“Wait… a bat festival?”
Yup. That was literally my reaction too. I pictured a bunch of people in vampire costumes awkwardly flapping around a park. But the Ohio Bat Festival in Columbus? It’s nothing like that—and honestly, it blew my mind the first time I went.
So if you’re brand new to this whole bat-lovin’ scene, don’t worry. I’ve got you. Here’s the full breakdown of what to expect, what to bring, and why this quirky little festival has such a loyal fanbase.
Let’s get batty
What Is the Ohio Bat Festival?
Think of it as the perfect mashup of:
- Science fair
- Fall fair
- Wildlife safari
- And a sprinkle of Halloween fun
The Ohio Bat Festival is an annual celebration of bats and their role in the ecosystem. It typically happens in October (perfect spooky timing), and it’s packed with educational exhibits, live bat demos, kids’ activities, food trucks, and even bat walks at sunset.
It’s family-friendly, totally laid-back, and—surprise!—weirdly heartwarming.
Where Does It Happen?
The festival doesn’t have a single forever-home, but it’s usually held in or near Columbus, Ohio, at a nature center or public park. Some past venues include:
- The Grange Insurance Audubon Center
- Ohio State University’s Museum of Biological Diversity
- Local metro parks and wildlife centers
Always check the official site or social media for this year’s location and schedule.
What Makes It Special?
Let me hit you with the highlights, especially if this is your first time going:
1. Live Bat Demonstrations
You get to see actual, real bats up close. And no, they’re not scary. They’re tiny, fluffy, and kinda adorable (think: sky puppies).
Experts handle them and explain how they fly, eat, and echolocate. It’s like watching a TED Talk… with wings.
2. Kids’ Activities Galore
From coloring stations to puppet shows and scavenger hunts, your little ones will stay entertained while secretly absorbing conservation facts.
There are also bat-themed crafts—I once made a bat mask out of recycled paper and felt like a superhero. No regrets.
3. Educational Booths That Don’t Suck
I was worried it would be boring science stuff. WRONG. These booths are interactive and hosted by wildlife experts, biologists, and bat lovers from local universities like Ohio State.
They make learning about white-nose syndrome (a disease affecting bats) feel like an adventure, not a lecture.
4. Sunset Bat Walks
This is the moment.
You head out with a group just before dusk, led by a biologist with a bat detector (a device that lets you “hear” bats using echolocation). Then you watch them swoop and fly above your head like silent shadows. It’s one part peaceful nature walk, one part wildlife magic show.
5. Food, Snacks & Possibly Beer
There are usually food trucks or local vendors with themed goodies—like “Bat Wings” (no actual bats harmed, promise), Halloween cookies, and warm cider.
At some locations, craft beer might even make an appearance. I repeat: bats and brews.
What Should You Bring?
First-time fest-goers, take notes:
- Comfy shoes – You’ll be walking, especially during the bat walk
- Water bottle – Stay hydrated while you wander
- Cash/card – For food, merch, or donation booths
- Weather-appropriate layers – It’s fall in Ohio, so expect chilly evenings
- Flashlight/headlamp – For the bat walk after dark
- Curiosity – You’ll leave with your mind blown if you let it happen
Bonus points if you wear something bat-themed or Halloween-ish.
Is It Free?
A lot of the time, YES.
The festival is often free or super low-cost, especially because it’s usually hosted by nonprofits or educational centers. Sometimes there’s a suggested donation or a small fee for parking or specific activities, but it’s very budget-friendly.
How Long Does It Last?
Expect to spend a good 2–4 hours there, depending on how many activities you join. The bat walks happen around sunset, so many people come in the late afternoon and stay until early evening.
Here’s a typical schedule rundown:
- 1:00 PM – Fest opens
- 2:00–5:00 PM – Crafts, games, live bats, food
- 6:00 PM – Bat walk starts
- 7:30 PM – Festival winds down
Can You Buy Stuff?
Oh yeah—there’s often a gift shop or vendors’ market with the cutest, quirkiest bat swag:
- Bat plushies
- Eco-friendly bat boxes
- Local art and jewelry
- Stickers, pins, tote bags
- Science books for kids and adults
Great for early holiday shopping, if you ask me.
Quick Bat Facts to Impress Your Friends
Let’s be real—you’ll want some cool trivia to drop while you’re walking around. Here you go:
- One bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single hour
- There are over 1,400 species of bats around the world
- Some bats are pollinators, just like bees and butterflies
- The smallest bat (the bumblebee bat) is less than 2 inches long
- Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly (sorry, flying squirrels)
Why the Festival Matters
It’s not just fun—it’s about raising awareness.
Many bat species are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and diseases like white-nose syndrome. The Ohio Bat Festival educates the public in a fun, non-preachy way and inspires both kids and adults to care.
Plus, let’s be honest—bats are the underdogs of the animal kingdom. They’re not fluffy puppies or majestic lions. They’re tiny, misunderstood, and superheroes in disguise.
Final Tips for First-Timers
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The experts are thrilled to chat.
- Bring a friend or your whole fam—it’s fun for everyone.
- Be open to falling in love with bats. It’ll happen. Just accept it.
- Tag your pics with #OhioBatFestival or #BatFestColumbus to join the online community.
- Stick around for the sunset walk—it’s 100% worth it.
TL;DR – Bat Festival Rookie Recap
What: Ohio Bat Festival
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: Usually in October
Why: Celebrate bats + learn cool stuff + have a blast
Cost: Usually FREE or donation-based
Must-Do: Live bat demos, crafts, food trucks, and sunset bat walk
Who’s it for: Families, couples, solo explorers, science nerds, nature lovers… basically everyone
So if you’re looking for something fun, different, and weirdly wholesome this fall, the Ohio Bat Festival should be at the top of your list.
You’ll leave with a smile, a phone full of pics, and a newfound respect for the tiny creatures flapping through the night sky.