Austin · every August or September
Bat Fest 2027
Austin shuts down the Congress Avenue Bridge for an afternoon and evening built around the nightly emergence of the world's largest urban bat colony. Live music on multiple stages, food and craft vendors, children's activities and a bat costume contest, all timed so the crowd is on the bridge when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out at dusk.
Quick questions
- When is Bat Fest?
- Usually held in August or September. This year's exact dates appear above as soon as the organizer announces them.
- Where is it held?
- Congress Avenue Bridge, Austin.
- Is it good for kids?
- Bat Fest is a Austin family guide — it is picked with kids in mind. The event listing above shows age guidance when the organizer provides it.
Updated September 11, 2026 — this guide refreshes whenever the organizer announces dates.