White Squirrel Nights: Baseball, Brew, and Habitat Wins Under the Lights

On select evenings at Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium, an unusual kind of field lighting takes over: UV lamps aimed at white sheets and nets, calling in moths, beetles and other night creatures for a close-up lesson in urban natural history. White Squirrel Nights is a partnership between Lost River Cave, the Hot Rods and White Squirrel Brewery that turns a baseball game into a conservation fundraiser and a hands-on nocturnal entomology lab.

Lost River Cave, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, brings its outreach to the stadium to introduce visitors to the region’s nocturnal life while supporting White Squirrel habitat conservation. When you arrive at Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium you’ll find a friendly crowd, family-focused programming, and simple gear: a flashlight, a light jacket and curiosity. Staff set up UV lights and sample sheets; volunteers and guides point out key features—wing patterns, silk scales, and the subtle ways insects navigate lighted environments. Between innings you can cheer on the Hot Rods, sip local beer from White Squirrel Brewery, and circulate through displays that explain why local habitats matter.

This event is notable because it pairs an accessible urban venue with active conservation: when you purchase your ticket through Lost River Cave, half of your ticket proceeds directly support White Squirrel habitat conservation at Lost River Cave. The setup also highlights a local natural oddity—the region’s population of light-colored squirrels—and a cast of nocturnal visitors usually unseen in daytime park programs. Expect to encounter dozens of moth species, flying beetles, and the occasional curious night-flying pollinator, all illuminated against the stadium’s dark sky.

Practical details: tickets are sold for specific game dates—May 22, August 8 and September 4—and digital tickets are emailed the week of the event. The meeting point is Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium. The event lasts about three hours and is easy for most ages and fitness levels; bring closed shoes for standing near the displays and a camera if macro shots are your aim.

Tickets are $10; $5 from each ticket purchased through Lost River Cave supports habitat conservation. Arrive early for parking and family activities, and linger after the final out to chat with guides. Buying through Lost River Cave ensures your evening at the Hot Rods directly benefits local wildlife and the white squirrel habitat and community.