Randall Museum: Paxton Gate at Bug Day!

There are more insects on Earth than there are stars visible in the night sky. More beetles alone than there are species of vertebrates combined. And yet, somehow, most of us walk right past them. Bug Day is the one day a year when we stop, crouch down, and give these tiny powerhouses the celebration they deserve. Paxton Gate will be there, offering a rare up-close look at the craft behind preserving insect specimens.

We’re heading to the Randall Museum for their annual Bug Day, and we’re bringing one of our favorite things: in-person insect pinning demonstrations. If you’ve never watched a specimen be carefully mounted and preserved up close, this is your chance. Our talented Entomology Instructor will walk visitors through the process from start to finish explaining not just the how, but the why behind each step. We’ll have display specimens on hand, custom species info sheets, and beginner pinning kits and frames available for purchase for anyone who leaves wanting to try it at home. If the day sparks something deeper, we’ll also have information on our hands-on entomology classes back we host throughout the year.

And the rest of the day? Not bad either.

Bug Day is a free, all-ages event packed with live critters, hands-on activities, and some of the Bay Area’s most passionate bug people gathered under one roof. Expect pollinator relay races, bug costume awards, arts and crafts in every classroom, and live music from the Luke Schwartz Trio. Randall bug hats will be available for purchase, because obviously.

Also presenting at Bug Day: SF Zoo · California Native Plant Society · SF Microscopical Society · Bay Area Carnivorous Plant Society · Planet Bee Foundation · SF Beekeepers Association · SF Department of Public Health · Alameda County Vector Control · Don Buggito Edible Bugs · Tree Frog Treks · and more

Bug Day is hosted by the Randall Museum. Paxton Gate is a participating presenter. Free admission — no registration required to attend.