From Pollinators to Predators: BugFest Returns to NHMU

NHMU invites all bug lovers to a buzz-worthy celebration Aug 8–10

SALT LAKE CITY, July 10, 2025 – Buzz by NHMU on August 8, 9 and 10 for BugFest, a BIG celebration of Utah’s tiniest residents. The museum will be buzzing with fun as visitors explore Utah’s incredible insects and the plants they pollinate through expert-led workshops, un-bee-lievable specimen displays, hands-on activities, and a tasty Bug Bar. Bug lovers of all ages are sure to discover a hive of excitement. 

This year's festival will shine the spotlight on one of the insect world’s top predators: the praying mantis. With lightning-fast reflexes, raptorial front legs, and a broad diet of other insects, guests can discover more about these apex predators commonly found in backyards throughout Utah. 

NHMU

“Tiny insects have a big impact and are essential to life as we know it,” said Jason Cryan, Ph.D., the Sarah B. George Executive Director of NHMU. “BugFest is a fantastic opportunity for the museum to engage with our community about the diversity and importance of bugs and all of the anatomical, behavioral, and ecological features that make them unique.” 

Returning for its sixth year, the festival will feature the audience-favorite Bug Bar with Chef Megan Bartley, who will give visitors a taste of treats with unexpected insect ingredients. This year’s Bug Bar fare will include grasshopper tacos and mealworm fried rice, among other crowd pleasers.  

“Human consumption of insects is widespread across much of the world. While less common in Europe and North America, interest in eating bugs is growing in these regions," said Bartley, who is also an evolutionary anthropologist. "BugFest’s Bug Bar offers something for everyone. Whether you’re an adventurous eater interested in traditional preparations, curious about sustainable protein sources, or simply eager to try something that pushes your boundaries in a fun and memorable way, there’s something here for you."  

New BugFest workshops will embrace the natural beauty of insects through butterfly mounting, terrarium design, and the ‘Beetle Boutique,’ where attendees will learn to make jewelry with iridescent beetle wings. The workshops require separate registration that includes museum admission.

NHMU

Festival guests can explore specimens from NHMU’s own research entomology collection and talk with collection staff about why museum specimens can answer questions about the world as it is today – and was more than a hundred years ago. Museum specimens from six continents show the breath-taking diversity of color, size, shape and adaptations that continue to stun even seasoned entomologists. 

“Our entomology collection belongs to the people of Utah and benefits researchers worldwide,” said Christy Bills, NHMU’s entomology collections manager. “It is very exciting for me and other scientists to bring out remarkable specimens from the collection to share with Utahns face-to-face.” 

A new addition to BugFest this year is a free Friday night film screening and panel discussion on August 8. Held in partnership with PBS Utah, the pre-festival bash will feature episode 3 from “Bugs that Rule the World,” which investigates the critical roles insects play around the globe and the challenges they face. Tickets to the film screening are free with RSVP and seats are limited. 

PBS

For all the buzz at BugFest, and to register for the free film screening or workshops, visit nhmu.utah.edu/BugFest. 

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About the Natural History Museum of Utah 

The Natural History Museum of Utah is one of the leading scientific research and cultural institutions in the country. Established in 1963, the museum’s 10 permanent exhibitions are anchored by its state-of-the-art collections and research facilities containing almost 2 million objects. These collections are used in studies on geological, biological, and cultural diversity, and the history of living systems and human cultures within the Utah region. The museum hosts approximately 300,000 general visitors a year and provides one of the most spectacular private event settings in the Salt Lake City area. NHMU also broadens the reach of its mission through a variety of science-based outreach programs to communities and schools throughout Utah, reaching every school district in the state every other year.

Friday Evening Workshop — August 8, 2025

• Butterfly Mounting | Christy Bills

  6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Register Here

  Be a part of an exclusive butterfly mounting workshop led by Christy Bills, NHMU’s Curator of Entomology. In this special workshop, you'll have the rare opportunity to work directly with NHMU's entomology team as you learn to mount two ethically sourced butterfly specimens. After the workshop, you'll get to take your specimens home as a completely unique keepsake from BugFest 2025. Seats are very limited.

Saturday Workshops — August 9, 2025

• Beetle Boutique | Haunting Beauty

  12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Register Here

  Create stunning, iridescent earrings using real jewel beetle elytra (wings). A variety of charms and beads will be provided to personalize your designs, with options available for clip-ons and gauge-friendly styles. No prior jewelry-making experience is needed — just bring your creativity!

• Terrarium Design | Marissa Harrison

  2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Register Here

  Learn how to build the perfect home for insects, then build a home for your new bug buddy. You will learn about the process of designing a terrarium that takes into account the needs of the insects inside them! We'll also look at terrariums designed for a variety of invertebrates.