Bug Week: July 12-18, 2026
Bug Week is a celebration of insects and the important roles they play in our world! Hosted by UConn Extension, Bug Week invites learners of all ages to explore the fascinating lives of bugs through hands-on activities, educational resources, and events. From pollinators and decomposers to predators and plant partners, insects help keep our ecosystems healthy, and Bug Week is your chance to learn, observe, and get inspired. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or curious bug enthusiast, there’s something here for everyone. Get ready to look a little closer at the amazing world of bugs!
If you have questions about any of our programs, please email us at bugweek@uconn.edu or call 203-207-8440.
2026 Events
Insect Wonders at the Farm
Tuesday, July 14, 2026, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
All-Ages Event | Spring Valley Student Farm, 104 Spring Manor Road, Storrs, CT
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Visit Spring Valley Student Farm for our annual “Insect Wonders at the Farm” on Tuesday, July 14 from 3 to 5:30 pm. The student farm is located behind the house at 104 Spring Manor Road, Mansfield, CT. While at the farm you can play Bug Jeopardy, take a bug tour, learn about beekeeping and see the vegetables we grow for the UConn Storrs campus. This is a FREE event for families and visitors of all ages!
Bug Week at 3rd Thursday with CSMNH & TLGV
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm – Main Street, Willimantic, CT
All-Ages Event | This event is FREE and open to the public
Learn all about Connecticut's bees with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History and The Last Green Valley! See specimens of local bees, learn about where and how they live, and how to tell them apart from wasps.
Learn about Ticks and other Parasites with Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory
Friday, July 17, 2026, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm - Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (CVMDL), 61 North Eagleville Rd. Storrs, CT 06269
All-Ages Event | This event is FREE and open to the public
This event is FREE and open to the public. While at the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at UConn, you will visit with the experts to learn about ticks and other parasites, and have some hands on time with a dissection microscope! Samples in closed containers are welcome.
Pro Tip: It's within walking distance to the UConn Dairy Bar so you might want to plan on stopping by for a sweet treat!
Bug Walks
Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 AM - 1 PM - Middlesex County Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Road, Haddam, CT, 06438
All-Ages Event | This event is FREE and open to the public
The program will include bug walks in the Extension gardens, face painting and craft activities.
Bugs in the Garden Escape Room Activity
Have fun solving puzzles and learning about different insects with this 4-H Escape Breakout.
Click here to start.
Bug Week 2025 Fill in Picture
Give life to the pictures by adding color to celebrate Bug Week 2025! Click this link to download the file.
Bee Cake Pops Recipe
Celebrate our pollinators by creating cake pops and then eating them! Even better, learn about the importance of bees while you do it.
Click here for the recipe.
Close up with the Rainbow Scarab
Get a good look at, and learn more about the beneficial Rainbow Scarab. This dazzling dung beetle that can be found around our very own state of CT!
Visit the page by clicking here.
Online Insect Quiz
Whether you want to learn more about the amazing world of insects or brag to your friends about your insect knowledge this quiz will test your skills. Just like in nature, only the strong will survive.
Click here to play!
Sweet and Salty Beetle Cookies
Sweet and salty caramel, pretzel, and pecan cookies that look like they are about to crawl off of the tray. Learn facts about the most diverse group of animals on the planet while you chow down.
Click here for the recipe.
Strawberry Ladybugs
Ladybugs make everyone smile. Not only are these beetles cute, but they are valuable beneficial that protect our garden and are shrouded in myths and legends. Learn about what makes lady bugs so awesome before chomping into a strawberry version of one.
Click here for the recipe.
Up Close with the Luna Moth
Huge, green, and beautiful, the Luna Moth is a sight to behold. See this moth break out of its shell to face the world, all while learning what makes these animals so amazing.