The 15th annual Hokie BugFest will take place on October 18th, 2025. The event is being held at Squires Student Center in Blacksburg, and is open to the public from 10am to 3pm. A special pre-opening begins at 9am for those that may benefit from a less crowded and noisy environment.
Hokie BugFest is a free, one-day festival that celebrates the exciting science of Entomology with science, technology, engineering, art, and math activities for all ages.
Highlights include more than 40 exhibits from Virginia Tech labs, local museums, and community groups as well as live arthropods, hands-on science activities, and craft activities.
- Enjoy a fun, interactive bug-themed story time with Joelle of JoeLoe Productions!
- View hundreds of pinned insects, from beautiful butterflies to bizarre beetles!
- Play insect-inspired games and win a prize at the festive “Bug Carnival.”
- Visit with local and exotic residents of the Hokie BugZoo. Observe live tarantulas moving about their habitats, hold Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, and find your new favorite arthropod!
- 4-H Insect Collection Contest: See insect collections entered by young entomologists from around the region. Collections will be awarded first, second, and third place in each age category based on the scoring guidelines. The top collection will be awarded “Best in Show”. Entry forms are due on September 26th.
- Peer through microscopes, use thermographic cameras, and explore aquatic touch tanks as you learn about insect-related research from Virginia Tech Labs.
- Take home information about ticks and mosquitos and ways to keep your family safe.
For a full list of exhibitors and festival details, please visit hokiebugfest.org or facebook.com/hokiebugfest.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Whitney Weaver Wright at wawhit@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
