Cave Capers 73

Cave enthusiasts gather from across the country each year to attend Indiana's signature caving event. Come join the Co-op for another epic weekend of caving!

This event is hosted by Central Indiana Grotto. If you wish to attend with your fellow Co-op crew, RSVP here and meet us at the event.

73rd Annual Cave Capers 2026

• Where: Mitchell, Indiana
• When: August 20~23
• Cost: $45 registration

Who Should Join:
Anyone interested in caving! This is Indiana's signature cave event, and grottos gather from across the country every year to participate.

Please note, the below details are assumptions based on prior years' events. As soon as full details for 2026 are released, this section will be updated!

What to Expect:

• Cave trips are scheduled Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sign up sheets for individual trips are posted on the bulletin boards in "Cave Central" the night before at 8PM (EDT). Be there early, or you'll miss out! Sign up sheets cann fill up in a matter of seconds!
• There's on-site camping (free with your registration).
• Music performances last until 1AM each night.
• A ropes course is open Friday~Sunday to learn, practice, and compete in an Apline SRT (Single Rope Technique) obstacle course.
• A speaker will follow Sunday's banquet (additional $20), and all participants can enter for plentiful door prizes.

Ground Rules:

• Pets are not permitted at Camp Rivervale.

Alcohol Notice:

• Alcohol will be present at event.
• Alcohol is not permitted in common areas.

See the website for additional event details.

Itenerary:

All times in Eastern Daylight (EDT)

Thursday, Aug 20

• 12PM: Registration Opens, Self-Led Cave Trips, Vendor Shopping
• 8PM: Sign up sheets for Friday Cave Trips are posted, Registration Closes
• 9PM: {live music TBD}
• 1AM: Quiet Time

Friday, Aug 21:

• 8AM: Registration Opens
• 9AM: Self-Led & Volunteer Guided Cave Trips, Vendor Shopping
• 4PM: The Gauntlet Opens (until 8PM)
• 8PM: Sign up sheets for Saturday Cave Trips are posted
• 9PM: Welcome Howdy Party begins
• 12PM: Registration closes
• 1AM: Quiet Time

Saturday, Aug 22:

• 8AM: Registration Opens
• 9AM: Self-Led & Volunteer Guided Cave Trips, Vendor Shopping, The Gauntlet Opens (until 7PM)
• 3PM: Registration closes
• 7PM: Banquet
• 8PM: Sign up sheets for Sunday Cave Trips are posted, Awards & Door Prizes
• 8:30PM: Speaker {TBD}
• 9:30PM: Final Door Prizes
• 10PM: Saturday Night Party
• 1AM: Quiet Time

Sunday, Aug 23:

• 9AM: Self-Led & Volunteer Guided Cave Trips, Vendor Shopping, The Gauntlet Opens (until 1PM)
• 12PM: Campground closes

INFORMATION / REGISTRATION:

• Registration: Link
• Website: https://cigcaves.com/cave-capers-2026
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianaCaveCapers