Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum Hosts First Bug Ball
The inaugural fundraiser event gives local residents a chance to interact with exotic creatures and support the museum.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Reptiles
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The Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum recently hosted its first annual Halloween Bug Ball. The fundraiser event invited local adults to connect with the museum’s unique collection of creatures, including tarantulas and axolotls.
Why it matters
Events like this help support local cultural institutions while offering residents a hands-on way to learn about reptile and insect care. Engaging with these animals in an educational setting can help families assess whether a specific species might be a suitable pet for their home.
The Halloween Bug Ball marked the first time the museum has organized this specific fundraiser. The event builds on the museum’s permanent collection, which includes scorpions, hissing cockroaches, and giant walking stick bugs.
The players
Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum
A local institution dedicated to the exhibition and education of exotic insects and reptiles.
Beth and Wade Harrell
The founders of the Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum.
The details
The fundraiser offered an interactive experience where attendees could view the museum's collection and participate in themed activities. Participants at the Electra Gallery engaged in costume preparations while learning about the care and behaviors of the various reptiles and insects housed at the facility.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: The museum hosted the inaugural Halloween Bug Ball.
The Home Front
This fundraiser follows a documented trend of local museums using seasonal, community-focused programming to increase their public visibility and local support. Such initiatives help sustain specialized collections that provide educational resources for regional households.
If you are interested in keeping exotic pets, visit the museum to observe the enclosure setups and feeding habits of the creatures on display. Consult with a professional veterinarian who specializes in exotic species before bringing any reptile or insect into your home.
The takeaway
Supporting local museums is a great way to learn about the husbandry needs of exotic animals firsthand. If you are considering adding a new reptile or insect to your family, start by researching the specific habitat, diet, and space requirements for that species.
Further reading
Learn more about the care and requirements for exotic pets in the Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Fe New Mexican.
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