Don't Miss The Great MinnSect Bug Show This Saturday

Let’s be honest… most of us see a bug and immediately reach for a shoe.

But what if I told you there’s an entire event in Minnesota where people choose to get up close to insects… and yes, even eat them? It’s all happening this weekend at The Great MinnSect Show 2026, and it might just change the way you think about bugs.

FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT THIS SATURDAY

This free, family-friendly event takes over the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus Student Center on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a sensory-friendly hour from 9 to 10 a.m. This isn’t just for science lovers or kids. It's really for anyone who’s even a little curious about bugs.

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WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MINNSECT 2026

You can expect live insects, games and activities, insect-themed food (yes… actual bugs), crafts for all ages, and the chance to meet real entomologists who study insects for a living. And honestly, that’s what makes this so interesting. It takes something a lot of us are unsure about and turns it into something you can actually experience for yourself. Honestly... I think it actually sounds pretty interesting.

LIVE SPEAKERS

There will also be live speakers throughout the day talking about everything from how new insect species are discovered to how you can make your own yard more friendly for pollinators and wildlife. It’s one of those events where you might walk in thinking “this isn’t really my thing”… and then end up staying way longer than you planned.

Minnesota has a lot of festivals, but this one definitely stands out. It’s a little different, a little unexpected, and probably something you haven’t done before.

So if you’re looking for something new to check out this weekend, this might be it. Just don’t be surprised if you leave with a completely different opinion about bugs… or if you end up trying one for dessert. (Gulp!)

Click HERE for more information on attending this fun event.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul/YouTube

Quiz: Do you know your state insect?

Stacker has used a variety of sources to compile a list of the official state insect(s) of each U.S. state, as well as their unique characteristics. Read on to see if you can guess which insect(s) represent your state.

Gallery Credit: Andrew Vale