The Academy is open for special hours this summer! Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Plan Your Visit

Bug Fest 2026

Event

Bugfest is at the Academy of Natural Sciences August 8 through 9

Information

Dates

Location

Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Cost

Included with General Admission

Purchase Tickets

Join the Academy for a wild weekend celebrating more than a few of our favorite (invertebrate) things. From the thrilling return of our famous Roach Races to scientist-led Bug Walks on the Parkway, there’s something for everyone — kids and adults alike!

Discover the unexpected insect biodiversity of your local park, explore rare and newly discovered specimens from the Academy’s world-class Entomology Collection and design your own bugs and more in our Busy Bees Kids Zone.

Connect with Academy researchers and fellow bug enthusiasts about the fascinating ways invertebrates shape science, conservation and our communities. Plus, don’t miss our incredible native plant garden that highlights specimens from Botany of Nations and learn about the pollinators who rely on them for survival.

Academy Members receive a free, limited-edition Bug Fest poster. Show your membership card at any admissions desk to grab yours. One poster per membership, while supplies last. Not a member? Join now.

Bug Fest Activities

Auditorium Show Schedule:

  • 11:00 a.m. Storytime 
  • 12:00 p.m. Roach Races 
  • 1:00 p.m. Bugs on the Big Screen
  • 2:00 p.m. Storytime 
  • 3:00 p.m. Roach Races 
  • 4:00 p.m. Bugs on the Big Screen 

Buggy Story Times

Storytimes at 11 a.m., 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

Join Academy educators and other young natural history fans for our Buggy Story Times.

Roach Races

12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Come cheer your favorite roach as it tests its speed on different tracks and races over obstacles. Meet the competitors at Science Live outside the Auditorium before the races begin. 

Bugs on the Big Screen  

1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 

This unique live animal show will take a high definition look at what makes bugs beautiful, amazing, and important.   

American Entomological Society and Bug Walk Signups 

Bug Walks 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Saturday  & Sunday

Check out insect displays with the American Entomological Society before you join Academy entomologists on an expedition just outside the museum. You’ll be amazed by what you find! Space is limited. Sign up in advance, and meet staff five minutes before your tour begins at the signup station. Tours leave promptly.  

Paint by Numbers Mural with artist Manuela Guillén, Dinosaur Hall

Come pick up a brush and help add color to Manuela’s Bug Fest mural. She will have everything you need to jump in.

Observe Bug Pinning with Academy Entomologist in Academy in Action, Dinosaur Hall 

Explore behind-the-scenes entomology as Academy experts reveal how they care for specimens and share insights into the natural world.

Bug Fest Tours

Upgrade your Bug Fest experience with an exclusive 'Behind the Scenes' tour of the museum's Entomology Collection!

Purchase Tickets for Bugfest Tours

Learn how insects are collected, preserved and used for research, all while visiting the oldest insect collection on the continent.

Tour tickets include General Admission to the museum and may be redeemed for entry as early as 10 a.m. on your selected visiting date.The time on your ticket will refer solely to the start time of your tour.

Saturday Tours

Sunday Tours

Behind the Scenes Tours are for guests ages 12+. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Academy Exhibits & Events