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BugFest returns to downtown Raleigh Saturday

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Posted: September 11, 2012

Tags: Activities, Museums, Nature programs

My husband can tell you that I am not a big fan of bugs. But I am a huge fan of BugFest, the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences' annual festival that celebrates bugs of all kinds.

This large-scale event, set for Saturday, will draw thousands to downtown Raleigh for the daytime festival that turns into an "Evening Insectival" at 5 p.m. Events take place inside the museum and outside along Bicentennial Plaza and Edenton Street.

What I like about BugFest are the variety of activities. You'll find arts, crafts, science displays and lots of bugs - to look at, to learn about and even to eat at Cafe Insecta. And, I guess since my kids are having so much fun, I don't mind seeing all the creepy crawlies.

Some annual favorites: Arthropod Olympics, where you get to see dung beetle, ant and bee races; that Cafe Insecta, where local restaurants cook up bugs for tasting in dishes such as Peanut Bugger Crunch and Superworm Enchiladas (I enjoy watching others taste); and the evening activities from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with bands, food and more (perfect for families with older kids, but still family friendly for all).

BugFest is free and starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. This year's theme is mantids, so you'll see some special exhibits just about these.

Check the BugFest website for all the details.

A tip before you go: If you're going for the daytime activities, get there early - or as close to 9 a.m. as you can - to avoid some of the crowds and any parking hassles. Check the natural sciences museum's website for parking information.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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