Thousands of visitors gathered at the Natural History Museum of Utah for the annual BugFest on August 8 and 9, 2026, to explore the ecological significance of insects through interactive exhibits and scientific lectures. The weekend-long celebration coincided with the museum's 'Bug World' special exhibition, which features large-scale replicas of insects and explores the diverse roles invertebrates play in global ecosystems.
Educational and Interactive Experiences
The festival, which took place on Saturday, Aug. 8, and Sunday, Aug. 9, offered a variety of educational and hands-on experiences designed to foster appreciation for the world's most diverse group of organisms. According to the Natural History Museum of Utah, the event included expert-led lectures, live insect meet-and-greets with trained animal handlers, and specialized workshops.
Scientific Lectures and Research
Among the featured scientific presentations was a lecture by Jason Cryan, Ph.D., the museum's Sarah B. George Executive Director and a trained entomologist. On Saturday, Aug. 8, Cryan presented a lecture titled "Iridescent Insects," which examined the visual survival strategies used by certain species. The festival also featured Daniel Souto, a University of Utah Science Research Initiative Postdoc, who discussed insect biodiversity in Red Butte Canyon, utilizing molecular DNA techniques to study local arthropod communities.
Hands-On Workshops
For those seeking hands-on learning, the museum hosted six popular workshops throughout the weekend. These sessions required pre-registration and included activities such as a screen-printing lab for custom tote bags, insect watercolor painting, and an introduction to butterfly pinning. Other workshops featured vermicomposting, the creation of small-scale insect sculptures and terrariums, and a specialized session for making DIY elytra earrings using real jewel beetle wings.
Bug World Exhibition Details
The museum's "Bug World" exhibition, produced by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and constructed by Weta Workshop, served as a major backdrop for the festival. The exhibit utilized four dimly lit, orb-like rooms to present towering replicas of insects. Visitors explored displays featuring praying mantises, Japanese honeybees, and the jewel wasp—a species that preys on cockroaches to use them as hosts for its larvae.
Culinary Insects and Sustainability
The festival also featured the "Bug Bar," where guests could sample unconventional culinary treats. The menu included items such as grasshopper tacos, termite mac and cheese, and water bug salad. According to prior reporting by The Signpost, Jason Cryan and professional chef Megan Bartley, an evolutionary anthropologist, presented a lecture at the Bug Bar regarding the potential for insects to serve as a sustainable, eco-friendly protein substitute. While many adults reported satisfaction with the taste of the insect-based samples, some children were hesitant to try the treats.
Local Vendors and Merchandise
Local vendors contributed to the festival atmosphere by offering various themed items. Vendors sold stickers, patches, T-shirts, and jars of organically sourced honey. Additionally, specialized booths offered jewelry made from the limbs and wings of various insects, including earrings, pendants, rings, and necklaces.
Museum Background
The Natural History Museum of Utah, established in 1963, continues to serve as a leading scientific and cultural institution, hosting approximately 300,000 general visitors annually. The museum's permanent collections consist of approximately 2 million objects used for research into geological, biological, and cultural diversity within the Utah region.
