BugFest 2025 - Beetlemania!
Sept. 19 & 20, 2025 (Fri/Sat)

FRIDAY:
9:00 to 2:30 p.m. All School Groups must register – Public, Private,
Homeschools - please register by calling the Arboretum: 601-799-2311 ext. 0. You do not have to pay in advance to register!

12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. General Public, everyone is welcome!
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Blacklighting for Bugs and other activities – Everyone is welcome!

SATURDAY:
9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. General Public – Everyone is welcome!

Explore the world of entomology with MSU Extension Entomologists! School groups, nature enthusiasts and the public can enjoy two fun-filled days of exciting, hands-on learning about the environment, ecosystems, wildlife and insects. BugFest offers insect-related displays, interactive exhibits, games, and crafts. Biologists, naturalists, entomologists and other experts from Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama will host booths and give presentations. Enjoy seeing live ambassador insects and displays from the NOLA Insectarium, the Hattiesburg Zoo, the Museum of Natural Science and more! Don’t forget our Bat Trail!!

This year’s BugFest will feature BEETLES! Come and explore the world of these amazing creatures!

Check times and dates for our Bug Brigade Fashion Show as well as specific exhibits.

Friday morning is reserved for all school groups - Admission is $2 for students/children (K-12th) ; teachers free (One Homeschool Parent receives the teacher price) and $5 for adults/chaperones (members and non-members). Please call in advance to register your school group: 601-799-2311 ext. 0. You do not have to pay to register. Friday afternoon & evening and Saturday – EVERYONE is welcome! Admission Members/Non-Members Adults $5, Members/Non-Members Children (12 & younger) $2.  The below link is for prepaid registration.

Please use this link to sign up for our programs.

No Credit Card or Cash refunds for Cancelations, The Crosby Arboretum will issue a gift card as a refund please email s.lowe@msstate.edu.

Programs of Mississippi State University Extension Service are open to all people, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, group affiliation or any other status protected by applicable law. Mississippi State is an equal opportunity institution. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Compliance and Integrity, 56 Morgan Ave. PO Box 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762 (662) 325-5839. Mississippi State University Extension will provide reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities or special needs. Please contact The Crosby Arboretum office at 601-799-2311, or barb.medlock@msstate.edu prior to a program or event to request reasonable accommodation.