Looking for a fun, educational, and totally unique way to spend your Saturday? Gather the family and head to the 15th Annual Hokie BugFest at Virginia Tech’s Squires Student Center on October 18th from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for a day that’s crawling with excitement!
This FREE family event celebrates the wonderful (and sometimes wiggly) world of insects with hands-on activities, games, giveaways, and live arthropods from the Hokie BugZoo. Whether your kids are fascinated by butterflies or brave enough to meet a tarantula up close, there’s something for every curious critter lover.
🕷️ Meet the Hokie BugZoo Residents
Come face-to-face with an incredible collection of local and exotic insects, spiders, and other arthropods. Learn from experts and discover what makes these tiny creatures such an important part of our world.
🎪 Enjoy the Bug Carnival!
Play fun, insect-themed games and win prizes. From creative crafts to creepy-crawly challenges, it’s an adventure the whole family will enjoy!
📚 Interactive Storytime with Joelle of JoeLoe Productions
Don’t miss special interactive storytimes at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., where Joelle brings stories to life in ways that will delight and inspire kids of all ages.
💫 A Sensory-Friendly Start
Hokie BugFest officially opens to the public at 10 a.m., but families who prefer a less crowded, quieter environment are invited to enjoy a special pre-open hour from 9–10 a.m. No registration is required. If you have questions, contact Whitney Weaver Wright at wawhit@vt.edu.
This event is open to everyone and completely FREE—so bring your friends, neighbors, and anyone who loves a good adventure in science!
For a full list of exhibits, parking details, and all the buzz, visit hokiebugfest.org.
Hokie BugFest
Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech
Saturday, October 18 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. (Sensory-friendly hour at 9 a.m.)
Admission: FREE
Come explore, learn, and discover the incredible world of insects—because at Hokie BugFest, bugs aren’t creepy, they’re cool!
