SturgeonFest 2026 is scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Seven Islands State Birding Park. The event is scheduled for 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and will take place at the boat launch area off of Kelly Lane. SturgeonFest is a fun and educational event where visitors can register to release a juvenile Sturgeon into the French Broad River and also learn about local area conservation groups. There will be booths set-up for local artists, businesses, and food trucks. Enjoy live music from the Tennessee Stifflegs! We are expecting a large crowd for this event and are looking for volunteers to help park staff with various tasks involved with the event. We are looking for volunteers to help with the following tasks:
* Parking (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
* Booth Set-Up (8:30 AM - 10:00 AM)
* Booth Take-Down (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
* Sturgeon release line leaders (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM)
* Sturgeon release helpers (10:30 AM - 2:00 PM)
Volunteers will be able to move around between tasks throughout the event if they would like. All volunteers will park at the boat launch area off of Kelly Lane inside Seven Islands State Birding Park. If you are interested in helping with any of these tasks, please contact Ranger Stephanie Mueller at stephanie.mueller@tn.gov or 865-333-8270 (text or call).
