Once a month, the Natural History Museum stays open late, inviting the city to “become scientists for a night,” offering a thematic trifecta: scientific discussion, a behind-the-scenes curatorial tour and a hep and happening musical act. This month, First Fridays at the Museum of Natural History announces that spring has sprung with a feast of multilegged beasties. Amy Stewart, author of Wicked Bugs: Fearsome and Ferocious Creatures in Your Backyard and Beyond, offers a dark and comical look at our relationship with the insect world, spinning a tale of history, science, murder and intrigue. (Don't forget, they seriously outnumber us.) Providing a prettier counterpoint, NHM collections manager Weiping Xie offers a tour of the exhibit “Lovely Bugs.” Recording artists Father John Misty and A.A. Bondy round out the evening. Budding entomologists, take note: NHM also hosts North America's biggest bug festival later this month. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd.; Fri., May 4, 5-10 p.m.; $5-$12. (213) 763-3466, nhm.org.

Fri., May 4, 5-10 p.m., 2012

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