Arkansas Insect Festival
2026 Arkansas Insect Festival
See • Touch • Learn About Insects & Arthropods
A free for all ages, one‑day family event where visitors discover the value, beauty, and fascinating lives of insects through hands‑on exhibits, live critters, and expert guidance from entomologists.
September 12, 2026 • 9 AM – 3 PM
9 – 10 AM is sensory hour for guests who prefer a quieter environment
Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center, 1335 W Knapp Dr, University Of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Exhibits and Volunteers
If your organization would like to host an exhibit at the Arkansas Insect Festival, register as a Community Partner Exhibitor using the link below. If you’d like to support the event and help where needed, register at the link below as a general volunteer.
Arkansas Insect Festival 2026 Exhibitor and Volunteer Registration Form
About the Arkansas Insect Festival
The Department of Entomology at the University of Arkansas’s Fayetteville campus began the insect festival as a way to introduce students and others to see, touch and learn about insects and the study of entomology.
Since 1993, the Arkansas Insect Festival has been a biennial event welcoming more than 3,000 community members to explore the world of insects and arthropods. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours enjoying the full range of displays and activities.
The festival is hosted by the:
- Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
- Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
- University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
- Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
What to Expect
- Educational exhibits with expert entomologists
- Fun, interactive activities for all ages
- Live insects, butterflies, and hands‑on learning experiences
Why It’s Special
- Meet entomologists and plant pathologists from across Arkansas
- Interact with live critters in a safe, educational setting
- Enjoy returning favorites like the live cockroach races
- Learn how insects impact food production, the environment, and everyday life
Featured Activities & Community Partners
Featured Activities & Community Partners 2026 Festival:
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- Insect Displays & Educational Exhibits
- Live Arthropod Zoo & Live Critter Zoo
- Butterflies, Moths & Pollinator Exhibits
- Cockroach Races (a fan favorite!)
- Honeybee Displays & Honey Tasting
- Aphids, Caterpillars, Forest Insects & Other Arthropods
- Native Plants, Butterfly Gardening & Pollinator Conservation
- Backyard Wildlife, Stream Insects & Nature Education
- Plant Disease, Agriculture & Environmental Science Exhibits
- Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists
- Insects in Art, Photography & Culture
- Microscope Demonstrations & Living Soil Organisms
- Hands-On Activities, Games & Mystery Touch Boxes
- Insect Crafts, Coloring & Children's Activities
Stay Connected!
Follow the Arkansas Insect Festival on Facebook here for daily updates as the event approaches. We'll be highlighting featured exhibits, special activities, community partners, live insects, and family favorites so you can plan your visit and see what exciting experiences await at this year's festival.
Be sure to follow us and check back often for the latest festival news, behind-the-scenes previews, and event-day reminders!
Arkansas Insect Festival Photo Gallery
Contact: Lindsay Hutchins, hutch@uark.edu
