Creature Fest

Crazy creatures are taking over Crystal Bridges! Join us for a day of exploration and fun, inspired by our special exhibition, Exquisite Creatures. You’ll learn about science and the natural world of animals, bugs, and beyond.

Free, no tickets required. Drop by anytime between 12 to 4 p.m.

Let your imagination soar by dressing up as your favorite creature, whether real or mythical. Unleash your creativity with wings, hats, and more from our museum pop-up shop! Dive into a world of hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations presented by local nature and science-based organizations, including Hobbs State Park, Arkansas Game and Fish, and the Little Rock Zoo. Hear from writer and avid birdwatcher, Christian Cooper, for a captivating lecture on his acclaimed book Better Living Through Birding. Plus, dance and sing along with our rotating performers including Candy Lee and the “Backyard Bugs” and Shannon Wurst!

With countless critters to encounter, don’t miss out on this day of family fun at the museum. See you there!

What to Expect

Garrison Lobby 

• Museum Store Pop-up
• Character Sighting: Faun
• Little Rock Zoo
• Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
• Creatures in the Gallery Scavenger Hunt

Great Hall

• Christian Cooper Lecture (11 am)
• Christian Cooper Book Signing (12-1 pm)

South Lawn

• StoneLion Puppet Theatre
• Hobbs State Park
• Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• Know the Flow Stormwater Education
• NWA Land Trust
• Arkansas Department of Agriculture – Forestry Division
• Wild Ones
• Arkansas Monarch and Pollinator Partnership
• Artmaking: Trails & Grounds
• Character Sighting: Smokey the Bear
• NWA Mater Naturalists

Twin Bridges

• Shannon Wurst
• Food Trucks
• Shore Launch
• Character Sighting: Mermaid Megan (storytime at 1 & 2 pm)

Walker Landing 

• Candy Lee & the Backyard Bugs
• Ozark Natural Science Center
• 37 North
• Artmaking: Model Magic Animals

Bellows & Cassat 

• Talk: Milkweeds of Arkansas and their Creatures with Laurie Scott (2-3 pm)

Durand & Estes  

• Artmaking: Creature Dioramas

Lower Lobby

• Community Art Gallery: Exquisite Creatures

The Studio

• Visit the Exquisite Creatures Studio