BugFest 2026 - North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Get ready to hop into BugFest, the Museum’s largest and buggiest event! This year’s theme: hoppers — plant, leaf and tree. Both of our buildings are buzzing with activity all day, indoors and out. Crawl, climb and creep your way through more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities celebrating the fascinating world of arthropods. Pick the brains of entomologists and other scientists about all things arthropod. Satisfy your curiosity and your appetite with buggy culinary creations at Café Insecta. Drop-off area, accessibility tent, sighted guides, and ASL and blind-deaf interpreters are available upon request. Accessible bathrooms, family restrooms, a nursing room, a quiet room and assisted listening devices are also on-site. FREE and for all ages.