Rowan Holt has created slater-inspired costumes in several sizes, as well as a giant praying mantis, a ladybird and a butterfly.
Fieke Neuman has designed stilt-walkers' costumes with names such as Girly Long Legs, Mosquitoes and Beetle Girls.
The stilt-walkers are trained by the carnival's artistic director, Juliet Novena Sorrel, herself a former professional stilt-walker.
Giant lanterns created by Katrina Thomson represent giant puri moths, weta and the moon. Special guest Rhys Latton will perform as a giant spider on four-legged stilts.
This year the carnival will include celebrations of Puaka Matariki, the Maori midwinter festival. At the head of the procession will be a kapa haka group, led by Ana Pene, of five men, two women and seven children, all in costume.
The children will carry seven large star lanterns representing the constellation of Matariki. The carnival takes place in the Octagon on Saturday at 5.30pm.
The street lights will be turned off and there will be stalls selling food. Last year, it was estimated 10,000 spectators attended.
