Saturday, September 26, 2026

Central Illinois Bat Festival

Our theme this year is “Backyard Bugs and Bats”

More information to come for the 2026 Bat Fest!

1 - 4:30pm at Anita Purves Nature Center (Ruby Bus Route)
5:30 - 8pm at Crystal Lake Park (Orange/Gold Bus Route)

Join us at the third annual Central Illinois Bat Festival — a free two-part celebration of bats, bugs, and science! This year, we’re celebrating backyard bugs and bats!

Kicking off at 1pm at Anita Purves Nature Center, explore vendor booths, food trucks, kids art activities, face painting, and thrilling talks from top bat experts. Then, flap over to Crystal Lake Park at 5:30 kick things off with our costume contest of epic proportions for all ages. And when the sun sets, witness a live demonstration of bats’ echolocation, on a live bat acoustic walk to hear and see real bats hunting for bugs under the stars!

Questions? Reach out to Sreelakshmi Suresh.

Costume Contest

Hosted by: Bat Factory

Dress as a bat, hero, villain, and bonus points if you create your own bat themed character!

No advance registration is required. Simply come dressed and ready to check-in.

Check in for the costume contest is between 5:30 and 6:00pm at the Lakehouse deck in Crystal Lake Park. Contest starts at 6pm on the boat dock. 

All ages are welcome to enter; judging will be held by age groupings via applause-o-meter for fun bat-themed prizes.

2026 Event Maps

Thank you to our partners for all their help with Bat Fest!

   

       

Program Guide

Interactive Map

Event Calendar

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