FL Bat Festival starts in

Event Details

Florida Bat Festival Event Details
and Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 21st Florida Bat Festival? The Florida Bat Festival takes place on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Gates open at 10:00 AM, and activities run all day. Tickets at the gate are available until 4:30 PM.

Where is the Florida Bat Festival located at? The Florida Bat Festival is held at Lubee Bat Conservancy at 1309 NW 192nd Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609.

What is the cost to attend the Florida Bat Festival? Admission is $5 for children ages 5–12 and $10 for adults ages 13 and up. Children under 4 years old are free. Tickets are available online through Friday, October 23, at lubee.org/flbatfestival, and at the gate until 4:30 PM.

Can I visit the Beer Garden during the Florida Bat Festival? Yes. Any Florida Bat Festival general admission ticket holder may walk through the Beer Garden area and enjoy the live music. Only guests ages 21 and older may purchase and participate in the Beer Garden. A valid ID is required. Beer Garden tickets are $35 online until one week before the event (while supplies last) and $45 at the gate. Tickets are limited.

Is there parking on-site? Is there a parking fee? Yes. Parking is available on-site on the Lubee Bat Conservancy property. Parking is in a mowed, grassy, and uneven field. There is no parking fee. Handicap-accessible parking and a designated drop-off zone are available near the entrance.

Is the Florida Bat Festival handicap accessible? Yes. The Florida Bat Festival is held on open fields, and some areas may be uneven or bumpy. Handicap-accessible drop-off and pick-up are available at the front gate, and accessible portable restrooms are available on-site. A limited indoor restroom option may be available for guests with specific accessibility needs. Please speak with a staff member upon arrival if assistance is required.

What should I expect during the Florida Bat Festival? The Florida Bat Festival is a family-friendly, fun-filled day for all ages. Guests can enjoy: Up-close opportunities to see some of the world’s largest bats (and possibly some bat pups) Games and activities in the Kids Zone Shopping from local artisans A variety of local food trucks Conversations with Lubee’s resident bat experts Booths from local conservation organizations Live music throughout the day Guests ages 21 and older can also enjoy unlimited samples in the Beer Garden (separate ticket required).

Does the Florida Bat Festival have Wi-Fi? Lubee is located in an area where cellular service may be limited, and Wi-Fi is not available throughout the entire festival. Limited Wi-Fi access is available near the festival entrance. Think of it as a great excuse to unplug, explore, and enjoy the bats.

I have special dietary needs. Can I bring my own food? Yes. The Florida Bat Festival will feature several food trucks, which are listed in the vendor section below. If none of those options meet your dietary needs, you are welcome to bring your own food. We kindly ask that all guests dispose of trash in the appropriate receptacles to help keep the festival grounds clean.

Is smoking permitted during the Florida Bat Festival? No. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on Lubee Bat Conservancy property, including the parking areas.

Are pets allowed during the Florida Bat Festival? Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted on Lubee Bat Conservancy property. Please leave pets at home and do not leave animals in vehicles. Trained service animals are welcome but are not permitted inside bat viewing areas for the safety of the animals.

What should I wear and/or bring to the Florida Bat Festival? We recommend comfortable clothing and footwear appropriate for the weather. Feel free to wear your favorite bat-themed attire — we love it 🦇 For comfort, we also suggest bringing hats, reusable water bottles, and sunscreen.

I have a more specific question. Who should I contact? If the information above didn’t answer your question, please email info@lubee.org with the subject line “FL Bat Fest Question.”

Reviews

REVIEWS

"Wonderful set up, plenty of volunteers to help as needed, great exhibits and talks, good/wide selection of vendors. Reasonable price point for entry. Honestly, I can't think of a thing I'd change/suggest. You guys put on a great festival!"

Out of Town Guests

Making a day trip to the Florida Bat Festival?
There are many local hotels in Gainesville and the surrounding areas, as well as nearby campgrounds to fit a range of budgets.

Turning it into a weekend trip?
Visit VisitGainesville.com for recommendations on places to stay, dining, and other great local attractions to explore while you’re in town.

Donate

Can’t make it to the Florida Bat Festival?
You can still support Lubee! Your tax-deductible donation helps provide delicious fruits, enrichment toys, and daily care for the bats. Click on logo or here to lend a wing 🦇

Event Map

Florida Bat Festival Map
We recommend downloading the festival map to your phone before arrival.
The 2026 map will be released closer to the event date.

Beer Garden

TICKETS ARE LIMITED!

🍺 BEER GARDEN — TICKETS ARE LIMITED!

Must be 21 years old on or before October 24, 2005 to participate.

🎟️ Ticket Pricing

(Beer Garden tickets include general admission)

$25 Early Bat 🦇 Beer Garden Ticket
March 1 – May 31
$35 Beer Garden Ticket
June 1 – October 17
⚠️ October 17 is the LAST day to purchase Beer Garden tickets online
$45 Beer Garden Ticket
Day of event at the gate — October 24
While supplies last