WRAL 3D Theater — 1st Floor, Nature Exploration Center
5:00pm–6:45pm: Mothra (1961)
An expedition to Infant Island uncovers a native tribe and twin tiny fairy priestesses of a mythical deity, who sets out to rescue the pair after they are kidnapped by a greedy businessman.
SECU Daily Planet Theater — Floors 1-3, Nature Research Center
11:00am: Gardening for Caterpillars
Louise Romanow, Extension Master Gardeners of Wake County
Support a strong ecosystem by choosing trees, shrubs and garden plants that caterpillars depend on. Reduce insecticide use and appreciate the bugs! Insects are a vital food source for birds, reptiles and more. Enjoy seeing butterflies and moths around you.
All ages
12:30pm: Biodiversity On The Wing! Insects in Slow Motion Flight
Dr. Adrian Smith, NC Museum of Natural Sciences; Ant Lab
Butterflies and moths are some of the most spectacular insect fliers! Come check out this presentation highlighting these and other insects captured in-flight, in slow motion!
All Ages
2:00pm: Caterpillarology
Melissa Dowland, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
It’s been said that, “the caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity” (George Carlin). Not this time! Learn all about caterpillars — their amazing ability to eat (and poop), the transformations they go through as they grow, the ways they defend themselves from hungry predators and the incredible variety of colors and shapes they come in.
All Ages
3:30pm: Big Bugs on the Big Screen
Skip Elsheimer, the A/V Geek
Join us for “Big Bugs on the Big Screen,” a thrilling screening of classic monster movie trailers featuring some of the creepiest, crawliest and most gigantic bugs ever to invade the silver screen! From towering tarantulas to menacing mutant ants, experience the golden age of creature features with an evening packed full of cinematic chills and vintage thrills. Relive the excitement of Hollywood’s most iconic giant insect films, as these monstrous bugs wreak havoc on cities, forests, and even space! Perfect for fans of retro horror, sci-fi and all things monstrous!
All Ages
Windows on the World Theater — 3rd Floor, Nature Exploration Center
11:00am: Forensic Entomology: How Insects Solve Crime
Ezra Bailey, North Carolina State University
Many insects feed on decaying matter and are important for keeping our world clean. Some of nature’s clean-up crew can even help us solve crimes!
Ages 12 and older
12:00pm: Spiders for Pets!
Wade Harrell, The Santa Fe Reptile and Bug Museum
Wade Harrell will be showing off and talking about spiders and other arachnids that make easy-to-care-for and rewarding pets in the home or classroom!
All Ages
1:00pm: Spider Venom: Reality and Myth
Dr. Eric Butler, Shaw University
In this presentation, we will discuss spider venom. Which spiders are dangerous to humans? Which spiders have undeservedly bad reputations? And what are spiders doing with that venom in the wild, anyway?
Ages 12 and older
2pm and 3pm: Incredible Science
Bob Alderink, NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Join us for an entertaining half hour of science experiments and demonstrations. Topics may include physics and chemistry demonstrations on inertia, buoyancy and electromagnetism. Enjoy natural science topics such as the incredible composition of beaver teeth or the amazing design and strength of birds’ eggs.
Ages 7 and older
Main Stage — Edenton Street
10:30am: Monometrics
Established in 2022, Monometrics is 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: Old Play
Based in the Raleigh/Durham/Cary area, Old Play has been performing crowd-pleasing rock classics, 80s alternative, and dance tunes for years. Old Play shows are high-energy entertainment featuring some of the most-loved songs of the past four decades. You’re sure to be dancing, singing along, air-drumming, or fist-pumping as Old Play belts out their diverse repertoire — which may even include a little country!
1:30pm: The Cheeze Factor Band
Hailing from hot and humid North Carolina, The Cheeze Factor Band brings the fun! Their music draws on the early days of MTV; Billy Idol, The Go Go’s, The B52s, KISS, Bon Jovi and more. The Cheeze Factor will have everyone singing and dancing all night long.
3:00pm: Loos Change
Loos Change is an acoustic quartet based in Raleigh that plays a wide range of material from the 1960s to today. From the British Invasion to Americana, classic country, R&B, and pure pop, Loos Change has something for everybody.
4:30pm: The Solutions Band
The BASF Band, “The Solutions,” is a local group that was formed in 2019 to provide musical entertainment for BASF employee events and select community events. They play a collection of party songs, from the 60s to the 90s, that are bound to get everyone up and dancing. The band consists of vocalists, guitarists, bass, drummer, saxophone, harmonica and other guest instruments. This band creates musical chemistry!
6:00pm: Komodo
Komodo is a progressive rock/metal band that incorporates funky jams, eclectic guests and a reptilian nature into their music and performances.
Plaza Parade
1pm: The Awesomettes and the Historic Oakwood Second Line Band
The Historic Oakwood neighborhood, the only intact historic district in Raleigh, is known for its walkable streets that wind around charming Victorian homes. But did you know the neighborhood has its own group of baton twirlers, as well as its own band?
The Awesomettes are women “of a certain age” who got together to twirl batons in their neighborhood parades. They now march in Raleigh’s downtown parades and have won awards from Kirby Derby, Mule Days and Rock ‘n Roll Marathon.
The Historic Oakwood Second Line Band was formed in honor of a friend who loved Mardi Gras, and has become a fixture at neighborhood events. This backyard band has mastered an impressive book of tunes, from traditional New Orleans-style jazz to Souza marches, and has won awards at Kirby Derby and Mule Days. You might recognize them from their performances in the Raleigh Christmas Parade or St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Please join the Awesomettes and The Historic Oakwood Second Line Band in a butterfly parade on Bicentennial Plaza (meet at the stage)!