Ween festival.

“It’s a great opportunity to observe non-native birds that otherwise I would have to travel across the world to see,” Allen said. “The best part is that you get to be up close and personal with them, as opposed to most zoos you go to where they’re in a cage – the photographic opportunities are definitely the best.”

The Aviary visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with rare birds at the annual Owl-O-Ween festival. The next festival will take place at the National Aviary on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Other than meeting the owls, there will also be candy, crafts and a costume parade for the kids.

Laura Swedler, marketing coordinator at the National Aviary, said although the kids may take over the Aviary for the costume contest, there is something for everyone during Owl-O-Ween.

“For the little kids, it’s definitely the costume parade and candy. For people of all ages, it’s the opportunities to meet and see the owls up close,” Swedler said. “These are the owls that are part of our usual collection, whom are very popular and very familiar with Pittsburghers because they come to a lot of the events and participate in a lot of special events activities.”

Dakota Marcin is a volunteer for the National Aviary and is helping with this year’s Owl-O-Ween. She and her fellow volunteers came up with this year’s activities and crafts for visitors to participate in.

As people lined up one by one, she helped each visitor create something fun that will also benefit the birds.

“We’re having people draw pictures on the bags, and we are filling them with hay,” Marcin said. “Then we’re going to tie them and hang them in the trees as enrichment for the birds.”

Amy Fowler of Blairsville attended the event in 2015. She says she enjoyed it last year and hopes she can attend again if work doesn’t prevent her.

“My favorite activity was seeing the Eastern Screech at the theater, either that or the new Snowy Owl exhibit,” Fowler said.

Owl-O-Ween allows for the opportunity to learn about raptors, owls and other night creatures.

“I love owls! I wish I could get closer and touch one,” Fowler said. “People can learn a lot about birds here.”

All activities are included in general admission prices. The general admission prices are $14 for adults and $13 for children and seniors.

“The admissions of the Aviary go back to supporting the work that the Aviary does, whether that be the education programs or conservation programs.” Swedler said.

Also, in October the Aviary will be celebrating the birthday of its baby sloth. On Oct. 30-31 from 11a.m. – 3p.m. visitors will have the chance to see sloth Valentino for his first birthday. The busy schedule continues throughout November with various activities, such as Penguin Painting, Bat Feeding and Photos with Santa & His Penguin Helpers.

For more information on Owl-O-Ween or any of the events happening this fall, check out the Aviary’s website aviary.org or call (412) 323-7235.