Atlanta Science Festival Returns with Exciting 2025 Programming

2025 Atlanta Science Festival: Science in the City

Atlanta’s Acclaimed, Annual Science Celebration Explodes with More Than 100 Events Taking Place March 8–22 Throughout Metro Atlanta

Atlanta Science Festival (ASF) presented by Delta Air Lines, the city’s ultimate celebration of all things science and one of the largest of its kind in the country, returns March 8-22. All ages have the opportunity to experience more than 100 interactive and educational events. It all culminates in the Exploration Expo, a giant science bash in Piedmont Park.

“Not only does the 12th annual Atlanta Science Festival spotlight the wonder of science in its various forms, we strive to do so by curating a two-week experience that’s as exciting and intriguing as possible,” says Meisa Salaita, executive co-director of Science ATL — the engineers of the Atlanta Science Festival. “We want to open minds, educate, inspire, entertain, and spark the interest of the scientists of tomorrow.”

The 2025 Atlanta Science Festival allows both children and adults the opportunity to explore a variety of topics such as cyborgs and brain imaging, snakes and salamanders, coffee and chemistry, the art of math and the love of Lego, tree treks and forest walks, and storytelling shows.

The festivities kick off with Celebrate STEAM: Atlanta Science Festival Launch at Georgia Tech. Members of the university’s community present hands-on activities, demonstrations, student researchers, and the opportunity to take a peek at the scientific advancements happening at Georgia Tech. Guests can explore robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearables, bioengineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering, and more. This free, family-friendly open-house event takes place at several locations across campus. Registration is located at the Area 4 Visitor Parking lot at the intersection of State Street NW and Ferst Drive. (10 a.m.–2 p.m. March 8, Free, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta.)

All Atlanta Science Festival events take place at venues throughout metro Atlanta. Many events are free and some require registration and/or a nominal fee.

The Exploration Expo, Atlanta’s family-favorite science event, serves as the Festival’s grand finale. Curious kids and adults descend upon Piedmont Park to experience interactive science booths and live science presentations. (10 a.m.–4 p.m. March 22, Free, Piedmont Park, at the intersection of Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street, Atlanta.)

“Throughout the entire Atlanta Science Festival, it’s important that we feature a melting pot of diverse scientific voices and promote accessibility,” Salaita says. “We want kids to know what engineers do, that girls can be coders, that life as a scientist can be one of outdoor adventure, and that a future in science can be for anyone!”

About the Atlanta Science Festival

The Atlanta Science Festival is a two-week celebration of science and technology. Taking place March 8–22, 2025, it will feature 100+ interactive and educational events. Kids and adults alike can dive into a range of topics from cyborgs and brain imaging to tree treks and forest walks, and storytelling shows. The Atlanta Science Festival is engineered by Science ATL and 80+ community partners, with major support from founders Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, and sponsors Delta, UPS, Google, Cox, NCR Foundation, and others.

Get Your Hands on That!

Get your hands on that!

Interested in a family-friendly fair style atmosphere where you and your kiddos get to do lots of types of hands-on science? These Atlanta Science Festival events will have you hopping from activity to activity as you touch all sorts of science! Join us March 8-22.


Celebrate STEAM: The Atlanta Science Festival Launch at Georgia Tech | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech, Science ATL

Kickoff the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with Georgia Tech!

Whether you’re interested in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearable tech, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, there will be activities for you! Visit campus for hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations, opportunities to meet student researchers, learn about the research, and so much more happening at Tech! 

After parking, find your way to the registration tent in the Visitor Area 4 Lot, pick up your passport and start your galactic journey through all our STEAM activities!

 

Register here!

 

Guthman Music, Art and Technology Fair | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech 

Get hands-on experience with the latest experiments in art and technology! Meet the people who are inventing the future of art and music and try out the amazing stuff they’ve created at this interactive, science-fair-style event.

 

No registration necessary

 

Flying into the Future | March 9th
Presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center
Flying into the Future is where science and nature collide to bring you activities focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. We are all about forward-thinking at this Family Fun Day! Come ready to learn about flying animals at Wings to Soar and test your tinkering skills with STEAM-themed partners, crafts, games and activities.  Plus, participate in one of the activities that will be part of the EcoTinker Science Stations! Come back after the event to check out the other science stations beginning on March 10th.
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Get tickets here!

 

Mathapalooza! | March 9th
Presented by Mathematics in Motion, VinsonArt.com
Experience the beauty of mathematical art and create some yourself during Mathapalooza!, which marks the opening of The Art of Math at the Sun ATL gallery.  The afternoon will start with a mathematical magic show by Matt Baker and end with a performance of Bach’s Crab Canon by Tracy Woodard including a discussion of the symmetries hidden in that work.  While visiting the exhibition you will explore the math in circus arts, construct mathy artwork yourself, and learn about math through puzzles, games, and more!
Stay for the whole show from 3:00 to 7:00 or drop by at any time. Tickets to “”Mathapalooza!”” will also be valid for admission to “The Art of Math” for the duration of the Atlanta Science Festival.

Get tickets here!

 

Sprouting Scientists  | March 11th
Presented by Atlanta Botanical Garden
Little ones can be scientists too! Bring your toddler to discover the fabulous world of plants and animals at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Come and run among the spring blooms, listen to bird songs and have fun at hands-on learning stations!
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Get tickets here!

 

The Mercer Science Spectacular!  | March 13th
Presented by Mercer University
Dive into the World of Discovery at the Mercer Science Spectacular! Calling all young explorers and curious minds! 🌟 Join us on Mercer’s gorgeous Atlanta campus for the Mercer Science Spectacular – an action-packed adventure in health sciences that’s fun for the whole family!
Get ready for a Scavenger Hunt like no other! You’ll explore, experiment, and experience exciting activities that’ll make science come alive. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, gooey pharmacy experiments, discover how your body moves with exercise science activities, dive into delightful demos led by the College of Nursing, and much more!
🎉 What’s in Store? Food trucks with tasty treats 🍔Free parking for everyone 🚗Fun games and giveaways 🎁A special appearance by Mercer’s mascot, Toby the Bear! 🐻
Complete the scavenger hunt, and you’ll unlock a super-secret surprise prize – just for you!
Bring your friends and family and join the fun! This free event kicks off on Thursday, March 13, at 4 PM—the perfect after-school adventure. Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

No registration necessary.

DESIGNORAMA | March 15th
Presented by Drew Charter School
DESIGNORAMA is Drew Charter School’s annual family-friendly celebration of inventing, making and creating. Are you a maker, crafter, inventor, hacker, scientist, artist, or love to explore creativity? If so, come on out for a fair full of fun and inspiration! Entrepreneurial makers of all ages are welcome to become vendors and share what they create with the community.
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

No registration necessary

Amana Academy’s Changemaker Faire | March 15th
Presented by Amana Academy Charter School
Amana Academy’s ChangeMaker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity, and resourcefulness – it’s a celebration of the Maker Movement! This all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors has it all! From exhibits and moonwalks, to food trucks and STEM-themed activities, you’ll explore the innovation and experimentation happening across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

No registration necessary

 

Fernbank Goes Wild | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Science Center
Join Fernbank Science Center for an exciting adventure that explores the world of life sciences! For this hands-on learning experience, you’ll navigate the science center using a wild adventure map while encountering animals, carnivorous plants, and gardens on the way. At stops on the adventure, interact with technology via Science on the Sphere and the Planetarium, create hands-on life science projects, interact with animals, and discuss your findings with scientists and experts. It’s sure to be a “”wild”” family life science adventure!
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

No registration necessary.

 

Hot Topic: Cool Sciences! | March 15th
Presented by Georgia Gwinnett College
Imagine a vibrant carnival atmosphere filled with the excitement of scientific discovery! Well, you’re in luck, because that’s what “”Hot Topic: Cool Sciences!”” is all about! Join Georgia Gwinnett College faculty and students for a family-friendly event designed to ignite a passion for science and technology. Through interactive experiments, STEM challenges, and engaging activities, you’ll explore the wonders of chemistry, physics, and biology. Join us for a fun-filled day of learning and discovery!
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

No registration necessary.

STEMFEST: Hands-On Science for Families at Oglethorpe University | March 20th
Presented by Oglethorpe University
Let’s explore the human body in Brookhaven! Students and faculty spanning the disciplines of biology, chemistry, and physics welcome you to Oglethorpe University for an evening of interactive STEM fun. From the heartbeat of the circulatory system to the squelch of the digestive tract, you will be immersed in the complexities and wonders of the major organ systems. Join us for this fun, hands-on, family-friendly event! Please complete one registration per family member. Advance registration is preferred, but not required.
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Register here!

Science Discovery Day at Morehouse! | March 21st
Presented by Morehouse College
Embark on an exciting journey of scientific exploration at Science Discovery Day at Morehouse! Dive into the realms of biology and psychology as you rotate through a series of captivating experiments and activities. Learn about everything from the inner workings of a sheep’s brain to the immense power of Earth’s most coveted resource, water! Join us for an enriching day of discovery, where curiosity knows no bounds, and the future of knowledge unfolds before your eyes. This event is your gateway to a world of wonder, and it’s right here at Morehouse, waiting for you to dive in!

No registration necessary.

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

 

Plants, Big & Small

Plants, Big & Small

Atlanta is the City in the Forest, but we’re also surrounded by all sorts of other cool plants. Come on out to these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 8-22, to immerse yourself in a lush world of all things green!

 

Botanical Illustration 101| March 8th
Presented by Reynolds Nature Preserve, Clayton State University
Interested in learning how to perfectly draw the veins of leaves? Or maybe you love orchids and want to learn how to capture their vibrant hues? Join us at Reynolds Nature Preserve for an introductory botanical illustration workshop where you’ll learn about plant morphology and what to focus on when drawing plants! Experience the event where science and art collide!

This event has a second session later in the day.

Get tickets here!

 

Sprouting Scientists  | March 11th
Presented by Atlanta Botanical Garden
Little ones can be scientists too! Bring your toddler to discover the fabulous world of plants and animals at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Come and run among the spring blooms, listen to bird songs and have fun at hands-on learning stations!
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Get tickets here!

 

The Story Collider: Trees | March 13th
Presented by The Story Collider, Trees Atlanta, Science ATL
The Story Collider is teaming up with Trees Atlanta to bring you a special show with true, personal stories all about trees! Become a tree-hugger as you hear stories that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Scientists and non-scientists will share their stories about trees, the forest, and what it all means to them. We hope to “tree” you there!

Get tickets here!

 

Preserving Our Natural Spaces| March 13th
Presented by Eagle Eye Book Shop
Do you enjoy the parks and hiking trails around Atlanta? Sit in and find out what we can all do to preserve our natural spaces from climate change and urban sprawl. It is more important now than ever to learn what you can do to keep Atlanta pristine!

Join us for a panel with notable conservationists and environmental experts:Revonda Cosby (Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance), Sally Sears (South Fork Conservancy), David George Haskell (The University of the South), Sally Bathea (author of “Keeping the Chattahoochee: Reviving and Defending a Great Southern River”), and Jonah McDonald (DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs).

 

No registration necessary.

 

Wildflower Walk | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Museum

Spring has sprung in Fernbank Forest! Join us for a small group walk to celebrate the buzz and blooms of the season. During the walk, you’ll learn to identify the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta!

This event repeats multiple times on the 15th and 21st. Check the schedule for more information.

 

Get tickets here!

 

ID the Trees! | March 15th
Presented by DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs

If Atlanta is really “The City in the Forest,” then shouldn’t we know what kind of trees surround us? Join DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah for a walk all about trees! We’ll take a stroll through Mason Mill Park and learn techniques for identifying trees by their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Find out how to tell a Loblolly pine from other native pines! From the common water oak to the rare winged elm, come fall in love with trees at this awesome county park!

 

Register here!

 

Trees Atlanta Tree Trekking Challenge | March 15th

Presented by Trees Atlanta

Atlanta’s urban forest has a wide variety of trees for you to discover! Search high and low for trees and other native plants on this cooperative, family style scavenger hunt. Using iNaturalist, you and your family will explore the campus of the Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse and surrounding area, finding native plant life and earning prizes. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!  Bring your device with iNaturalist downloaded or we will walk you through the process.

 

Register here!

 

Seeds and Spores! | March 16th
Presented by Wylde Center
Improve your gardening skills by learning about the wonder of seeds and spores! You’ll learn how to select seeds, how and when to plant seeds, and how to save seeds. All participants will make a mushroom kit to bring home, and will get to explore the magical world of seeds and spores in this hands-on workshop.

This event occurs a second time on March 16th.

 

Get tickets here!

 

Outdoor Odyssey | March 19th

Presented by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)

Grab a passport and come explore science amongst familiar, yet new terrains! Join the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) and some of our partners for our outdoor and trail-tastic fair – passport style. Take a hike at our 22-acre urban nature preserve on Bush Mountain to learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors.

 

This event repeats a second time on the 19th.

 

Register here!

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here

Outdoor Explorers

Outdoor explorers

Take a hike, why don’t ya? We mean that literally! In our City in the Forest, there are so many opportunities to explore the outdoors. Come on out for these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 8-22, for guided hikes and outdoor exploration!

 

Science Escape Room Trail at Mason Mill Park | March 8 – 21
Presented by DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs

Solve nature challenges along the Mason Mill boardwalk in this escape room-style nature adventure! Take a beautiful 1.5 mile walk on this stroller and wheelchair useable boardwalk. Along the way, you’ll be faced with 10 challenges, riddles, and tasks that, once completed, will allow you to solve the puzzle, “escape” the boardwalk, and win a prize.

This self-guided hunt will be available each day of the Festival from dawn to dusk, so stop by any time during the event window!

 

No registration necessary

 

Rock n’ Walk | March 8th

Presented by Georgia State University – Department of Geosciences, Stone Mountain Memorial Association, GSU Clarkston Campus Earth Club

Millions of years ago, a massive magma chamber cooled below the ground just outside of what is now Atlanta, never erupting through to the surface. Today, we call it Stone Mountain. Join folks from Georgia State University Geosciences on a hike to explore this unique granite dome, learning about the rock and what makes this spot in Atlanta so special, including indigenous stories and cultural connections. You’ll also be able to ‘walk’ a Giant Traveling Map of Georgia, explore rock and mineral specimens, ‘track’ dinosaurs, identify fossils like a paleontologist, and learn about famous stones quarried from Georgia in monuments and buildings across the U.S. and beyond!

 

No registration necessary.

 

Salamander Stroll  | March 9th

Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve

Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research Team from the Amphibian Foundation.</a> Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the greatest strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! It’s fun for the whole family!

Be sure to bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.

 

Register here!

 

Wildflower Walk | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Museum

Spring has sprung in Fernbank Forest! Join us for a small group walk to celebrate the buzz and blooms of the season. During the walk, you’ll learn to identify the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta!

This event repeats multiple times on the 15th and 21st. Check the schedule for more information.

 

Get tickets here!

 

ID the Trees! | March 15th
Presented by DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs

If Atlanta is really “The City in the Forest,” then shouldn’t we know what kind of trees surround us? Join DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah for a walk all about trees! We’ll take a stroll through Mason Mill Park and learn techniques for identifying trees by their bark, leaves, flowers, and fruit. Find out how to tell a Loblolly pine from other native pines! From the common water oak to the rare winged elm, come fall in love with trees at this awesome county park!

 

Register here!

 

Tiny Monsters of Sibley Pond | March 15th

Presented by National Park Service, National Park Service, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area

Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary bio-diversity of strange, weird, and amazing creatures that live in Sibley Pond. Search through leaf litter, dig through detritus, collect critters and more! This is a hands on, get your fingers dirty field investigation. What tiny monsters will you find lurking in Sibley Pond?

This event repeats on March 16th.

 

No registration necessary

 

Discovery Walk: Emory University | March 15th

Presented by Science ATL

Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. Come explore one of these spaces with our latest Discovery Walk map of the Emory campus. Lucy, our Emory Discovery Docent will lead you on this 2.5 mile route through campus with ten intriguing science stops. Bonus – the walk ends at the Carlos Museum and your map will get you free admission!

Please note this walk is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.

 

Register here!

 

Nature Navigators: Arabia Mountain | March 15th

Presented by Science ATL

It’s a special edition Nature Navigators – for ASF! We’re headed out to one of Atlanta’s most unique habitats: Arabia Mountain. A perfect place to explore the rich history and ecology that Atlanta has to offer; from the history of the quarry to the unique specimen that call the mountain home, like the iconic red elf orpine! Expect a slow saunter through the woods with stops for observation and exploration. 

 

Register here!

 

Trees Atlanta Tree Trekking Challenge | March 15th

Presented by Trees Atlanta

Atlanta’s urban forest has a wide variety of trees for you to discover! Search high and low for trees and other native plants on this cooperative, family style scavenger hunt. Using iNaturalist, you and your family will explore the campus of the Trees Atlanta Kendeda TreeHouse and surrounding area, finding native plant life and earning prizes. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!  Bring your device with iNaturalist downloaded or we will walk you through the process.

 

Register here!

 

Roadside Geology | March 16th
Presented by Georgia Mineral Society

Tag along with two geologist-educators to see the beautiful building stones and folded natural rock layers of Midtown Atlanta, on a tour from Symphony Hall to Rhodes Hall! Dr. Bill Witherspoon, co-author of “Roadside Geology of Georgia,” teams up with highly sought guest speaker from Georgia Mineral Society (GMS), Bill Waggener, to interpret the stories that rocks tell. Plus, get a GMS grab bag, included with the cost of admission!

 

This event repeats on March 20th.

 

Get tickets here!

 

Urban Slug Walk | March 16th
Presented by Georgia State University – Department of Geosciences

Feeling sluggish? So are we! Come on out on a slug filled adventure where we’ll use our eagle eyes to search for these slimy and fascinating creatures, and learn all about them as we hike through a local city park! Download the iNaturalist app beforehand, and we’ll use that to identify what we find and contribute data to the Atlanta SLIME (Snails and slugs Living In Metropolitan Environments) project.

 

Register here!

 

Outdoor Odyssey | March 19th

Presented by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)

Grab a passport and come explore science amongst familiar, yet new terrains! Join the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) and some of our partners for our outdoor and trail-tastic fair – passport style. Take a hike at our 22-acre urban nature preserve on Bush Mountain to learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors.

 

This event repeats a second time on the 19th.

 

Register here!

Technology

Technology

Into tech? We’ve got events for you! See the latest in brain imaging, see how tech is advancing the arts and healthcare, and more. Get your tech fill at these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 8-22.

 

Guthman Music, Art and Technology Fair | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech 

Get hands-on experience with the latest experiments in art and technology! Meet the people who are inventing the future of art and music and try out the amazing stuff they’ve created at this interactive, science-fair-style event.

 

No registration necessary

 

Guthman Musical Instrument Competition | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech School of Music

See the world’s most innovative new musical instruments, meet their creators, hear them in concert, and vote on your favorites! The Guthman Musical Instrument Competition at Georgia Tech is a celebration of how science, engineering, art, and design help us imagine new ways to express ourselves through music.

 

Get tickets here!

 

Into the Maker-Verse: Atlanta Edition | March 9th

Presented by Decatur Makers, Wedge Inc, Georgia Tech – Digital Media, The AIAI Network

Bring all your creative energy and curiosity with you to Decatur Makers for “Into the Maker-Verse: Atlanta Edition!” Build a physical diorama and animate your creations using AI. Our team, alongside Wedge Inc and Georgia Tech, will guide you through crafting, AI animation, and thought-provoking discussions on the future of creativity and AI. Contribute to the community art piece or take your creation home, and wrap up with a lively conversation that will reshape your perception of art in the AI age!

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

No registration necessary

 

Father of the Cyborgs | March 9th

Presented by Georgia Tech Neuro Next Initiative

Father of the Cyborgs tells the story of a neurologist in the late 1990s whose relentless effort to unlock speech for locked-in patients nearly incapacitated him when he decided to have his own brain implanted. Watch the documentary and then discuss brain-computer interfaces, mental privacy, and the future of neurotechnology with Atlanta thought leaders in neurotechnology and neuroethics!

 

No registration necessary

 

Virtual Creativity and AI-Powered Ideas: Public Art Futures Lab | March 16th

Presented by Fulton County Public Art Futures Lab, MARTA Artbound, A&E Atlanta – Artist in Residency Supporters

Explore the Public Art Futures Lab and experience “Virtual Creativity & AI-Powered Ideas” at the Atlanta Science Festival, where you can create digital art in Virtual Reality, interact with AI-powered installations like the Positive Vibes Machine by Sarah Lawrence, and experience the dynamic Living Statues project created by Elijah Zulu. Explore how technology and creativity intersect in this engaging, hands-on event in Underground Atlanta and explore Fulton County’s hub for art and technology, the first Public Art and Tech project of its kind in the country.

There is another session of this event on March 18th.

 

No registration necessary

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

Health and the Human Body

Health & The Human Body

Learn about the amazing science of health, the human body, and everything in between! These 2025 Atlanta Science Festival events are all about discovering aspects of what makes our bodies work. Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these events, taking place March 8-22.

Celebrate STEAM: The Atlanta Science Festival Launch at Georgia Tech | March 8th

Presented by Georgia Tech, Science ATL

Kickoff the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with Georgia Tech!

Whether you’re interested in robotics, brains, biology, space, art, nanotechnology, paper, computer science, wearable tech, bioengineering, chemical engineering, or systems engineering, there will be activities for you! Visit campus for hands-on STEAM activities, exhibits, demonstrations, opportunities to meet student researchers, learn about the research, and so much more happening at Tech! 

After parking, find your way to the registration tent in the Visitor Area 4 Lot, pick up your passport and start your galactic journey through all our STEAM activities!

 

Register here!

 

Father of the Cyborgs | March 9th

Presented by Georgia Tech Neuro Next Initiative

Father of the Cyborgs tells the story of a neurologist in the late 1990s whose relentless effort to unlock speech for locked-in patients nearly incapacitated him when he decided to have his own brain implanted. Watch the documentary and then discuss brain-computer interfaces, mental privacy, and the future of neurotechnology with Atlanta thought leaders in neurotechnology and neuroethics!

 

No registration necessary

 

The Mercer Science Spectacular!  | March 13th

Presented by Mercer University

Dive into the World of Discovery at the Mercer Science Spectacular!

 Calling all young explorers and curious minds! 🌟 Join us on Mercer’s gorgeous Atlanta campus for the Mercer Science Spectacular – an action-packed adventure in health sciences that’s fun for the whole family!

Get ready for a Scavenger Hunt like no other! You’ll explore, experiment, and experience exciting activities that’ll make science come alive. Roll up your sleeves for hands-on, gooey pharmacy experiments, discover how your body moves with exercise science activities, dive into delightful demos led by the College of Nursing, and much more!

 🎉 What’s in Store?

Food trucks with tasty treats 🍔

Free parking for everyone 🚗

Fun games and giveaways 🎁

A special appearance by Mercer’s mascot, Toby the Bear! 🐻

Complete the scavenger hunt, and you’ll unlock a super-secret surprise prize – just for you!

 

Bring your friends and family and join the fun! This free event kicks off on Thursday, March 13, at 4 PM—the perfect after-school adventure. Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

No registration necessary

 

Neuroscience & Your Senses: An Exploration into Your Brain!  | March 15th

Presented by Georgia State/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University

Neuroscience can teach us a lot about how the brain works in your everyday life! Take our interactive center tour as we explore human senses and how the brain looks as we engage in daily activities. Researchers from Georgia State University and Georgia Tech will lead this interactive tour and field all your burning questions about what’s going on inside your brain, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other techniques. Members of the public from all age groups are welcome to attend and learn more about how you can volunteer to participate in critical studies at the Center for Advanced Brain Imaging that help us understand how the brain changes over the lifespan and how to resolve concerns about reading, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, tumors, and more.

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event! 

 

No registration necessary

 

Proton Precision: Inside Emory’s Proton Therapy Center | March 15th

Presented by Emory Proton Therapy Center

Get a behind the scenes look into the Emory Proton Therapy Center’s cutting edge technology, including high energy proton beams that target cancer with sub-millimeter precision! Learn the physics behind the treatment, and get a hands-on opportunity to treat the “patient” in your tour group! Join us for a journey through our clinical workflow and engaging activities on the Medical Physics concepts behind imaging, treatment planning, and radiation delivery.

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

Register here!

 

Health Storytelling: Carl Zimmer and “Air-borne” | March 19th 

Presented by Emory University – Center for the Study of Human Health, Georgia Center for the Book

Every day we draw in 2,000 gallons of air — and thousands of living things. The air teems with invisible life, yet this last biological frontier remains so mysterious that it took over 2 years for scientists to agree that the Covid pandemic was caused by an airborne virus. In conversation with author and journalist Maryn McKenna, New York Times columnist Carl Zimmer will lead us through the living atmosphere, weaving together gripping history and new threats to global health.

 

Register here!

 

Get Your Blood Pumping with the Science of Weightlifting! | March 19th   

Presented by Georgia State – Department of Kinesiology and Health

Looking to improve your health? There are few ways better than lifting weights! Join certified exercise professionals in exploring the world of sports science as you learn how to workout efficiently, safely, and productively, and set a path to get in the best shape of your life!

 

Get your tickets here!

 

Follow That Food! An Interactive Exploration of the Digestive System | March 19th

Presented by Clayton State University

If you are reading this, you have probably eaten something within the last 12 hours. Do you wonder what is happening in your body to that food? Through this interactive exploration of digestion, you will learn about the many twists and turns that your food takes while in your body. This exploration will stop at important landmarks in your digestive tract and will include activities that will add to your knowledge about digestion! It’ll be fun for the whole family!

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

 

Register here!

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on human health! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

 

Critter Time

Critter Time

Are you a sucker for weird animal facts? Love to spend time with 4, 6, or no-legged friends? Check out these upcoming events all about the little (and maybe not-so-little) crawling, flying, and slithering critters here in Atlanta. Start planning your animal encounters at the Atlanta Science Festival, taking place March 8-22.

 

Animals in Motion: Biomechanics Day at Zoo Atlanta  | March 8th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta, Georgia Tech
Ever wonder how orangutans swing, or how an elephant trunk works? Join us at Zoo Atlanta to celebrate the diversity of animals on Earth and the incredible ways they move. With help from biomechanics experts at Georgia Tech and other major US universities, guests can participate in live demonstrations and presentations sure to generate excitement about biomechanics and applications in Bio-inspired Design. No matter your age, you’ll walk away engaged and inspired to learn more about yourself and the natural world.

Get tickets here

 

Turtle Quest | March 8th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Join the Fernbank Museum for hands-on, interactive stations where you’ll dive right into turtle-themed activities! Play an exciting turtle board game, craft your very own turtle suncatcher, and test your knowledge with a habitat matching game, pairing turtles and tortoises with their homes.
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 8th.

Get tickets here

 

Biology of the Despised: Cottonmouths (Water Moccasins) | March 8th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA)
In addition to amphibians, as our name suggests, the Amphibian Foundation also works to address some of the urban pressures impacting reptiles. One group of animals that is not only misunderstood, but truly despised are Cottonmouths. We’ve been working with the community since the beginning to help you discern facts from fiction, and even teach you how to enjoy living alongside Cottonmouths! Come explore these awe-inspiring animals, and let’s see how much of that fear is actually fascination.

Get tickets here

 

Critter Quest: Helping Science Discover Your Backyard Critters | March 8th
Presented by Atlanta Urban Wildlife Working Group, Trees Atlanta, The Amphibian Foundation, Birds Georgia, Fernbank Museum, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech
Ever wondered what critters live in your backyard? Interested in helping scientists know more about where those critters live? We’ve got just the event for you! At our Community Science Training event, you’ll learn about organizations studying wildlife in Atlanta and how you can help through Community Science. Join scientists as we show you the ins and outs of how we study wildlife and you can too. These trainings will include birds, amphibians, and mammals!

Register here!

 

Getting Birdy with Birds Georgia | March 9th
Presented by Birds Georgia
What is the one of the only organisms that you can find on all 7 continents? BIRDS. So… it’s time to Get Birdy with Birds Georgia! Join us for a family friendly instructional crash course where you will learn all about birds, from flight to feathers. This workshop will include hands-on activities, binocular bird watching, and so much more. If you have ever thought about becoming a bird watcher, this is a great place to start!

Register here!

 

Flying into the Future | March 9th
Presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center, Northside Hospital
Flying into the Future is where science and nature collide to bring you activities focused on STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. We are all about forward-thinking at this Family Fun Day! Come ready to learn about flying animals at Wings to Soar and test your tinkering skills with STEAM-themed partners, crafts, games and activities.  Plus, participate in one of the activities that will be part of the EcoTinker Science Stations! Come back after the event to check out the other science stations beginning on March 10th.

Get tickets here!

Salamander Stroll  | March 9th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation, Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research Team from the Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘citizen scientists’ and perform an amphibian ‘bioblitz’ inventory of the preserve documenting salamanders and frogs in one of the greatest strongholds for amphibians inside of the perimeter! It’s fun for the whole family!
Be sure to bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.

Register here!

 

Living Wild: Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids | March 15th
Presented by Fernbank Museum
Explore the amazing world of animal classifications! Visit engaging stations—Reptiles, Amphibians, and Arachnids—where hands-on activities will help you discover the unique traits of each group. Plus, meet our animal ambassadors for an unforgettable encounter with these fascinating creatures. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn and experience the diversity of the animal kingdom!
This event repeats multiple times during the day on March 15th.

Get tickets here

 

Tiny Monsters of Sibley Pond | March 15th
Presented by National Park Service, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary bio-diversity of strange, weird, and amazing creatures that live in Sibley Pond. Search through leaf litter, dig through detritus, collect critters and more! This is a hands on, get your fingers dirty field investigation. What tiny monsters will you find lurking in Sibley Pond?
This event repeats on March 16th.

No registration necessary

 

Urban Slug Walk | March 16th
Presented by Georgia State – Department of Geosciences
Feeling sluggish? So are we! Come on out on a slug filled adventure where we’ll use our eagle eyes to search for these slimy and fascinating creatures, and learn all about them as we hike through a local city park! Download the <a href=”https://www.inaturalist.org”>iNaturalist</a> app beforehand, and we’ll use that to identify what we find and contribute data to the Atlanta SLIME (Snails and slugs Living In Metropolitan Environments) project.

Register here!

 

Not Just Newts: Behind the Scenes with the Amphibian Foundation | March 16th
Presented by The Amphibian Foundation
Atlanta is home to a unique nonprofit dedicated to the conservation and research of amphibians amidst a global population decline. In 2016, the Amphibian Foundation formed to focus on conserving two of Georgia’s most imperiled species (Gopher Frog and Flatwoods Salamander). Since then, we’ve begun working on other native and globally endangered amphibians. Closed to the public, this is a chance to see the conservation collections and meet Foundation staff working hard to save these vital and sensitive animals from extinction!

Get tickets here!

Celebrating Animals in Music and Medicine | March 20th
Presented by Emory University, Molecules and Pathogens to Populations and Pandemics program at Emory University, Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta, Emory Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement, Princeton University Press
What does a cat doctor practice? Meow-dicine!
In this event, you’ll learn that there’s more to animals than meets the eye. In fact, musicians, healers, and scientists have been inspired by animal medicine for thousands of years! Join pianists William Ransom and Julie Coucheron as they play a four-hand piano rendition of the Carnival of the Animals to celebrate swans, cats, and elephants in music, while biologist Jaap de Roode reveals how these animals use medicine and what we can learn from them. The event will be moderated by influential psychologist Kenneth Carter, and will also feature a book signing.
Please note a ticket does not guarantee a seat. Please arrive early to ensure you can get a seat.

Register here.

 

Adventure Cubs Learn About Regal Red Pandas! | March 20th
Presented by Zoo Atlanta
Calling all Adventure Cubs, ages 0-5, and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun!
Explorers will learn about Red Pandas through a game, craft, story, and singalong before visiting the Red Panda’s habitat to make observations and draw connections to the lesson. This is a great opportunity to make friends and spend time with your little explorers as they discover new skills and learn about wildlife. All topics and activities are designed for children ages 2-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2.

Get tickets here!

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here!

 

Science and Art

Often placed at opposite ends of the spectrum, science and the arts have more in common than you might think. See how art inspires science and how science inspires art at these Atlanta Science Festival  events, taking place March 8-22.

Botanical Illustration 101| March 8th
Presented by Reynolds Nature Preserve, Clayton State University
Interested in learning how to perfectly draw the veins of leaves? Or maybe you love orchids and want to learn how to capture their vibrant hues? Join us at Reynolds Nature Preserve for an introductory botanical illustration workshop where you’ll learn about plant morphology and what to focus on when drawing plants! Experience the event where science and art collide!

This event has a second session later in the day.

Get tickets here!

Nature Journaling for a Lifetime| March 8th
Presented by Reynolds Nature Preserve, Clayton State University
Do you want to learn how to create and use a nature journal to improve your journaling skills? Come join us at Reynolds Nature Preserve for this all-ages event, where you’ll get to make a simple nature journal and then use it during an all-ages nature hike. Identify and draw plants, animals, and fungi. Stay afterwards and challenge yourself with the introductory botanical illustration workshop, taking place from 2:15-3:15 p.m., or enjoy a kid-friendly hike in the woods. Join us at this event where science and art collide!
This event has a second session later in the day.

Get tickets here!

 

Pigment of Your Imagination | March 8th
Presented by STE(A)M Truck
STE(A)M TRUCK  IS GOING GREEN!
Join us for Eco-Art in Action, entitled “Pigment of Your Imagination”. In this interactive workshop, you’ll create eco-friendly paints from natural materials like plants and earth pigments. In small groups, you’ll explore sustainable art techniques and craft your own masterpiece. Afterward, take a self-guided tour of the “Planting the Seed” exhibit, showcasing eco-inspired art. This unique fusion of art, science, and sustainability offers a hands-on, collaborative experience that connects creativity with environmental awareness.
Be sure to dress comfortably and wear close-toed shoes, and stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Get tickets here!

 

The Science Behind Historic Preservation | March 8th
Presented by Historic Oakland Foundation
Join Historic Oakland Foundation’s Director of Preservation for a behind-the-scenes look at how historic materials are cared for in a cemetery. Ever wonder why some old headstones look like they’re melting? Or what bricks and mortar are made of? We will discuss all of this and more- all while walking around Atlanta’s most famous graveyard.
This event has another occurrence on Saturday, March 15.

Register here!

Sunday Funday: Nature Weaving| March 9th
Presented by Museum of Design Atlanta
Get creative with nature! Join us for Nature Weaving, where you’ll weave leaves, flowers, and plants into a natural loom made from sticks and twine. Learn about sustainability and the benefits of using natural materials while crafting your own piece of eco-friendly art. Perfect for curious minds and nature lovers!
Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!

Register here!

 

(My battery is low) and it is getting dark: neuroscience in dance| March 9th
Presented by Rogue Wave Dance
Neuroscience and dance? How does that go together?

“(My battery is low) and it is getting dark” is an evocative and moving performance that centers on the life cycle of a star. This dance not only grapples with recent breakthroughs in neuroscience, but also with the dichotomy between big moments and small, and how all of these experiences come together to make a life.

Come discover the Rogue Wave dance company unpack new research ideas on the stage with this groundbreaking contemporary dance performance.

This event has a second performance later in the day.

Get tickets here!. 

 

Mathapalooza! | March 9th
Presented by Mathematics in Motion, VinsonArt.com
Experience the beauty of mathematical art and create some yourself during Mathapalooza!, which marks the opening of The Art of Math at the Sun ATL gallery.  The afternoon will start with a mathematical magic show by Matt Baker and end with a performance of Bach’s Crab Canon by Tracy Woodard including a discussion of the symmetries hidden in that work.  While visiting the exhibition you will explore the math in circus arts, construct mathy artwork yourself, and learn about math through puzzles, games, and more!
Stay for the whole show from 3:00 to 7:00 or drop by at any time. Tickets to “”Mathapalooza!”” will also be valid for admission to “The Art of Math” for the duration of the Atlanta Science Festival.

Get tickets here!

The Art of Math| March 11th
Presented by The Sun ATL, Gathering 4 Gardner
Mathematical genius transforms into visual poetry at “The Art of Math,” a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the extraordinary realm where numbers and creativity collide. Inspired by Martin Gardner’s revolutionary thinking, this exhibition showcases world-renowned mathematical artists who reveal mathematics as a profound artistic language. Sculptures created at the legendary Gathering 4 Gardner are featured alongside works by Atlanta-based contemporary artists.

Please register online and show your tickets to the door person once you arrive. This exhibit is open for multiple days throughout the Festival. Please visit the schedule for more information.

Stop by anytime the gallery is open for this drop-in exhibit!

Register here!

 

Science Improv | March 12th
Presented by Whole World Improv Theatre, Amanda Rountree & Friends
It’s improv comedy with a science twist! Come see experienced improv actors and professional scientists take the stage together to put on unique entertainment and an educational experience. The audience will provide scientific suggestions to drive the performance, and you’re sure to have a great time and come away having learned something too! Comedy improvisation has never been geekier.

Get tickets here!

The Story Collider: Trees | March 13th
Presented by The Story Collider, Trees Atlanta, Science ATL
The Story Collider is teaming up with Trees Atlanta to bring you a special show with true, personal stories all about trees! Become a tree-hugger as you hear stories that will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Scientists and non-scientists will share their stories about trees, the forest, and what it all means to them. We hope to “tree” you there!

Get tickets here!

Data Poetics | March 13th
Presented by Emory University – Department of Computer Science, W.J. Lofton
What does slam poetry have to do with computer science? Allow us to introduce data poetics — artistic expression, fueled by data. In this workshop, you will learn about the impact of how data captures our world and how language can be used to express it. You will have the opportunity to write a poem, sketch visualizations of data to accompany the poem, and (optionally) perform it. 

Register here!

Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight| March 14th
Presented by Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream)
Join us for an exhilarating performance of “”Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight,”” by Lauren Gunderson, performed in French with English supertitles!
18th century scientific genius Emilie du Châtelet is back and determined to answer the question she died with: love or philosophy, head or heart? In this highly theatrical rediscovery of one of history’s most intriguing women, Emilie defends her life and loves, and ends up with both a formula and a legacy that permeates history.

 

This production occurs multiple times throughout the Festival, and is also offered several times as a daytime student matinee. Please check the ASF schedule for more information.

Get tickets here!

 

The Science of Sustainable Theatre!| March 15th
Presented by Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance
Did you know that putting on a play takes an immense amount of natural resources and energy? Productions require sets, lighting, costumes, paper scripts and programs, furniture, and tons of electricity! More often than not, after shows wrap, most of these materials end up in landfills. But don’t worry, the Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance is working to help ensure the sustainability of future shows!

Come meet members of the Atlanta Green Theatre Alliance and visit our Shed at South River Art Studios! This is a great way to learn about environmental sustainability best practices and resources around Atlanta that’ll benefit the theatre and your life!

There will be snacks, free art & construction supplies, tabling by Atlanta-area arts & sustainability organizations, and events for all ages.

Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event! If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]

No registration necessary.

 

A Force to be Reckoned With: Emilie du Châtelet’s Life and Legacy | March 15th
Presented by Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream)
“A Force to be Reckoned with: Emilie du Châtelet’s Life and Legacy” is a panel comprised of women in STEAM who will grapple with Emilie du Châtelet’s scientific contributions, the real-life Enlightenment Era scientist on whose life the play “”Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight”” is based.
This panel will be in English and is presented by Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream) during the run of “Emilie: La Marquise du Châtelet Defends Her Life Tonight” at 7 Stages Theatre. 

Register here!

 

Virtual Creativity and AI-Powered Ideas: Public Art Futures Lab | March 16th

Presented by Fulton County Public Art Futures Lab, MARTA Artbound, A&E Atlanta – Artist in Residency Supporters

Explore the Public Art Futures Lab and experience “Virtual Creativity & AI-Powered Ideas” at the Atlanta Science Festival, where you can create digital art in Virtual Reality, interact with AI-powered installations like the Positive Vibes Machine by Sarah Lawrence, and experience the dynamic Living Statues project created by Elijah Zulu. Explore how technology and creativity intersect in this engaging, hands-on event in Underground Atlanta and explore Fulton County’s hub for art and technology, the first Public Art and Tech project of its kind in the country.

There is another session of this event on March 18th.

 

No registration necessary

 

Stories Worth Sharing: Experiment| March 18th
Presented by Stories Worth Sharing
Do you have a story you’re itching to tell? Bring your 5-to-7-minute true, personal story on the theme of “experiment.” If you want to share your story with others, please put your name in the hat! We want to hear your stories. No standup or poetry, please.
Outside of ASF, this FREE event is held at Red Light Cafe on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.

No registration necessary.

 

Exploration Expo | March 22nd

Presented by Science ATL 

Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2025 Atlanta Science Festival with 100+ hands on science experiments, including many focused on technology! Free for the family!

 

Register here!