at the IRWP Sanctuary in Cave Springs
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
From 5 PM until the sun goes down and the music stops!
Activities: 5:00 - 7:00 (Everywhere)
Nature Hikes at 5:15 and 6:15 at Gearhead Outfitters Tent (By the cave, ~45 minute hike)
Music: 7:00 (By the cave) Sons of Otis Malone
Sons of Otis Malone performing at the 2025 Bats and Bluegrass Festival.
Headliner 2026 ♫ SONS of OTIS MALONE
♫
Headliner 2026 ♫ SONS of OTIS MALONE ♫
Purchase Your Bats and Bluegrass Festival Ticket!
This event has SOLD OUT the past two years - secure your spot at this annual highlight!
Click Here to Purchase Tickets (external link to Square)
Thank you valued partners for sponsoring the Bats and Bluegrass Festival!
What to Expect:
Conservation partners sharing their work
Nature hikes around the Sanctuary
Family-friendly activities
Live bluegrass music
Local food trucks
Bats emerging at dusk!
FAQs
Where do I park?
1
In the field between Partners Lake and First Baptist Church along Highfill Road. There will be signs and volunteer parking coordinators to help guide you!
What’s for dinner?
2
There will be 3 food trucks along the gravel path leading to the pavilion, you won’t miss them!
Bartholomew's Brisket N Burgers - BBQ
K’zolis - pizza and pasta options!
Fuegos - Latin / Caribbean fusion
What activities are where?
3
There will be activites at the pavilion and back near the cave! Nature hikes, nature journaling, craft creation, nature scavenger hunts, a cave experience, bug collections, bat surveying demonstrations, and lots of other family friendly activities to explore.
What do I bring? What can I expect when I arrive?
4
Bring blankets or lawn chairs, sun protection, bug spray, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring a water bottle, or enjoy beverages from our concession stand. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome.
Gates open at 4:30. After parking, make your way to the Sanctuary Entrance and grab a snack from a food truck, stop by the pavilion to purchase IRWP swag, engage with conservation partners, and hangout near the cave to catch live bluegrass music from Sons of Otis Malone at 7:00 PM!