Riverside Insect Fair at UC Riverside

Riverside’s annual Insect Fair returns on Saturday, April 25, with a free day of bug exhibits, live insects and hands-on activities at the Main Library downtown. (cnas.ucr.edu) The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Riverside Main Library, 3900 Mission Inn Ave., and organizers say it is open to the public at no charge. (riversideca.gov) University of California, Riverside entomology graduate students are part of the program, with a “Day in My Life” feature on their research and fieldwork. The schedule also includes tips on starting an insect collection. (cnas.ucr.edu) The event mixes science displays with family programming, including storytime, art activities and bug-themed exhibits. City and museum listings also advertise live insects, interactive stations and cockroach races. (museumofriverside.org) UC Riverside says the fair was founded in 2015 by the Entomology Graduate Student Association and the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. The stated goal is to bring current insect research and science education into the community. (cnas.ucr.edu) That community focus has widened beyond the campus. The 2026 fair is hosted in downtown Riverside rather than at a university venue, with more than 50 vendors listed by the city and partner organizations. (riversideca.gov) The fair is also tied to Earth Day programming in Riverside this week. University and partner pages describe it as part of a broader spring outreach push around nature, conservation and science learning. (cnas.ucr.edu, riversandlands.org) For visitors, the pitch is simple: show up Saturday between 10 and 4, expect a library plaza full of insects and educators, and plan to get close enough to touch some of the animals on display. (museumofriverside.org)