Mothapalooza

Mothapalooza
Hosted by Arc of Appalachia

Friday, July 18 - Sunday, July 20, 2025
at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
$250 (lodging not included)
must register and pay at the Arc of Appalachua website below

Spend your nights witnessing a breathtaking number of gorgeous moth species that will be attracted to our light stations, and your days exploring the beautiful landscapes at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and other nearby Arc preserves. Included are two brunches and one Saturday night dinner as well as evening keynote presentations at the historic Paxton Theatre in downtown Bainbridge, Ohio.

https://www.arcofappalachia.org/mothapalooza
Click here for more information on the festival

The Event! In the biologically rich 3000-acre Highlands Nature Sanctuary and nearby Pike Lake State Park and Forest, we will have the opportunity to witness large numbers of moth species and other nocturnal insects that will be attracted to our specially-installed light stations, all while under the mentorship of expert naturalists. Evening presentations will be hosted at the Paxton Historic Theater in Bainbridge, Ohio, 5 miles east of the Sanctuary. Be prepared to stay up late into the night, so come well rested!

Optional Friday and Saturday afternoon guided hikes will expose participants to the stunning beauty of the karst country landscapes and Appalachian foothills of the larger region, with additional sit-down classes. After you register and once we get closer to the event, we will be emailing you details on these offerings, asking you for your preferences, and then confirming your assignments by email, along with all the driving directions you’ll need for the entire weekend.

Registrants will be well fed by Sanctuary staff who will be serving two brunches and one Saturday night dinner.

The primary hub for Mothapalooza will be at the Appalachian Forest Museum with evening presentations at the Paxton Theater in nearby Bainbridge, five miles east of the Museum on US-50.