Bug experts, artists, enthusiasts, and even bug chefs will celebrate the incredible world of insects on August 8 and 9 SALT LAKE CITY, July 15, 2026 — Insects are essential to ecosystems here in Utah and across the globe, pollinating most of the world’s plants, fertilizing the earth, and sustaining complex food webs. Not only are they more important than their tiny size would suggest, but they also have astounding abilities and eye-catching aesthetics. Insects are the guests of honor at the Natural History Museum of Utah’s annual BugFest, returning on Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9. BugFest will take over the entire museum for a weekend-long celebration exploring the wonder of insects and the many roles they play in our world. With expert entomologists and other special guests on site, the festival offers visitors tons of ways to explore and celebrate tiny bugs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. “The food we eat, the plants we grow, and the environments we inhabit are all made possible by the largest and most diverse group of organisms on the planet — bugs. Insects affect all aspects of our lives, and they’re certainly worth celebrating,” said Jason Cryan, Ph.D., NHMU’s Sarah B. George Executive Director and trained entomologist. Inspired by BugFest 2026’s theme insect, the jewel wasp, Cryan will present a lecture on “Iridescent Insects” on Saturday, diving into this visually stunning survival strategy. Both bug-curious and insect-obsessed visitors can expect to have their minds blown by two scientific lectures each day, culminating in panel discussions at 4 p.m., where guests can ask experts their burning bug questions. For hands-on learners, BugFest also features real-life insect meet-and-greets. Trained animal handlers will lead encounters with NHMU's live collections including tarantulas, cockroaches, beetles, centipedes, and more. Visitors might find out what a tarantula feels like or perhaps caress a cockroach. Beautiful specimens from the museum’s research collections will also be on display with the opportunity to converse with the scientists studying them. Daniel Souto, University of Utah Science Research Initiative Postdoc will be presenting on the surprising insect biodiversity right in the museum’s backyard: Red Butte Canyon. He combines fieldwork with molecular DNA techniques to uncover the hidden richness of arthropod communities. Guests might discover a new favorite local bug at his lecture! Face painting and family friendly activities extend the fun to everyone, while the famous Bug Bar will give more adventurous guests a chance to taste delicious treats like termite mac and cheese, grasshopper tacos, and more. Crafty guests won’t want to miss an opportunity to attend one of six popular BugFest Workshops and go home with a bug-printed tote bag, custom terrarium, or other handmade souvenir. Workshops will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. both days of the festival and preregistration is required. This year is particularly exciting because BugFest coincides with the museum’s current special exhibition, Bug World. Produced by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and built by the Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop, the exhibit offers guests a larger-than-life spectacle of the awe-inspiring abilities of bugs. The theme of this year’s BugFest is one of the stars of the exhibition: the jewel wasp. This bright green bug is displayed on a massive scale inside the exhibition depicting a special talent that visitors will have to see to believe. Guests can buzz by BugFest Saturday, Aug. 8 and Sunday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Festival tickets and workshop tickets can be prebooked at nhmu.utah.edu/bugfest. Access to the Bug World exhibition is included with festival admission. For more information on this story, including interview opportunities, please contact Ashley Thess (athess@nhmu.utah.edu) or Mark Johnston (mjohnston@nhmu.utah.edu). About the Natural History Museum of UtahThe 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 approximately 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.
Press Release tags
Area of Science
Invertebrate Zoology
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NHMU's trained animal handlers will be leading live insect interactions at BugFest.
Photo by NHMU
BugFest guests shop honey made by local bees.
Photo by NHMU
BugFest patron adorns herself with bug accessories.
Photo by NHMU
BugFest gives the entomologists of tomorrow a chance to learn from insect specimens and experts.
Photo by NHMU
Adventurous visitors can sample edible insects at the Bug Bar.
Photo by NHMU
Press contacts and links
Press Contact
Ashley Thess
Public Relations Coordinator
athess@nhmu.utah.edu
801.213.1028
Press Contact
Mark Johnston
Marketing & Communications Manager
mjohnston@nhmu.utah.edu
801.585.0233
