The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is launching a new tradition — a full weekend to celebrate the birthday of Roger Tory Peterson.

Officially, Peterson’s birthday is Friday, Aug. 28. RTPI’s party will kick off on Saturday morning, Aug. 29 at 9 a.m., with Yoga with the Birds led by Kara Bemis outdoors on RTPI’s back patio.

Speaking of birds, at 10 a.m., Twan Leenders, RTPI’s director of science and conservation, will host a bird banding demonstration in RTPI’s nature preserve.

At 11 a.m., the outdoor party continues with live music on the back patio and food outside RTPI’s front door. Rebecca McIlvain, whose debut album is entitled, “Cardinal Call,” will perform while food will be provided by Kev’s Kitchen food truck. Wine from Bag & String Wine Merchants and craft beer from Big Inlet will be available.

Ecklof’s Bakery is baking cupcakes for the event.

Also open is RTPI’s newest exhibition, “Stefan Savides: Birds in Bronze” — more than 30 bird sculptures in the galleries alongside a curated selection of Peterson’s original paintings. Special guided tours will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Also on display in the library – for one weekend only – will be hidden treasures from the Peterson Collection. RTPI harbors the largest collection of Peterson’s artwork, films, slides and related materials.

“There are so many intriguing items in the Peterson Collection,” said Jane Johnson, RTPI’s director of museum operations. “I can’t wait to share some of my favorites – seldom if ever on display any other time of the year.”

RTPI’s birthday gift to the community will be to offer a $2 discount on museum admission and a 20% discount on Peterson Guides purchased from the Snowy Owl Museum Store. The cupcakes, music and wine and beer tasting are free to all museum visitors. Food may be purchased directly from vendor.

Most activities to be held outdoors to ensure plenty of room for social distancing, The number of visitors for indoor programs is limited to one-third of RTPI’s capacity and all indoor visitors are required to wear masks and maintain “an eagle wingspan” apart.