The 2026 Cambridge Moth Ball
About this Event
Come join us for the 2026 Cambridge Moth Ball!
Art, science, and, of course, moths and moth ID. Expect short presentations by local conservation organizations as well as moth traps and photography—all under the stars. Try your hand at taking some moth photos. Learn to ID a moth and submit your data to researchers.
As part of this year's National Moth Week, we will explore moths up close and share the data and photos we collect with researchers. We're especially focused on finding micro-moths this year.
If you are interested in insects, butterflies, moths, or the wildlife of Cambridge, or if you like nature or nighttime, this event is for you. Photographers interested in creative moth portraits and conservation photography are especially encouraged to attend.
No previous mothing experience is required! Bring your picnic and carry out and recycle your trash. The moths will thank you!
Learn more about and become a community scientist.
DETAILS
Family-friendly. Children with an Adult +1 or more are very welcome. Families with young children are welcome to come early (6:30) for art-making. There are porta-potties and water bottle filling stations on site. Limited parking is available on site and nearby. Public transportation is encouraged!
ATTIRE
Mothical or Mystical. (Will there be a red carpet? Shhh....) Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended.
WHAT TO BRING
- Bring your own picnic! Food is not available on site.
- Portable outdoor chair or blanket
- Headlamps or flashlights
- Bug repellent–the mosquitoes can be annoying.
- Non-alcoholic beverages in reusable water bottles
- Camera (phone cameras are fine)
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Sneakers or closed-toe shoes
- Please leave the dogs at home.
- Sunscreen is not required.
The Cambridge Moth Ball is organized by :
- The Cambridge Water Department
- Biodiversity Builders
- Biodiversity for a Livable Climate
- The Boston Birding Festival
- Earthwise Aware
- Green Cambridge
- Massachusetts Butterfly Club
- Mystic Charles Pollinator Pathways Group
- Native Plant Community Gardeners
- Rewilding Massachusetts
- Wildlife Arts
SPECIAL GUESTS
ARTISTS
Kona Morris
Judith Robichaud
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Billy Hickey
SCIENTISTS
Dr. Jane Waters, Department of Biology, Providence College
Dr. Avalon Owens, Entomologist, The Rowland Institute, Harvard University
Earthwise Aware
EXTRA SPECIAL GUESTS
Alex & Max Khitrik, “Max’s Museum of Natural Things”
WHY MOTHS MATTER
In Massachusetts, there are about 3,000 species of moths, compared to about 100 species of butterflies. Both moth and butterfly populations are experiencing rapid population declines. Moths in particular play a critical role in the habitat health, as food for birds and mammals, and as pollinators of thousands of woodland tree and plant species.
If moth populations and diversity continue to decline, their loss will devastate bird and mammal populations as well as forest life cycles. The consequences would include a rapid increase in global warming and a loss of biodiversity.
The more we know about moths, the more we can learn to protect them. As part of this event, we’ll be sharing data with several scientific databases for researchers—including Buggy and iNaturalist.
MAKE A GIFT!
Chip in a few bucks to help make Moth Ball happen. Your gifts pay for rentals, lights, security, insurance--all kinds of non-glamorous but necessary stuff. If you want to donate $50 or more, we'd be happy to thank you with a copy of this year's limited edition poster: 18X20 inches, printed on quality stock. Pick it up at Moth Ball.
Agenda
🕑: 06:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Early Bird Art Making
Info: Families with young children are welcome to come early for art-making and masks!
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Mask Making
Host: Cambridge Wildlife Arts
Info: Creative fun for all ages. Make a mask and be red-carpet ready! Young children and their parents are welcome to come a little early if needed.
🕑: 08:00 PM - 08:45 PM
Short Presentations
Info: This year's National Moth Week theme is art and moths. And moths have, in fact, played a curious role in art history. Hear from local artists, a storyteller, and others about moths and art.
🕑: 09:00 PM - 10:30 AM
Mothing, Moth Photography, and Participatory Science
Info: Help collect moths, photograph moths, and enter data for moth research. Explore activities offered by our partners and enjoy a summer night outside with friends!
Untitled agenda
🕑: 07:30 PM
What's Happening
8:30 Short Presentations
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
