The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University will be buzzing with fun next weekend.
The establishment’s annual Bug Fest is set for Aug. 9 and 10, and the two-day festival will feature an array of events and activations that bring guests up close and personal with scientists, artists, educators and of course, bugs.
“Bugs make up 80 percent of the earth’s species, and yet we do not often take the chance to stop and really think about the amazing diversity they represent or what they contribute to our ecosystem,” said Aidan Houlihan, Entomology Curatorial Assistant at the Academy. “Whether it’s behind the scenes at the Academy’s world-class Entomology collection or on a bug walk outside the Academy, guests will get a closer look than ever of these amazing creatures.”
Now in its 18th year, this event will bring back popular activations like guided bug walks in Logan Square, roach races, education stations and Free Library story times. Those who walk around the museum will also find ways to observe, ask questions and get face-to-face with the many of the multi-legged creatures of the insect world. Another fan favorite—the Now & Then Marketplace—is also back for its sophomore year, and will be housed in front of the museum and in Aviator Park for all Parkway pedestrians to enjoy.
One of the more unique aspects of the occasion comes from “Bug Chef” Joy Nemerson, who will explore the ways in which insect ingredients provide nutritious, sustainable and unique flavors for our meals. Food trucks will also be on site with more traditional fare (and no bugs will be found there).
In addition to the returning favorites, this year’s festival will feature new highlights including American Sign Language Interpretation for all auditorium shows, an artist visit from Salma Garcia Nolasco and a screening of the documentary ‘Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo‘, a release notes.
“Most people don’t realize how important insects are to our everyday lives and how fascinating and beautiful they can be. Bug Fest is a such a special weekend because we get to watch people come to the Academy of Natural Sciences and find out,” added Anwar Abdul-Qawi, Animal Programs Manager for the Academy.
Bug Fest takes place Saturday, Aug. 9 and Sunday, Aug. 10 during the Academy’s open hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All daytime events and activities are included in regular admission, and a full schedule with times can be found online.
Those who can’t make it out to Bug Fest can head to the Academy for some prehistoric fun this sunny season as well. Through Aug. 30, Dino-Mite Summer will continue to connect Philadelphians with “the wonders of the natural world” through hands-on discovery, dinosaur exploration, and real science.
Activities include unearthing fossils at The Big Dig, meeting live turtles and insects, and chatting with Academy scientists. As the Academy puts it, every visit brings new opportunities to investigate biodiversity, ecology, evolution and more.
Visit ansp.org/bugfest for more details on Bug Fest and other activities at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
