BugFest
BugFest is Utah’s BIGGEST celebration of its tiniest residents — an exploration of the immense wonder of insects and the important roles they play in our world. Join us on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, for a weekend-long festival featuring a lineup of entomology experts and enthusiasts who will share their wisdom and unveil wonders.
Festival Highlights
- Expert Speakers: Learn about the big role tiny insects play across ecosystems
- Amazing Specimen Displays: Get an up-close view of Utah’s incredible bugs and the plants they pollinate
- Workshops: Combine art and science with hands-on, expert-led workshops
- Family Fun: Face painting, crafts, and other bug-themed fun
- Famous Bug Bar: Experience unique and yummy treats
BugFest is included with Museum admission, which is always free for Museum Members. Members also receive a discount on BugFest workshops, enjoy easy access via the Members-only entrance, and will be entered into an exclusive Museum Member BugFest giveaway!
BugFest Workshops
See what all the buzz is about in these hands-on, expert-led workshops! Workshop tickets also cover festival admission, granting you full access to BugFest fun and the Museum's one-of-a-kind exhibitions. Museum Members save 20% on workshop registrations.
Print Lab Workshop
Explore the art of screen printing and experiment with layered insect-inspired stamps to create your own one-of-a-kind printed tote bag.
Saturday Only | 10:30 a.m. | Register Now
Insect Watercolor Workshop: Anyone Can Paint a Bug!
Paint an idealized swallowtail butterfly using greens, blues, and dark line detail work while learning about the biology behind this widely recognized insects.
Saturday Only | 12:30 p.m. | Register Now
Introduction to Butterfly Pinning Workshop
Learn all about lepidopterans (butterflies) in this hands-on workshop, and pin your very own butterfly to take home!
Saturday Only | 2:30 p.m. | Register Now
Small Bug Sculpture and Terrarium Workshop
Learn how to make your own small scale insect sculptures, and install them into a terrarium you will fill with local dried plants.
Sunday Only | 12:30 p.m. | Register Now
Beetle Boutique: DIY Elytra Earrings
Create stunning, iridescent earrings using real jewel beetle elytra (wings). No prior jewelry-making experience is needed!
Sunday Only | 2:30 p.m. | Register Now
Community Partners
| Art by Ogden | Puppets in the City |
| Asana Natural Arts | Rook's Repository |
| Dale Novak Illustrations | Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement District |
| FRIENDS of Great Salt Lake | Salty Heights |
| Goblin Bums | Science Research Initiative, University of Utah |
| Haunting Beauty | Sound of the Forest |
| Kimmie’s Kandies | The BugWitch |
| Lovemore Games | The Nature Conservancy in Utah |
| Lyra Zoe | White Lake Farms, LLC |
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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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About BugFest
For one weekend a year, BugFest brings together invertebrate experts, educators, and enthusiasts for a a celebration packed with fun programming, collections showcases, live insect interactions, informative lectures, and even a BugBar. All with the goal of helping bug fans and the fearful gain a greater appreciation for the wonderfully diverse and fundamentally important world of insects and other invertebrates.
BugFest and all our major festivals are included with admission and free for Museum Members.
Upcoming Events
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