Presentations and Performances
As the Museum’s biggest and buggiest event of the year, BugFest is dedicated to educating and engaging the public about science and the wonders of the natural world. Explore over 100 exhibits, from hands-on activities designed to ignite curiosity and appreciation for these amazing animals, to interactions with entomologists and other scientists who will guide you through the intricate world of arthropods, offering insights into their behaviors, adaptations, and ecological significance.
This year, BugFest shines a spotlight on krill! Delight in activities designed to inspire the next generation of bug enthusiasts, observe a variety of live arthropods, browse vendor stalls for arthropod-themed merchandise, and celebrate the extraordinary diversity of arthropods.
WRAL 3D Theater
5pm
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Attack of the Giant Crab Monsters (1957)
Scientists become trapped on a shrinking island with intelligent, murderous giant crabs. Free.
Windows on the World
11:30am
Zachary Everson, Entomology PhD Candidate
NCSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Garden Guardians
Learn how insects, spiders, and other creatures can be used to protect plants from pests.
12:30pm
Regan Daniels
North Carolina State University
Ants in Your Pants…and your House?
Find out the “dos and don’ts” of ant management. Overview of ant biology and behavior, what makes certain ants a pest and why should we care about them.
2pm
Ariel Tarrand
NCSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Radioactive Flesh-Eating Flies?? The truth about screwworm’s return
You may have seen it in the news—the screwworm is back! Learn about the history of this fascinating fly, why its return has people worried, and the new methods we’re developing to fight back.
3pm
Wade Harrell, Director of Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum
Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum
Spiders for pets!
See spiders and other arachnids that can be rewarding pets in the home or classroom! Learn how easy it is to care for them.
SECU Daily Planet Theater
11am
Marissa Cole, Curator of the Arthropod Zoo
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The Claw-Inspiring Story of the Museum’s American Lobster
The story of our resident American lobster— her biology, her 12-year history at the Museum, and her day-to-day life in the Arthropod Zoo.
Noon
Dr. Christian Kammerer, Research Curator of Paleontology
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Amazing Ancient Aquatic Arthropods
Join museum paleontologist Dr. Kammerer as he presents the highlights of 500 million years of arthropod evolution in the oceans. From the bizarre body forms of the Cambrian Explosion to giant sea scorpions to the origins of modern krill, crabs, and copepods, get ready to learn about the greatest animal success story!
1pm
Dr. Adrian Smith
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Ant Lab’s Top 10 Bugs on Video!
The Ant Lab at the NCSMNS studies insect and arthropod behavior and has been filming insects for more than a decade. In this talk, we’ll do a countdown of the most spectacular insect footage we’ve captured and what it can tell us about the arthropod world!
2pm
April MH Blakeslee, Associate Professor
East Carolina University – Biology Department
Invasion of the body snatchers: a parasitic barnacle and its mud crab host
Since the 1960s, an invasive parasitic barnacle has been spreading along the Atlantic coast of North America, infecting native mud crabs. This talk discusses the fascinating story of the invasion, the impacts on native hosts and communities, and the threat of continued spread.
3pm
Elizabeth Wiles, PhD Student
North Carolina State University; Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Partners in Crime: Blood Sucking Bugs and their Symbiotic Microbes
Learn about the biology of blood sucking bugs, their connection to human hosts, and their strange relationship to bacteria.
Main Stage
10:30am
Monometrics
A five piece band based out of the Triangle playing original tunes, covering funk and soul staples, and putting their own groovy twist on well-loved country classics.
Noon
The Cheeze Factor Band
Hailing from hot and humid North Carolina! Bringing the fun, we will have everyone singing and dancing all night long!! Drawing on music from the early days of MTV, like Billy Idol, The Go Go’s, B-52’s, KISS, Bon Jovi, Loverboy you get the idea.
1:30pm
The Solutions Band
Creating musical chemistry! Playing a diverse collection of party songs from the 60s to today, as well as children’s songs, that are bound to get everyone up and dancing. This RTP band consists of vocalists, guitarists, bass, drummer, saxophone and other guest instruments.
3pm
Susan Riggs
Susan has been writing, singing, and performing music since she was three years old. She began teaching music in 1990 after studying at UNCG and has since released four albums of original music. You can find her performing at local churches and farmers’ markets, and she’s a member of the Raleigh Piano Teachers and NC Songwriters Co-op.
4:30pm
Loos Change
Playing songs that you know by artists from Bonnie Raitt and Tom Petty to the Beatles, Coldplay and more! We feature strong vocal harmonies, guitar, bass, mandolin and percussion.
6pm
Komodo
Come listen to this progressive rock/metal band that incorporates funky jams, eclectic guests, and a reptilian nature into their music and performances.
Wandering Performers
11am
The Awesomettes and The Historic Oakwood Second Line Band
The Historic Oakwood Second Line Band and The Awesomettes are joining forces to bring their award-winning parade skills to the event. The Awesomettes are a spirited group of baton-twirling women who march in Raleigh’s downtown parades and have won awards. They are often accompanied by the Historic Oakwood Second Line Band, a lively group of neighbors who play a variety of tunes, from New Orleans-style jazz to Souza marches.
2:30pm
Athens Drive Percussion
The Pride of the Drive drumline, part of the award-winning Athens Drive High School Band, is back for another year at BugFest. As the heartbeat of the band, the drumline brings rhythm and excitement to the festival with marching snares, tenors, and bass drums, along with cymbals.
