TransportationCentral Austin

Congress Avenue bridge in downtown Austin to shut down Aug. 26 for Bat Fest

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Ben Thompson

1 min read

Published August 21, 2023 at 4:53 p.m. CT

Congress Avenue bridge in downtown Austin to shut down Aug. 26 for Bat Fest — Bat Fest takes place along the Ann Richards Bridge over Lady Bird Lake. (Courtesy Roadway Productions)

Travel over the Ann Richards Bridge across Lady Bird Lake will be restricted from Aug. 26 through early Aug. 27 to accommodate the 17th annual Bat Fest, according to the city of Austin.

The details

Taking place along Congress Avenue on Aug. 26, Bat Fest runs from 4 p.m. to midnight and will feature a range of food, drink and entertainment options for attendees.

The Ann Richards Bridge will be shut down to vehicle and pedestrian traffic beginning at 5 a.m. on Aug. 26. The closure will extend until 5 a.m. on Aug. 27, according to the city.

The closure covers the stretch of Congress between East Cesar Chavez Street on the lake's north shore and Barton Springs Road to the south. Travelers are advised to use the First Street bridge to the west as an alternative lake crossing option during the festival closure.

More information about the road closure is available on the city's website. Information on bus routes and schedules is available through Capital Metro, and area parking information is available through the city.