Austin · Saturday, September 5, 2026
Bat Fest
Bat Fest on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Congress Avenue Bridge (Festival). Cost: Free. Best for: preschool, school-age, tween.
Austin closes the Congress Avenue Bridge for its long-running celebration 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 standing on the bridge when 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats stream out at dusk.
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This is an annual Austin tradition — see the Bat Fest annual guide.
Plan your visit
Venue hours: We 12:00-21:00; Th-Su 12:00-18:00; Mo-Tu off — check the official page for holiday changes.