5th Annual NOLA BugFest

 

Free Admission!Bug Feast Funny Picture

October 11th, 2025, 10 am-3pm

New Orleans Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board
2100 Leon C. Simon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122

Let us know you're coming! Text BUGFEST to 504-478-0572

 

 

 

Dive into the fascinating world of insects at the 5th annual NOLA BugFest!

  • Arachnophobia Reimagined – Step into the suspense with interactive displays and behind-the-scenes science.
  • Cooking with Remy – A culinary demo inspired by Ratatouille, where flavor meets fun (and hygiene!).
  • Bayou Magic – Explore the swamp scene from The Princess and the Frog, complete with local ecology and folklore.

Bug feast Group Picture

Get a free BugFest shirt and bead while supplies last

Visit numerous booths to have an upclose encounter with insects and wildlife from around the world

Cheer on your favorite bug in the Cockroach Tractor Pull!

Learn how to use a microscope at the Insect Identification table! Bring your insect to ID!

Talk with scientists and experts in the pest vector control industry to learn about insects in our region and get at-home pest prevention tips.

Insect crafts and games are available for all ages.

Recycle your glass and e-waste onsite

Main Stage Schedule

Time Activity
10 am Cockroach Tractor Pull
10:30 am Name the Theme Song
11:30 am Mardi Gras Indians Show
2 pm Storytime
2:30 pm Insects and Rodents on the Red Carpet

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Exhibits

Audubon Insectarium

See exotic insects, edible insects, and insect diversity

Autism Brain and Language Lab- University of New Orleans

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication challenges along with specialized interests or repetitive behaviors

City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board

Bring your unknown insects for expert identification by a professional entomologist, with microscopes available to examine specimens commonly found in and around homes

City of New Orleans NOLA Ready, Homeland Security (NOHSEP)

Hear about local preparedness

J&J Exterminating

Learn about pest management prevention tips using a coloring book.

Central Life Sciences 

Learn about the “cannibal mosquito,” Toxorhynchites

Crosby Arboretum

Located in Picayune, MS, learn more about The Crosby Arboretum’s 64 acres with 3 ecosystems

Mayor’s Office of Human Rights and Equity

Crescent City ID Program-pick up a Crescent City ID onsite at BugFest 

IV Waste

Will have a truck on-site and information about service areas

The Mayor's Office of Resilience & Sustainability ORS

ORS focuses on environmental stewardship and climate resilience in New Orleans. Working in partnership with city departments, state and federal agencies, and community groups, ORS advises on policies and projects that impact our city. We use the city's Resilience Strategy, Climate Equity Report, and Climate Action Plan as guides to do work across multiple sectors.

Redd Pest Solutions

Their team of entomologists and pest professionals will answer your questions about maintaining your house pest free.  

Clarke

Learn more about public health products and services  

Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council

Learn about environmental leadership and bring computers and other electronics for recycling

Civic Studio with Courtney Egan

Use plants from the meadow to create sunprints

DA Exterminating 

DA Exterminating is one of the oldest and most reliable pest control companies in the New Orleans area with branch offices in Metairie, Covington, and Houma.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF)

Discover best practices and pesticide safety

Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Section 

Understand zoonotic and vector-borne diseases

Louisiana Master Naturalists GNO

Awareness, understanding, and stewardship of the natural environment 

Louisiana State University, Department of Entomology 

Learn about the insects that are found in our region

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy

Learn how the city can support artists, creatives, and cultural producers 

The Inner Pup

Learn about heartworm disease and how to prevent it in your pets.

Mosquito BEACONS

The Mosquito Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species (BEACONS) working group is a multi-state working group dedicated to enhancing invasive mosquito surveillance and control capacity in the southern United States.

Mississippi Bug Blues, Mississippi State University Entomology Department

MS Bug Blues is a campaign by the Mississippi State Entomology Department created to educate the public about invasive species and pests.

Florida A&M University

Learn about public health and other science programs

New Orleans Public Library

Sign up for a Library card and browse bug themed books available for check out

New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC)

Learn about the resources for rec., athletic and cultural experiences  

Genoa Healthcare

Providing Flu/COVID19 vaccines

Sewerage and Water Board

Observe storm drain safety

Terminix NOLA 

Find out more about residential and commercial pest control

Tulane University, Department of Tropical Medicine

View insects under the microscope and learn more about Public Health

Veseris 

Catch a glimpse of pest control product support 

University of New Orleans, Birding

Learn more about birdwatching and conservation initiatives

University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology

Entomology experts from Florida will showcase insects, mites, ticks, spiders, nematodes, and related organisms from around the state  

UNO Federal Credit Union

Chartered in 1972, UNO Federal Credit Union has proudly served the University of New Orleans. We’ve expanded to include St. Bernard and Orleans Parish, welcoming residents, employees, and local schools and places of worship.

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Activities

Walk on the red carpet  

Remy’s edible insects-try tasty treats made from insects 

Face painting 

Honeybee waggle dance 

Insect art: Use stamps, markers, crayons, and stencils to create your own insect art 

Insect tattoo station 

Insect ABCs 

Storm drain larvicide toss 

What happens when you flush? 

Insect identification using microscopes 

Insect personalities quiz 

NOMTRCB aviation program-pilot play 

Experience virtual reality with an interactive projector 

Glass recycling-bring your glass to be recycled 

Plus many more featuring our 2025 theme Insects and Rodents on the Red Carpet

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Vendors

Fairie Formations

Fairy wings and face painting

NOMTRCB BugShop

A variety of insect and rodent-themed merchandise    

Bird & Bea

Textile art studio specializing in botanically dyed linens and eco-friendly ink printed work.

@ birdandbeabotanically

NOLA ‘Nacular 

Printmaking Studio and Local & Vernacular Art Gallery

@nola_nacular

Fun

Small, vivid fine art prints from macro photography of insects across the US.

Bug Feast Picture of Group

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Food

New Orleans is famous for its food and music.  A variety of food trucks will be on-site with food for purchase.  A snoball cart will be on-site and the first 500 kids will receive a free snoball. 

Parking

Parking is available along Leon C. Simon Blvd. Additional parking is available on UNO’s lot directly across from NOLA BugFest.  

Facility and Grounds

The City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board’s facility has 18,000 square feet of exhibitor space, laboratories, and training rooms. Exhibits will be set up on the grounds and in the parking garage. Tents placed on the property will provide additional seating areas for the participants.  

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