Bats and Bluegrass Festival: A Night of Music and Nature
You’re sitting under the Arkansas sky with a slice of wood-fired pizza in one hand and bluegrass music floating through the air, when suddenly hundreds of endangered gray bats burst from a cave like nature’s own fireworks display. If that doesn’t sound like the most Arkansas thing ever, we don’t know what does!
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.
This year’s Festival will take place on July 19th, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Watershed Sanctuary in Cave Springs.
Where Conservation Meets Toe-Tapping Good Times
Set at the IRWP Watershed Sanctuary in Cave Springs, this year’s festival marks a special milestone: 20 years of conservation partnerships in Northwest Arkansas.
There will be live music courtesy of Sons of Otis Malone and Bouse—because nothing says “celebrate the watershed” like authentic Ozark bluegrass echoing off limestone bluffs.
Become a Wildlife Expert
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:
- $12.51 per individual
- $33.85 per family
