What will you see at Bat Fest this year? 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from under the bridge at dusk, 2 stages with live music, more than 50 arts & crafts vendors, delicious food and drinks, fun children’s activities, a bat costume contest and other bat activities.

Location: Congress Ave Bridge
Address: 100 South Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78704
Hours: 4pm to Midnight

Let Your friends know you are going!

COVID-19 Update:

Bat Fest is going to take place on August 28, 2021. We will be following the guidelines of the City of Austin at the time of the event. It is a bit far off to know what those will be at this time, so check back closer to the event.

Cost: Admission

$15 in advance with early bat special first 2,000 tickets.
$20 at the gate or after the early bat tickets are gone.
Kids 8 and under free with an adult.
Tickets to 2021 Bat Fest
VIP Tickets: Price $150 early bird, $200 regular price.

About the Bats:

A good source for information specific to the Congress Ave. Bats is Austinbats.org . Because bats are wild animals, it is hard to predict exactly when the emergence will begin but the flight usually begins between 7:00 – 8:45 p.m. For current emergence times call 512-327-9721. The emergence can last up to ½ hour as 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats head out for their nightly flight.

Bat Costume Contest:

Prize is $100 for Best Adult Costume and $100 for best children’s costume. Participants will be lined up on stage, and the crowd will be asked to yell for the costume they like the best. Originality is encouraged.

BECOME A VENDOR OR SPONSOR!

SCHEDULE

Austin American Statesman Stage
4:00pm
4:50pm
5:50pm Bat Costume Contest
6:00pm
7:05pm
8:10pm
9:05pm
10:10pm
11:15pm

Bridge North Stage
4:00pm
5:10pm
6:15pm
7:20pm
8:40pm
10:00pm

PARKING/ GETTING THERE

Free Parking: TXDOT lot located accessed from Riverside Drive just east of Congress 150 & 200 East Riverside Dr. Signs on the fence as shown below.

* PAID Parking: Palmer Events Center Garage, S. 1st and Riverside
* PAID Parking: One Texas Center 505 Barton Springs Road Austin, TX 78704
* PAID Parking: Various hotels in area both south and north of the river
* PAID Parking: The Long Center at 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
* PAID PARKING: 100 N. Congress and the entrance to the garage is on Ceaser Chavez between Congress and Colorado

Bike Parking: We have Bicycle Rack to secure your bike. Be GREEN!
*Bike Share to Bat Fest: We’ll valet your Austin B-cycle from 6pm to Midnight at the entrance at Barton Springs and Congress Ave.
Ride the Bus It is a great cheap, green option.