Sarah Martinez never expected to fall in love with crows until she moved to Auburn two years ago. Every morning on her walk to work, she’d notice dozens of these intelligent black birds gathering in downtown trees, their calls echoing off historic buildings like an urban symphony.
“At first, I thought they were just noise,” Sarah recalls. “But then I started watching them solve puzzles with bottle caps and communicate in what seemed like actual conversations. They’re incredibly smart creatures.”
Now Sarah’s fascination with these feathered residents has turned into something much bigger—Auburn’s first-ever Crow Cawcus celebration is about to transform the entire downtown area into a two-day festival celebrating these misunderstood birds.
When Crows Take Over Your City
The Crow Cawcus Auburn event happening February 20-21 isn’t just another quirky festival. This celebration represents something deeper—a community embracing the unexpected beauty and intelligence of creatures most people dismiss as pests.
More than 20 local businesses have signed up to participate, creating crow-themed experiences that range from specialty cocktails to art installations. The festival showcases how a small city can turn an unusual inspiration into a unifying community event.
“We wanted to create something that would bring people together while celebrating what makes Auburn unique,” explains festival coordinator Jennifer Walsh. “Crows are everywhere here, and instead of seeing them as a nuisance, we’re celebrating their intelligence and adaptability.”
The timing feels perfect for Auburn, a city looking to boost downtown foot traffic during typically quiet winter months. Local business owners report excitement about the creative opportunities the theme provides.
Your Complete Crow Cawcus Auburn Experience Guide
Planning your weekend at the Crow Cawcus Auburn celebration? Here’s everything you need to know about this unique festival that’s about to put Auburn on the map for all the right reasons.
Friday Night Kickoff Events
- Moondog’s Lounge: Live music from 7-10 PM featuring Jamie Notarthomas performing “The Cayuga County Crow Convention”
- State Street Event Plaza: Large crow sculpture installation sponsored by Regenerations
- Reuse Refuge: Scavenger hunt contest launches (runs through February 25)
- Downtown venues: Special crow-themed drink menus debut
Saturday’s Full-Day Celebration Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Roast & Toast | “Crow’s Oath” smoothie, crow cookies, three-bean vegan chili |
| 6:00 AM | Auburn Bagel Co. | Black olive cream cheese special |
| 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Auburn Public Theater | Winter market |
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Seymour Library | Crow crafts, coloring, puzzles, book displays |
| 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Schweinfurth Art Center | Create crow masks workshop |
| 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Next to A.T. Walley | Timothy Lennon’s Crow Mobile |
| 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Auburn Public Theater | Professor Louie & The Crowmatix performance |
“The variety of activities means families can enjoy the day together while adults have plenty of evening entertainment options,” notes local event planner Maria Rodriguez.
Crow-Themed Food and Drink Specials
- Parker’s 129: Crow’s Blood red sangria and themed charcuterie boards
- The Refinery at Hilton Garden Inn: Montezuma Winery crow series tastings (2-5 PM) plus karaoke (9 PM-midnight)
- A.T. Walley: “CROWder” soup with Old Crow Bourbon cocktail (2 PM-1 AM)
- Moro’s Table: “Crow’s Nest” fries and blackberry bourbon smash (4-8 PM)
- Prison City Pub & Brewery: Themed cocktails, chicken chili, tarot readings, temporary tattoos (5-9 PM)
Why This Matters for Auburn’s Future
The Crow Cawcus Auburn festival represents more than weekend entertainment. Local business owners see this as a test case for how creative community events can drive economic activity during traditionally slow periods.
Downtown Auburn has struggled with vacant storefronts and reduced foot traffic in recent years. Events like this crow celebration offer a blueprint for attracting visitors while building community pride.
“When you get 23 businesses working together on something this creative, magic happens,” says Auburn Chamber of Commerce president David Thompson. “People are already talking about making this an annual tradition.”
The festival also highlights Auburn’s historic charm. Visitors participating in crow-themed activities will naturally explore the city’s architectural gems, antique shops, and cultural attractions like Willard Chapel and the Schweinfurth Art Center.
Local artists and craftspeople benefit too. The crow mask-making workshops and art installations provide platforms for creative professionals to showcase their work to new audiences.
What Visitors Can Expect
First-time visitors to Auburn during the Crow Cawcus celebration will discover a compact, walkable downtown perfect for festival-hopping. Most participating venues cluster within a few blocks, making it easy to experience multiple activities.
Parking information and detailed maps help visitors navigate efficiently. The festival’s organizers designed the schedule so people can grab breakfast at one spot, attend afternoon workshops elsewhere, then enjoy dinner and evening entertainment without feeling rushed.
“We want people to slow down and really experience what Auburn has to offer,” Walsh explains. “The crow theme gives everyone permission to be playful while discovering our local businesses.”
Weather contingencies ensure activities continue regardless of February conditions. Most events happen indoors, with outdoor elements like the crow sculpture installation designed to withstand typical winter weather.
The festival welcomes all ages, though some venues like The Armory Speakeasy cater specifically to adult audiences with cocktails and tarot readings. Families will find plenty to enjoy at the library’s craft activities and the art center’s mask-making workshops.
FAQs
When is the Crow Cawcus Auburn festival?
The festival runs February 20-21, with events starting Friday evening and continuing through Saturday.
Do I need tickets for Crow Cawcus Auburn events?
Most activities are free, though individual venues may charge for food, drinks, or special workshops.
Where can I park during the festival?
Festival organizers provide detailed parking maps showing available lots and street parking throughout downtown Auburn.
Are the crow-themed foods and drinks available all weekend?
Each participating restaurant and bar sets their own hours for special menu items, so check the official schedule for timing.
Is the Crow Cawcus celebration family-friendly?
Yes, many activities like library crafts and art center workshops welcome children, though some evening venues focus on adult entertainment.
Will this become an annual Auburn tradition?
Organizers are evaluating community response to determine if the Crow Cawcus Auburn celebration will return next year.
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