BugFest, one of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ most popular festivals, is returning to Downtown Raleigh on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The festival will include both indoor and outdoor activities. Indoor activities will be located in the Nature Exploration Center (NEC) and Nature Research Center (NRC). Outdoor activities will be located along Jones Street, Edenton Street, and in the Bicentennial Plaza.
The largest bug-centered event of its kind in the country, BugFest educates and engages the public in science and the natural world. Participate in more than 100 exhibits, crafts, games and activities as you interact with entomologists and other scientists while learning about the fascinating world of insects.
This year, BugFest spotlights krill, the tiny shrimp-like creatures that blue whales feed on. The “Blue Whales” special exhibition is also open, now through January, 2026.
Activities at BugFest
See the whole schedule of exhibits and activities here.
Some Highlights:
- Learn about honeybees
- Compete in Dung Ball, Ant and Bee races
- Butterfly tent
- Learn how scarab beetles fight it out
- Bug Bounce and Super Slide Inflatable
- Create with reused materials with the Scrap Exchange
- Shop bug-themed accessories
- Café Insecta: taste bug-filled dishes prepared by local chefs
- Create a crawfish habitat
- But insect-themed art
- Much, much more!
Performances
BugFest features live music all day on the Main Stage, as well as lectures by many scientists.
Fall is looking great around the Triangle, whether you’re looking for something spooky or totally kid-friendly! Check out our HUGE list of fall festivals, as well as our list of Raleigh area haunted trails and pumpkin patches, hayrides and corn mazes! We have also put together a big list of Halloween events and Trick or Treat events!
Accessibility and Information
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
BugFest for everyone! The tent is where you’ll find courtesy manual wheelchairs, noise cancelling headphones, sighted guides, maps, event information and more.
Quiet Room
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The quiet room is a place to escape the busyness and energy of the event. Come enjoy quiet play and take a break!
The quiet room is sponsored by the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation.
For more accessibility needs, including sighted guides, ASL interpreters, accessible restrooms, and more, please visit the accessibility page.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Festivals
Take a look at a few upcoming festivals:
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh
11 W Jones St
Raleigh, NC
