| Austin's amazing population of 1.5 million Mexican | | | | be seen in one weekend. Bob Schneider, Soulhat, |
| free-tailed bats is one of the most unique aspects | | | | Breedlove, and Grady have all appeared, along |
| of an already exceptionally unique city. Austin's | | | | with many other big names in many different |
| love affair with those delightful little bug-eaters is | | | | genres of music. |
| epic, and is celebrated every year with a | | | | In addition to the Bat Breakfast, food vendors |
| bat-tastic festival held right on the Congress | | | | offer savory and sweet treats for sale all day |
| Street Bridge, while the honorees sleep below. Bat | | | | and throughout the evening, and beverages of all |
| Fest, although relatively new, has become one of | | | | kind are available as well. Over 100 of Austin's |
| the River City's most noted and well-attended | | | | finest artisans and craftspeople present their |
| events. | | | | wares, including pottery, jewelry, fine art, |
| Bat Fest is usually held in late August or early | | | | woodwork, stained glass, metal sculpture, |
| September, when the bat population is at its | | | | mosaics, dicrylic, photography and much more. |
| highest - the females have given birth and the | | | | The entrance fee for this exciting and unique |
| pups are starting to venture out on their own. | | | | event is a paltry $5.00, and the proceeds go to |
| The bridge is closed to traffic, allowing for the | | | | local charities including Bat Conservation |
| 40,000+ attendees to walk among the tents and | | | | International. BCI is already a regular presence on |
| kiosks set up on the asphalt. Beginning late, at | | | | the "Bat Bridge" providing information and selling |
| 2PM, the festival is meant to encourage people to | | | | bat-centric souvenirs, as well as promoting their |
| enjoy the festivities during the day, and to enjoy | | | | efforts to educate the public about bats, and to |
| the spectacular emergence of all those bats into | | | | protect the bat population here and throughout |
| the night air at dusk. The revelry continues on | | | | the world. They amplify their offering for the |
| until midnight on Saturday, 10PM on Sunday. | | | | festival, presenting educational displays and |
| On Sunday, early-bats can partake of the Bat | | | | activities for all ages. The kids will find a wealth of |
| Breakfast, when Austin's finest chefs whip up | | | | fun in store, including carnival rides, games, |
| delectable breakfast treats. The savvy | | | | interactive exhibits, face painting, and more. |
| participants of this satellite event are treated to | | | | With the beauty of Lady Bird Lake (formerly |
| the flip side of the celebrated evening launch - | | | | Town Lake) as a back drop, the Bat Fest is a |
| they get to view the return of the bats after a | | | | great celebration of one of Austin's greatest |
| night of foraging, to their roosts under the bridge. | | | | treasures. Done in Austin's inimitable style, the |
| Keeping with Austin's other main love, the festival | | | | music, crafts, food and fun make this an |
| mounts two stages, and bands play throughout | | | | affordable, one-of-a-kind celebration, the likes of |
| the entire festival - up to thirty of the best the | | | | which you won't likely find anywhere else. |
| Live Music Capitol of the World has to offer can | | | | |