Bats and Bluegrass Festival: A Night of Music and Nature

The Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP) is gearing up for its highly anticipated annual Bats and Bluegrass Festival. The event is a fun way to learn about these incredible flying mammals while enjoying the soulful tunes of bluegrass music.

Bat Festival — Source: Illinois River Watershed Partnership

This year’s Festival will take place on July 20th, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Watershed Sanctuary in Cave Springs.

An Evening of Fun and Education

This family-fun festival promises an eclectic mix of activities that are as educational as they are entertaining. Throughout the evening, attendees will have the chance to:

Live Bluegrass

The Greenland Station Bluegrass Band will be nestled right by the Cave Springs Cave, playing their toe-tapping folk-tunes.

Savor Delicious Food

A collection of food trucks will be stationed at the festival.

Become a Wildlife Expert

Source: Illinois River Watershed Partnership

Learn about the amazing world of bats at engaging educational booths and stations hosted by experts. They’ll dispel common myths about these fascinating creatures, highlight their ecological importance and explain how we can protect their fragile habitats. Make sure to check out the bat viewing as the sun goes down.

Embrace Your Artistic Side

Kids (and adults.) will love expressing their creativity with fun-filled, fauna-themed face painting.

Embark on a Scavenger Hunt

Put your observation skills to the test with a scavenger hunt. Follow the clues and discover fascinating facts about the Illinois River Watershed and its inhabitants, such as the Ozark cavefish. It’s the perfect opportunity for children and parents to work as a team and bond over a shared sense of adventure.

Witness the Bat Emergence

As the sun goes down, you’ll get a chance to see the emergence of gray bats from Cave Springs Cave. Witnessing the bats take flight against a backdrop of the setting sun should be a pretty cool experience!

Support a Worthy Cause

Beyond the music, food, and fun, attending the Bats and Bluegrass Festival contributes to a worthy cause – protecting the beautiful Illinois River and its watershed. The IRWP is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving water quality, restoring habitats, and promoting environmental stewardship.

Purchase Your Tickets for the Bats and Bluegrass Festival

To register, CLICK HERE and submit the form found at the bottom of the page.

Admission for this event is as follows:

$10 per individual
$30 per family
A special donation package for donations starting at $50 or more includes a commemorative IRWP t-shirt. Support our mission, promote awareness, and get a stylish souvenir.