BugFest returns to downtown Raleigh Saturday

This major downtown festival, presented by the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, will draw thousands to Raleigh on Saturday.

Posted 12:26 a.m. Sep 12, 2012 — Updated 12:26 a.m. Sep 12, 2012

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

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.

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