NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans and corporate sponsors invite you to the premiere event of the season: NOLA BugFest 2025, where the stars of the insect and rodent world take center stage.
This year’s theme, “Insects and Rodents on the Red Carpet,” celebrates the unforgettable roles our tiny co-stars have played in film and pop culture from spine-tingling thrillers to animated classics that warmed our hearts.
This bug-centric festival is free and open to the public, offering residents and visitors the chance to explore arthropods and wildlife from Louisiana and beyond. The event will be held at the NOMTRCB Administration Building, 2100 Leon C. Simon Drive, New Orleans, LA 70122.
More than 40 organizations will participate with educational booths, interactive crafts, and hands-on activities. Experts including entomologists, ornithologists, pest management professionals, and public health scientists will be on hand to showcase the fascinating world of insects and rodents.
BugFest Blockbusters: Must-See Attractions
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Arachnophobia Reimagined – Explore interactive exhibits that bring suspense and science together.
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Cooking with Remy – A culinary demo inspired by Ratatouille, where flavor meets fun—and hygiene!
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Bayou Magic – Step into the swampy scene from The Princess and the Frog, blending local ecology and folklore.
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Critter Cameos – Discover how insects and rodents have shaped cinema, from horror to heroism.
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Shadow Man & the Mardi Gras Indians Show – A theatrical journey into the mystical world of Dr. Facilier, celebrating movie magic and New Orleans cultural heritage.
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Walk the Red Carpet with Bug Stars – Strike a pose with bug celebrities like Remy and Charlotte. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and join the fun!
“From Remy’s culinary genius in Ratatouille to the eerie suspense of Arachnophobia, insects and rodents have long captivated audiences not just as pests, but as powerful symbols, heroes, and storytellers. Their presence in film reflects our deepest fears, wildest imaginations, and enduring fascination with the natural world,” Dr. Claudia Riegel, Director, NOMTRCB.
Sustainability Spotlight
In support of environmental sustainability, NOLA BugFest 2025 will host on-site recycling stations for e-waste and glass. Attendees are encouraged to bring:
This initiative promotes responsible disposal and helps protect the habitats of the very creatures we’re celebrating. Visit the BugFest website for a complete list of accepted items.
NOLA BugFest 2025 Event Details
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Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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Location: City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board
2100 Leon C. Simon Dr., New Orleans, LA 70122
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Phone: (504) 685-2400
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Website: www.nola.gov/mosquito/topic/nola-bugfest
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