Join us for Sturgeonfest 2026, where you will have the opportunity to:

• Release a baby sturgeon into the French Broad River!

• Enjoy food from great food trucks!

• Enjoy music by the Tennessee Stifflegs!

• There will be vendors, exhibitors, and more to experience

When: September 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Fish release from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Where: The Seven Island State Bird Park Boat Ramp

Cost: Admission to this event is free. To participate in releasing a sturgeon into the water, each individual must reserve a complimentary ticket for a designated time slot. Tickets are required only for those releasing a sturgeon; other attendees may enjoy the event’s additional activities without a ticket. For example, in a family of four where only two children will release fish, only two tickets are needed. Please reserve tickets only if you are certain of attending and participating in the release. In the event that tickets are sold out, limited opportunities to release a sturgeon may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.