We are excited to invite you to the 5th annual Ohio Bat Festival in Cincinnati!
On October 24th 2026 from 12–5pm at Maple Ridge Lodge we will come together to celebrate our bat neighbors. Migrate on over to Cincinnati and explore the amazing diversity of bat species that call our planet—and your backyard—home. Dispel misconceptions about bats, and explore the ways that bats and humans can co-exist!
The Ohio Bat Fest is a FREE event for people of all ages. We will have field demonstrations, activities for kids, and interesting exhibits highlighting the ecology, diversity, and conservation of bats in Ohio and globally. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please Let us know if you plan to come this year! [survey helps us plan]
Continue to check back as we finalize activities, silent auction items, and new merch (e.g., magnets and long sleeve shirts with a new design!).
🌙 Special Talk: Moon Gardens 🌙
Explore night-friendly landscapes and learn how Moon Gardens support biodiversity and bat activity.
Talk by Courtney of Deeply Rooted Landscapes
Time: TBD
Exhibits - Ecology, Diversity, Conservation
🦇 Meet a live bat!
🏡 Learn about Ohio’s local bat species
🌼 Visit the pollinator education booth to learn how bats, insects, and healthy ecosystems connect
🕳️Discover the underground world of caves with the Cincinnati Grotto
Bat Chatter - Demonstrations with Experts (weather dependent)
Mist-net & Harp Trap Setup – on the hour, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Drone Demonstrations – a quarter past each hour, 12:15 PM – 4:15 PM
Telemetry Walks – see how we track bats, on the half hour, 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Acoustic Recorders & Camera Traps – get hands-on!
All in the Roost - Family Friendly Activities
Come dressed as a bat - Costumes are encouraged!
Bat arts and crafts - come get crafty with us! - new craft!
Become a bat - take your photo in a bat cutout
Test your knowledge - Bat trivia games
Explore a bat cave (kids) - bigger this year!
Make a native seed ball for your garden to support native wildlife
Engage with People working in conservation and management:
Great Parks
Ohio Bat Working Group
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Ohio Woodland Stewards
Wildlife rehabbers
Help Us Help Bats: Support Bat Conservation Innovation
Although Ohio Bat Fest is a free event, there will be fun items available for a donation—like Bat Fest T-shirts, stickers, and more!
We’re hosting a Silent Auction, where you’ll have the chance to take home some very exciting items! If you are an organization or individual who would like to donate, please reach out!
NOTE: Auction will close at 4:15 PM. Winners should be present to collect items the same day, or arrange pickup later at UC!
Your donation helps fund research projects on climate-smart bat roosts and educational programs such as Bat Fest that connect communities to the science and importance of bat conservation.
Countdown to Bat Week 2026!
Check out these highlights from last years Bat Fest! We can’t wait to see you again this year!
Our Sponsors and Partners
Thank you to our sponsors and partners for their support!
