The annual Bug Fest will be Oct. 18 and 19 at the Crosby Arboretum.

Attendees will be able to learn about hissing cockroaches and pollinators like butterflies. The Arboretum’s volunteer beekeepers will demonstrate how bees do their work and what beekeepers do with the honey, said event and marketing coordinator Nickie Smith.

On Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. attendees can learn about bugs from entomologist Dr. John Guyton. Kids will be able to explore the Arboretum and collect bugs. Dr. Guyton and other volunteers will help the kids identify different types of bugs and show them how to pin bugs to foam board, said Smith.

The Audubon Institute Insectarium Bugmobile will be at the Arboretum for the event at 10:30 a.m. The Bugmobile is a mobile education program that offers up close encounters with insects from around the world.

New this year will be extra games and crafts, like bug mask making and bug bingo, Smith said. Kids will also be able to decorate pumpkins and get their faces painted.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the Arboretum will host Blacklighting for Bugs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees should bring a flashlight and, if they have one, a bug catching net. There will be some nets available at the Arboretum, Smith said.

Attendees will be able to collect bugs and learn about them during this fun and educational event. Children are welcome to wear their Halloween costumes.

During the day Friday, over 150 children from schools and home school groups are signed up to visit the Arboretum to learn about insects. There are still a few slots available for school groups or home school groups who want to sign up, Smith said. School groups can sign up by calling the Arboretum.

Friday evening and Saturday attendance is $5 for adults, $2 for children and free for members. For more information contact the Crosby Arboretum at 601-799-2311.