Families and community members can get up close with live bats and other animals, explore the world of bat research and enjoy a day of hands-on activities during the annual Indiana Bat Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, at Indiana State University and Dobbs Park Nature Center.
This free, family-friendly festival offers opportunities to learn about bats through live animal encounters, educational exhibits, demonstrations and activities for all ages.
“The Indiana Bat Festival gives people an opportunity to see bats up close while learning why these animals are important to Indiana's ecosystems,” said Brad Balch, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana State. “We hope visitors leave with a better understanding of bats and the research being conducted to protect them.”
The festival begins at 10:00 a.m. in the Science Building, 600 Chestnut St., adjacent to the fountain. Visitors can meet live bats, birds and reptiles, explore educational exhibits, enjoy children’s activities and face painting and experience poetry readings. Daytime activities continue until 3:00 p.m.
From 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., the festival moves to Dobbs Park Nature Center, 5170 E. Poplar St., in Terre Haute, for an evening of bat-themed activities. Families can try their hand at bat research with a mist-netting activity, “spelunking” in the Chiroptera Cave, and mothing to attract insects for bat food.
The festival is presented by Indiana State University’s Center for Bat Research, Outreach, and Conservation and Terre Haute Parks and Recreation. The event is free and open to the public.