Front and center, all you assorted bugs

On Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., creepy critters and butterflies infest the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University for the fifth annual Bug Fest. Families can also sample bugs as a culinary treat.

The festival marks bug month and the academy's yearlong bicentennial celebration, and its theme is butterflies from around the world. The academy's "Butterflies" permanent tropical garden exhibit will showcase birdwing butterflies from Asia and Australia and the colorful green species Ornithoptera priamus.

Roaches also participate, showing their competitive skills during the Roach Race 500, where you can cheer and support your favorite insect runner. Kids and adults can pet over 50 kinds of live bugs, get their faces painted and play games, meet entomologists from the academy and the American Entomological Society, take a bug walk to Logan Square, and more. You can also see black widow spiders, scorpions, and centipedes that will be on display beyond the fest through Aug. 31.

If you've worked up an appetite, Cajun bug chef Zack Lemann will prepare buggy foods including "chocolate chirp cookies" made with crickets.

The musical comedy

Hairspray

continues Friday and Saturday at Upper Darby Performing Arts Center.

The production, part of the Summer Stage's Mainstage program, will feature a cast of 65 young adult actors (up to age 28) from the region. Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards including best musical, focuses on plus-size character Tracy Turnblad, played by Abby Shunskis of Upper Darby. Tracy's ultimate dream is to dance on the live TV series "The Corny Collins Show." The musical will take the audience back to 1962 with a score inspired by R&B, Motown, Elvis, and rock-and-roll. Show is appropriate for ages 12 and older. Performances are 7:30 p.m. on both days and there will be a 1:30 p.m. matinee show on Saturday.

Willow Grove Park mall hosts its Back-to-School Kids Expo while celebrating its 30th birthday Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In the elevator court, local kid-friendly businesses will be on hand to provide information to parents. 95.7 BEN-FM's Marilyn Russell will make an appearance from 11 to 1. Also featured will be face painting, prizes and giveaways, jugglers, and live music.

Kids get free carousel rides all day.