The Tres Rios Nature Festival is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25-26, and families and nature lovers are encouraged to attend. 

This annual event, which has been running for nearly two decades, celebrates the plants, animals, sustainability, and ecological relationships of the area around the confluence of the Gila, Salt, and Agua Fria rivers.

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More than 10,000 people are expected to attend this year's festival, which will feature nature center presentations, educational exhibitors, live entertainment, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Visitors will be able to see local birds, go canoeing or fishing, view wildlife, participate in a thrilling zip line, rock climb, and create a craft. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The event will take place at the Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area near the Phoenix Raceway in Avondale. Access to the nature area may be limited due to its location, but a free courtesy shuttle will be available to transport attendees to and from the event from the Avondale Resource Center.

Early birds can join the Sonoran Audubon Society for a bird-watching hike from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Food and beverages will also be available for purchase.

Admission to the Tres Rios Nature Festival is free. 

For information, including the event schedule, visit the event link here or call 623-333-2400.