16th Annual Bat Fest – August 28th, 2021

Bands Performing:

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:

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COVID-19 Update:

Dear Bat Fest Patrons,

We regret to inform you that Bat Fest 2020 will no longer be taking place this year. Given the current factors at play, we didn’t see a path forward to producing the festival you all know and love. Bat Fest 2021 will take place on August 28, 2021.

Beginning July 3rd, all customers who purchased festival tickets through the Bat Fest ticketing page can either transfer their ticket to next year’s festival or request a refund. All Bands have agreed to reschedule to 2021 except for Koe Wetzel who says they are not sure what they will be doing that far out, but it is a possibility. If Koe Wetzel does not agree to perform in 2021, they will be replaced on the lineup.

Process for Refunds and Transfers

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.

Want to be in the front row? Get a VIP ticket. It includes access to VIP only designated areas featuring front row standing area at the main stage in the Austin American Statesman parking lot, also a front row area at the North Bridge stage, private restrooms, a covered backstage area with seating and tables near main stage, misting fans, a voucher to be used at the official event merchandise booth for any event t-shirt available, reserved VIP parking in the nearby TXDOT lot, a private cash bar with the only mixed drinks available at the festival including 2 complimentary drink tickets* for any adult beverage served at the bar (adult beverages can be purchased after drink tickets are used), 1 food voucher for the backstage catering area (food provided by Rudy’s Country Store and BBQ!), water and soda. *Must be 21 or older to consume beer, wine, or liquor in Texas. Rain or Shine event. Refunds and rescheduling are not possible.h4.

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 childrens 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.

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