BugFest
Flutter on up to BugFest — a BIG celebration of Utah’s tiniest residents. The weekend of August 9 and 10, NHMU will be buzzing with fun, giving bug lovers of all ages the opportunity to explore Utah’s incredible array of insects and the plants they pollinate. This year's festival will shine the spotlight on one of the coolest bugs around: the praying mantis! Discover what makes them so awesome at a weekend-long celebration of the busy bees and bizarre bugs that call Utah home.
The Weekend Overview
Friday 8/8 | Exclusive Butterfly Mounting Workshop (Sold Out); Free Film Screening (Sold Out)
Saturday 8/9 | All-day Activities; Native Butterfly Release; Expert Workshops (Sold Out)
Sunday 8/10 | All-day Activities; Native Butterfly Release; Expert Workshops (Sold Out)
BugFest Activities Include:
Native Butterfly Release: Join us at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday to take part in the release of native Painted Lady butterflies into the Utah foothills. These important pollinators are as vital as they are stunning, and we've got happy butterflies in our stomach just thinking about seeing them flutter away this weekend!
Expert Speakers: Learn about the big role tiny insects play across ecosystems.
Face Painting and Photos: Enjoy free face painting and fun photo ops!
Amazing Specimen Displays: Get an up close view of Utah’s incredible bugs and plants.
iNaturalist Fun: Explore and learn about nature by using the iNaturalist app.
The Famous BugBar: Try delicious and unique insect treats!
Puppet Interactions: Discover the wonderful world of insects through puppets with Puppets in the City — a local arts group.
Vendors and Artists: Shop for all of your bug-themed needs! We have artists with insect art and jewelry as well as a host of experts to engage with and learn from!
Pollination Station: Learn more about pollinators with the museum's Teen Programs!
Sensory-Friendly Area: Reset your mind in a relaxing, quiet space.
Beast Bonanza: Engage in some fun educational games developed by our very own Teen Programs!
Special Exhibit Access: Tour Mysteries of the Ice Ages, which looks back at plant and animal life from thousands of years ago.
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Tarantula Interaction at NHMU Photo by Mark Johnston
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A child reacts to sampling some flavors at the famous BUGbar at BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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Guests admire insect specimens on display at BUGfest Photo by Mark Johnston
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The Museum's director, Jason Cryan, and BUGbar chef, Megan Bartley, speak to an audience at the BUGbar during BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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A guest admires live bees on display during BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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Young guests get a closer look at a scorpion illuminated by a black light during BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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The Museums director, Jason Cryan, speaks to an audience during an expert lecture at BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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A guest holds a millipede during BUGfest. Photo by Mark Johnston
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Workshops Worth Buzzing About
View and register for artisan workshops below — seats are limited and expected to fill quickly. Please note that this year, when you register for a workshop, you'll be granted museum admission at no extra cost!
Friday Evening Workshop — August 8, 2025
Butterfly Mounting | Christy Bills
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Sold Out
Learn to mount two ethically sourced butterfly specimens. After the workshop, you'll get to take your specimens home as a completely unique BugFest keepsake.
Saturday Workshops — August 9, 2025
Beetle Boutique | Haunting Beauty
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Sold Out
Create stunning, iridescent earrings using real jewel beetle elytra (wings). No prior jewelry-making experience is needed — just bring your creativity!
Terrarium Design | Marissa Harrison
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Sold Out
Learn how to build the perfect home for insects, then build a home for your new bug buddy. We'll also look at terrariums designed for a variety of invertebrates.
Sunday Workshops — August 10, 2025
Insects in Watercolor | Heath Ogden
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Sold Out
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Sold Out
Unwind with a watercolor workshop celebrating the beauty and diversity of insects through a relaxing, hands-on painting lesson!
