Atlanta’s Acclaimed, Annual Science Celebration Returns with Approximately 150 Events Taking Place March 7-21 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 7-21. All ages have the opportunity to experience approximately 150 interactive and educational events. It all culminates in the Exploration Expo, a giant science bash in Piedmont Park.
“At its core, the Atlanta Science Festival embodies our 2026 tagline: science for the people,” says Meisa Salaita, executive co-director of Science ATL–the engineers of the Atlanta Science Festival. “Our two-week celebration invites everyone, no matter who you are, to get up close and personal with science in ways you may not have imagined. We aim to broaden horizons, provide education, fuel imagination, and ignite a passion for the scientific minds of the future.”
The 2026 Atlanta Science Festival invites both children and adults to more than 80 venues across metro Atlanta. You can stroll with bats, discover backyard critters, explore hydroponics, tour cemeteries, plug into the physics of rock ‘n’ roll, cook up chemistry in the kitchen, experience science-centric storytelling, and more.
The festivities kick off with Celebrate STEAM at Georgia Tech. Visit the acclaimed campus and join Georgia Tech scientists, engineers, and students as they share interactive activities on neuroscience, aerospace engineering, robotics, and an array of other topics. (10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 7. Free. Georgia Tech Bio Quad near Ferst Drive and Atlantic Drive.)
The Exploration Expo, Atlanta’s biggest science party, serves as the Festival’s grand finale. Curious kids and adults descend upon Piedmont Park to experience 100 hands-on, interactive science booths from local organizations, universities, and companies. Look at your own cells under a microscope; tinker with lasers; make a lung model; code robots through a maze; touch a human brain; look inside a jet engine; and meet frogs, lizards, snakes, and scientists. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 21, Free, Piedmont Park, at the intersection of Charles Allen Drive and 10th Street, Atlanta.)
“The Atlanta Science Festival reminds us that science is all around us and belongs to everyone,” Salaita explains. “And we hope grown-ups and kids walk away from our events knowing just how valuable science is in our everyday lives. From astrophysics to zoology, and all points in between, discoveries are being made that help us live richer, healthier, and longer lives with a positive impact on the planet.”
About the Atlanta Science Festival
The Atlanta Science Festival is a two-week celebration of science and technology. Taking place March 7-21, 2026, it will feature approximately 150 interactive and educational events. Kids and adults alike can dive into a range of topics from backyard critters and brains to kitchen chemistry and science-centric storytelling. The Atlanta Science Festival is engineered by Science ATL and 80+ community partners, with major support from presenting sponsor Delta Air Lines, founders Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, and other top sponsors UPS, Google, Cox, and NCR Atleos Foundation, among others. To learn more, visit https://atlantasciencefestival.org.
https://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026-atlanta-science-festival-social.png6271200Frank Robertsonhttps://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-atlanta-science-festival-engineered-science-atl.pngFrank Robertson2026-01-22 20:01:342026-01-20 12:54:46Atlanta Science Festival 2026 Events Celebrate Science for the People
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 7-21.
Toads don’t have the friendliest reputation, so this year at the Amphibian Foundation’s special Atlanta Science Festival series, ‘Biology of the Despised’, we’re turning our attention to toads! Amphibian Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness about the global decline of amphibians. Here in metro Atlanta, AF also works to address the urban pressures affecting our neighborhood amphibians, including toads, who are often overlooked or misunderstood. Toads may not be flashy, but they play a critical role in our ecosystems and deserve our attention and respect. Too often, they’re dismissed as pests or feared without reason. At the Foundation, we’ve made it part of our mission to help people see these bumpy creatures for what they truly are; fascinating, beneficial neighbors. Join us as we explore the incredible world of toads. You might find that what seemed like fear was actually curiosity all along.
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research faculty and staff from Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘community 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! Everyone and their families are encouraged to attend and bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.
Did you know Atlanta’s trees, not caves, are home to many of Georgia’s native bats? 🦇 Sadly, several of these adorable “sky puppies” are now endangered. Just imagine our summer nights without their help keeping mosquitoes in check! Grab your laptop and join local experts online via Zoom for a fun and fascinating panel where you’ll uncover the surprising superpowers of bats and find out how we can all lend a wing to help them thrive. 🦇
Discover the underwater world of Georgia’s lakes and rivers! Georgia Aquarium and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are teaming up to introduce you to the aquatic creatures that call our waterways home. This event will allow you to discover fishing and learn how to protect these vital ecosystems. A perfect drop in event for the budding biologist!
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, you’ll get to 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.
Discover and explore the miniature world of six-legged creatures. In the field of entomology, every bug has a story to tell and each one is more exciting than the last. Join us and witness these tiny bugs teach us big lessons about life.
Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary biodiversity 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? Do you dare discover?
What’s that – a bat! Join Trees Atlanta, Georgia Bat Working Group, and Atlanta Science Festival on a sunset stroll through Trees Atlanta’s campus and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Southwest Trail. We’ll see some of the native plants that have been incorporated Georgia native bats & check out some of the native plants and practices we can incorporate into our yards or neighborhood green spaces to help these sometimes misunderstood, mosquito-eating, sky puppies continue to survive & thrive in the City in the Forest. The Georgia Bat Working Group will have an acoustic bat detector to see if bats decide to join us. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue to stroll down the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail and enjoy one of Lee & Whites’ local breweries or restaurants.
Discover the incredible animals that call Blue Heron Nature Preserve home as we explore its 30-acre landscape on a guided nature hike. Along the way, you’ll get a hands-on look at unique animal coverings including shells, fur, scales, and feathers, from species that live in the area! Come join us for an adventure filled with exploration, learning, and a closer look at the wildlife around us! Please meet us on the front porch of our building.
Decatur 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 some of Georgia’s most imperiled species (Flatwoods Salamander, Gopher Frog, and Striped Newt). Since then AF has begun working on other native and globally endangered amphibians. Closed to the public, this is a chance to see the collections and meet Foundation staff working hard to save these vital and sensitive animals from extinction.
Ready to befriend some of Earth’s most hardworking (and surprisingly adorable) little recyclers? Join us for a hands-on worm-farming adventure! RSVP to snag one of only 30 worm-farm kits (one per family/group) during this combo mini-lecture and interactive workshop.
Worm farming, also known as vermiculture, uses special composting worms that can turn kitchen scraps into rich, garden-ready nutrients up to three times faster than a traditional compost pile, all with less effort. We’ll be spotlighting our superstar species, the humble Red Wiggler: resilient, low-maintenance, and perfectly content living quietly indoors or outside.
Critter Quest: Helping Science Discover Your Backyard Critters | March 15 2:00pm Presented by: Atlanta Urban Wildlife Working Group, Trees Atlanta, The Amphibian Foundation, Birds Georgia, Fernbank Museum, University of Georgia, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Tech, The Nature Conservancy
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 how you can too. These trainings will include birds, amphibians, and mammals! The first hour will showcase various community science organizations, including information on how you can get involved with their efforts to study wildlife and their habitat in and around Atlanta. The second and third hours are wildlife training activities where you go into the field with local experts to learn how to identify different groups of animals (e.g., birds, reptiles, mammals). You will be able to attend two different training activities, however please plan to arrive at either 2:45 p.m. or 3:45 p.m. in order to partake in these activities.
Calling all Adventure Cubs, ages 0-5, and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun!
Explorers will learn about Spectacular Snakes through a game, craft, story, and singalong before visiting snake habitats at Zoo Atlanta 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.
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
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 7-21.
Ride the soundwave and join us for an electrifying event where physics meets rock & roll! We will kick off with a fast crash course on the physics of sound: think waves, amps, feedback and all the science behind the noise. Next, it’s time to plug in for an extra fun jam session, ending with a performance that transforms theory into SHOW!
Science and music of fire! Join us as we present on fire ecology and the Georgia species that rely on proscribed burns, followed by a performance of selections from Stravinsky’s “Firebird” for piano and violin. Audience members who can successfully name the most pyrophytes (species adapted to fire) at the end of the show win a singing quail plushie!
Buzz on over to Sunday Funday and celebrate our native pollinators! Join Painting Pollinators to create a vibrant, collaborative artwork that honors bees, butterflies, and the plants that keep them thriving. Fun for all ages, come make your mark on nature!
Come visit a facility typically only open to celebrities such as T-Pain, Shaq or Teddy Swims. Soapbox Studio is a production facility of the future, utilizing 3D film technology and high-level music production gear to create 3D experiences beyond anything you’ve ever seen. This is a one time opportunity to meet the team pushing the boundaries of what we mean by entertainment. Catch a glimpse of what will be mainstream 5 years from now.
Dive into the delicious science behind your morning latte! Discover how milk’s fats and proteins shape the silky foam that makes latte art possible. Watch a live demonstration by professional baristas, then try your hand at creating your own design using freshly steamed milk. Explore the chemistry of milk structure and microfoam—all while sipping and experimenting like a true coffee scientist.
“Queen Bess” tells the story of Bessie Coleman, who earned her pilot’s license (the first ever earned by a Black woman or a Native American, and the first international license earned by any American) in 1921 by teaching herself French and then traveling to France to study. She went on to become a famous stunt pilot back in America, setting records and breaking trends until her death in 1926. More than 100 years later, her resourcefulness and accomplishments tell a story that continues to challenge and inspire. Please note that this performance is in both French and English. French scenes have English captions. There are also several repetitions of this performance, please check the schedule for additional sessions.
Step into the colorful, fragrant world of plants! Discover how sunlight fuels life through photosynthesis, how flowers use scent to invite pollinators, and create your very own artwork using natural plant pigments. You’ll even take home a little vial of hydrosol you helped make, a fragrant reminder of your journey into plant chemistry. Through friendly, hands-on activities, small-group explorations, and playful demonstrations, you’ll: • Watch steam distillation in action and learn how essential oils and hydrosols are made • Paint with plant pigments inspired by nature’s palette • Take home your artwork and fragrant hydrosol to enjoy at home Perfect for curious minds of all ages (3+), this session blends science, art, and nature in a fun, unforgettable experience. Come explore, create, and connect with the magic of plants!
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 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 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., or enjoy a kid-friendly hike in the woods. Join us at this event where science and art collide!
Calling all those about to Rock! Join us while we explore the healing powers of ROCK & ROLL! Start with a short lecture on how music can improve mental health, focus, confidence, self-esteem, and mood, among other benefits. Next, jump to a fun packed jam session where you can play real instruments. Finally, star in a rocking performance with YOUR BAND!
We invite visitors to step into a living soundscape created by artist-researchers Allie Teixeira Riggs and Heidi Biggs, where art, science, and technology intersect. Drawing from their research into biological systems like mold and lichen, the artists translate patterns of growth and environmental data into immersive sound and visual experiences. Stop by anytime for this drop in event to explore video, interactive sound experiments, and informal conversations with the artists about how biology, data, and design can reveal- and reimagine- the invisible processes shaping the world around us.
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!
The Guthman Music, Art, and Technology Fair brings together creators from different backgrounds for an interactive showcase of creative technologies. Get hands-on experience with the latest experiments in music 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. Stop by anytime for this drop-in event, then check out the Guthman Musical Instrument Competition happening at 7pm!
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.
Have a story you’ve been itching to tell? Join us for a night of true, personal storytelling on the theme of “Hypothesis.” Maybe it’s a wild idea you tested, a theory about life that proved you right (or hilariously wrong), or a moment when curiosity led you somewhere unexpected. Share your 5-7 minute story on stage, or just come to listen and cheer on others. Want to tell your story? Simply drop your name in the hat when you arrive! (Stories only – no stand-up comedy or poetry this time.)
It’s improv comedy with a science twist! Come see experienced improv actors and professional scientists take the stage together to put on a unique entertainment and 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.
Join the Story Collider for an evening of true, personal stories about science! At this live show, you’ll hear scientists and non-scientists tell heartwarming (and heartbreaking) science stories about their failures, successes, and everything in between.
Science Is Lit! | March 20 5:00pm Presented by: Fernbank Science Center, Jennifer Swanson Books, Brave + Kind Bookshop, DeKalb County School District
Join us at Fernbank Science Center for a special children’s science book celebration, headlined by award-winning author Jennifer Swanson and presented in partnership with Brave + Kind Bookstore! Discover amazing authors and science-themed books for children of all ages. Enjoy family-friendly discussions, hands-on science activities, and engaging literacy experiences that bring stories to life. Celebrate the joy of reading, creativity, and discovery at this inspiring community event for curious minds of all ages!
Join us at Georgia Tech for an unforgettable evening with The Musical Chemist! Walker Smith turns atomic spectra into sound via data sonification, allowing us to hear a variety of elements and the ethereal chords they create together. His live show, The Sound of Molecules, features lasers, live music, and audience interaction, so bring your dancing shoes and “buckle your seatbelts, because things are about to get elemental!”
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
We all have science labs in our homes – our kitchens! Dig into the science behind what you eat, and maybe even eat some of your science! Start planning your Atlanta Science Festival experience with these events, taking place March 7-21.
We all scream for ice cream! But have you ever really thought about what it is? A liquid? A solid? A glass? Ice cream has more in common with toothpaste, froth, and glass than you might expect. Join physicists Daniel Sussman and Michael Czajkowski for an exploration of the physics of disordered solids, and answers to the questions you never knew to ask about ice cream. We promise the only brain freeze will come from the ice cream, not from the science! Ticket price includes ice cream following the event!
Which common household spice can you use to write a secret invisible message? Which spice likes to dance with just soap and water? Come to our event to learn about the secret life of spices, to experiment and learn about the chemical and physical processes that make spices more than just delicious additions to your meals.
Dive into the delicious science behind your morning latte! Discover how milk’s fats and proteins shape the silky foam that makes latte art possible. Watch a live demonstration by professional baristas, then try your hand at creating your own design using freshly steamed milk. Explore the chemistry of milk structure and microfoam—all while sipping and experimenting like a true coffee scientist.
Have you ever wondered what’s happening when coffee gets roasted? This event will walk you through the basic steps of roasting as we observe a coffee roast cycle. Then we will get a chance to taste a coffee roasted light, medium, and dark. Join us as we discover the science and art of the coffee roasting process.
Have an explosion in your kitchen! Would you rather your little one have an unplanned catastrophic explosion in your kitchen or would you prefer a carefully planned and educational explosion? Maybe you’re thinking no explosion at all! Well, trust us that with only three common kitchen items, we will use the scientific method to design an experiment that will have your kids thrilled by the explosion of colors created when hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules interact. Come along and join us for a colorful explosion. Have your preschoolers and elementary go-ers wear their favorite color(s) or tie-dyed attire at this explosive event.
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
Learn about the amazing science of health, the human body, and everything in between! These 2026 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 7-21.
Come Celebrate STEAM at Georgia Tech! Enjoy 60+ engaging demonstrations, inspiring speakers, food trucks, and more at this four-hour, family-friendly event that brings science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life like never before!
Kick off the Atlanta Science Festival with our favorite mad scientist author, Rachael Allen! Get ready for hands-on experiments, a peek at real brains (eek!), and plenty of curious fun as Rachael shares her newest book, Professor Cat’s Guide to Understanding the Human Brain: The Dyslexia Files. Come celebrate an amazing author, an awesome book, and the joy of science with us!
Calling all young explorers and curious minds! 🌟 Join us on Mercer’s gorgeous Atlanta campus and dive into the world of discovery 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 12, at 4 PM – the perfect after-school adventure. In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved to Sheffield Hall. Stop by anytime during the event window for this drop-in event!
Join us to run through the mechanics of feet! We’ll investigate our own feet and footwear wear patterns to gain a greater understanding of how our sole talks to us daily—we just have to know how to listen! Empowered with this knowledge, you’ll gain insights into how you might better care for your feet and consider how your footwear choices impact your entire body!
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 Discovery Walk 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!
Calling all those about to Rock! Join us while we explore the healing powers of ROCK & ROLL! Start with a short lecture on how music can improve mental health, focus, confidence, self-esteem, and mood, among other benefits. Next, jump to a fun packed jam session where you can play real instruments. Finally, star in a rocking performance with YOUR BAND!
Science Team Trivia Night! Join host Laurel Bristow, infectious disease expert, research scientist, and host of the popular Health Wanted podcast at Monday Night Garage! Test your knowledge of health and science, enjoy a good time with friends, and mix and mingle with other science enthusiasts! Team up with friends to compete for fun prizes! Don’t have a team already? We will pair you when you arrive.
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
https://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ASF-Event-Track-Blog-1200x627-v2-2.png6271200Frank Robertsonhttps://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-atlanta-science-festival-engineered-science-atl.pngFrank Robertson2026-01-22 19:56:562026-01-22 09:15:26Health and the Human Body
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 7-21, to immerse yourself in a lush world of all things green!
Solve nature challenges along the Mason Mill boardwalk in this escape room-style nature adventure! This outdoors “Escape Room Trail” is an opportunity to take a 1.5 mile walk and learn about nature while solving a series of riddles. No, you won’t be locked in a room, but you will be within the confines of the boardwalk while you solve each challenge. Read the clues, pay attention to your surroundings, and be creative. Complete all 11 Stations and you’ll solve the Escape Room Trail. This self-guided hunt will be available each day of the Festival from dawn to dusk. Check the full Festival schedule for dates.
Fernbank Goes Wild | March 7 10:30am Presented by: Fernbank Science Center, Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary, Georgia Herpetological Association and Rescue (GHAR), Foundation Farms, The Amphibian Foundation, DeKalb County School District
Embark on a Wild Science Safari at Fernbank Science Center! Explore the Science Center like never before—uncovering fascinating creatures, carnivorous plants, and vibrant gardens. Dive into interactive experiences, take on hands-on science challenges, create cool life science projects, and get up close with real animals! Perfect for curious minds and adventurous families, this is more than just a visit—it’s a wild science adventure you won’t want to miss!
Join Fernbank rangers for a small, group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest. You’ll learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta.
Buzz on over to Sunday Funday and celebrate our native pollinators! Join Painting Pollinators to create a vibrant, collaborative artwork that honors bees, butterflies, and the plants that keep them thriving. Fun for all ages, come make your mark on nature!
Step into the colorful, fragrant world of plants! Discover how sunlight fuels life through photosynthesis, how flowers use scent to invite pollinators, and create your very own artwork using natural plant pigments. You’ll even take home a little vial of hydrosol you helped make, a fragrant reminder of your journey into plant chemistry. Through friendly, hands-on activities, small-group explorations, and playful demonstrations, you’ll: • Watch steam distillation in action and learn how essential oils and hydrosols are made • Paint with plant pigments inspired by nature’s palette • Take home your artwork and fragrant hydrosol to enjoy at home Perfect for curious minds of all ages (3+), this session blends science, art, and nature in a fun, unforgettable experience. Come explore, create, and connect with the magic of plants!
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.
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 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 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., or enjoy a kid-friendly hike in the woods. Join us at this event where science and art collide!
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!
Atlanta’s urban forest is the foundation for life in our city! Join Trees Atlanta as we explore the Beltline’s Westside trail and nearby parks to learn about some especially fascinating native tree species. Using the iNaturalist app, you’ll embark on a family-friendly scavenger hunt to locate our highlighted mystery 10 trees and earn prizes along the way. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!
What’s that – a bat! Join Trees Atlanta, Georgia Bat Working Group, and Atlanta Science Festival on a sunset stroll through Trees Atlanta’s campus and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Southwest Trail. We’ll see some of the native plants that have been incorporated Georgia native bats & check out some of the native plants and practices we can incorporate into our yards or neighborhood green spaces to help these sometimes misunderstood, mosquito-eating, sky puppies continue to survive & thrive in the City in the Forest. The Georgia Bat Working Group will have an acoustic bat detector to see if bats decide to join us. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue to stroll down the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail and enjoy one of Lee & Whites’ local breweries or restaurants.
Discover the incredible animals that call Blue Heron Nature Preserve home as we explore its 30-acre landscape on a guided nature hike. Along the way, you’ll get a hands-on look at unique animal coverings including shells, fur, scales, and feathers, from species that live in the area! Come join us for an adventure filled with exploration, learning, and a closer look at the wildlife around us!
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!
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. Take a hike at our urban nature preserve on Bush Mountain to learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors. Learn morehere
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
https://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ASF-Event-Track-Blog-1200x627-v1-7.png6271200Frank Robertsonhttps://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-atlanta-science-festival-engineered-science-atl.pngFrank Robertson2026-01-22 19:55:022026-01-21 15:32:54Plants, Big & Small
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 7-21, for guided hikes and outdoor exploration!
Solve nature challenges along the Mason Mill boardwalk in this escape room-style nature adventure! This popular outdoors “Escape Room Trail” is all new for 2026. Take a 1.5 mile walk and learn about nature while solving a series of brand new riddles. No, you won’t be locked in a room, but you will be within the confines of the boardwalk while you solve each challenge. Read the clues, pay attention to your surroundings, and be creative. Complete all 11 Stations and you’ll solve the Escape Room Trail, have the opportunity to submit a selfie to be posted on Mason Mill and Atlanta Science Festival social media, receive a small prize at the Science Festival Expo on March 21 (a Science Y’all sticker, ALEX the Astronaut sticker or color-changing cup, while supplies last). Plus, you’ll get exclusive access to an urban wildlife video produced by Ranger Jonah.
For ASF2026, Science ATL is debuting a new Discovery Walk through downtown Decatur that blends science and history to show how each helps inform the other. Science is all around us—often hidden in everyday places like the streets we walk and the spaces we share. On this docent-guided, family-friendly 2–3 mile walk, you’ll explore ten intriguing stops where Decatur’s history meets the science behind it, revealing how past choices, natural systems, and human innovation shape the world we see today. Come enjoy the spring weather and discover the science hiding in plain sight.
Rock n’ Walk | March 7 12:00pm Presented by: Georgia State University – Department of Geosciences, Stone Mountain Memorial Association, Georgia State University Perimeter College – Decatur
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!
Join Fernbank rangers for a small, group walk to celebrate the beginning of spring in Fernbank Forest. You’ll learn about the different kinds of native wildflowers found both in the forest and around Atlanta.
Come on out to Clyde Shepherd Nature Preserve in Decatur and witness wildlife with the Research faculty and staff from Amphibian Foundation. Become ‘community 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! Everyone and their families are encouraged to attend and bring your cell phones to upload images of what we find to iNaturalist.
Discover the underwater world of Georgia’s lakes and rivers! Georgia Aquarium and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are teaming up to introduce you to the aquatic creatures that call our waterways home. This event will allow you to discover fishing and learn how to protect these vital ecosystems. A perfect drop in event for the budding biologist!
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.
Examine the world of water by sampling water that reveal the health of a local stream in southwestern Atlanta. Test water quality and learn how changing environmental conditions can affect the livelihood of habitats and how that relates to human activities. Engage in laboratory and field science at different stations next to the creek, or jump in and “get your feet wet” to participate in data collection in the water!
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 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 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m., or enjoy a kid-friendly hike in the woods. Join us at this event where science and art collide!
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 Discovery Walk 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!
Join the National Park Service staff for a tiny monster hunt! Discover the extraordinary biodiversity 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? Do you dare discover?
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!
Atlanta’s urban forest is the foundation for life in our city! Join Trees Atlanta as we explore the Beltline’s Westside trail and nearby parks to learn about some especially fascinating native tree species. Using the iNaturalist app, you’ll embark on a family-friendly scavenger hunt to locate our highlighted mystery 10 trees and earn prizes along the way. Come early and bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds of the Kendeda TreeHouse!
What’s that – a bat! Join Trees Atlanta, Georgia Bat Working Group, and Atlanta Science Festival on a sunset stroll through Trees Atlanta’s campus and the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum Southwest Trail. We’ll see some of the native plants that have been incorporated Georgia native bats & check out some of the native plants and practices we can incorporate into our yards or neighborhood green spaces to help these sometimes misunderstood, mosquito-eating, sky puppies continue to survive & thrive in the City in the Forest. The Georgia Bat Working Group will have an acoustic bat detector to see if bats decide to join us. At the end of the tour, feel free to continue to stroll down the Atlanta Beltline Southwest Trail and enjoy one of Lee & Whites’ local breweries or restaurants.
Discover the incredible animals that call Blue Heron Nature Preserve home as we explore its 30-acre landscape on a guided nature hike. Along the way, you’ll get a hands-on look at unique animal coverings including shells, fur, scales, and feathers, from species that live in the area! Come join us for an adventure filled with exploration, learning, and a closer look at the wildlife around us! Please meet us on the front porch of our building.
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.
Critter Quest: Helping Science Discover Your Backyard Critters | March 15 2:00pm Presented by: Atlanta Urban Wildlife Working Group, Trees Atlanta, The Amphibian Foundation, Birds Georgia, Fernbank Museum, University of Georgia, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Tech, The Nature Conservancy
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 how you can too. These trainings will include birds, amphibians, and mammals! The first hour will showcase various community science organizations, including information on how you can get involved with their efforts to study wildlife and their habitat in and around Atlanta. The second and third hours are wildlife training activities where you go into the field with local experts to learn how to identify different groups of animals (e.g., birds, reptiles, mammals). You will be able to attend two different training activities, however please plan to arrive at either 2:45 p.m. or 3:45 p.m. in order to partake in these activities.
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. Take a hike at our urban nature preserve on Bush Mountain to learn about forest biodiversity, plant/animal/insect identification, soil, art and crafts, and music of the outdoors.
Into tech? We’ve got events for you! Explore coding, dig into the ethics of AI, and meet some robots! Get your tech fill at these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 7-21.
Come Celebrate STEAM at Georgia Tech! Enjoy 60+ engaging demonstrations, inspiring speakers, food trucks, and more at this four-hour, family-friendly event that brings science, technology, engineering, art, and math to life like never before!
Join Women in Technology (WIT), in collaboration with the Johnson STEM Activity Center (JSAC), for an empowering workshop designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in middle and high school girls exploring technology careers.
Together, we’ll EXPLORE the exciting world of STEM through hands-on experiences in robotics, virtual reality, coding, and more. This unique workshop inspires young women to PURSUE fulfilling tech careers, PERSIST through challenges, and develop the leadership skills to LEAD boldly in their STEM journeys.
What makes our workshop stand out? You’ll engage directly with successful women in STEM from across Atlanta—professionals and college students alike—who are shaping the future of technology.
To top it off, the event will feature a powerful Q&A session with Dr. Lonnie Johnson, Atlanta’s own inventor of the Super Soaker. Dr. Johnson will share his journey and encourage every participant to EXPLORE, PURSUE, PERSIST, and LEAD in their own unique way.
Identifiers, categories, demographics, labels. Now more than ever, we are able to define every facet of the human experience with some kind of descriptor. But do these descriptions encourage diversity or disunity? Do scientific terms and labels provide grateful understanding or confused fear? How do the things we call ourselves shape our selves? What are the spiritual, social, and neurological effects of the labels we use for ourselves and others?
Join Gentle Spirit Christian Church, First Christian Church of Decatur, and distinguished guests for a panel discussion on identity, society, personhood, and the ways that our definitions define us. We look forward to engaging in this topic with you!
BYTES + AI Summit | March 14 9:00am Presented by: Georgia State University King Research Collaborative, Collaborative Human -AI (CHAI) Center, Department of Middle and Secondary Education, I Am STEM, Ebri Education
Join us for the BYTES + AI Summit, where creativity meets technology. This immersive half-day experience invites you and your families to explore the world of STEM through hands-on rotations that spark curiosity, innovation, and collaboration.
You will dive into coding and artificial intelligence with Minecraft Education, using python and block-based coding to solve challenges and see how AI powers creativity. In the robotics lab, you’ll build and code robots to compete in fun, real-world missions. The drone zone lets you pilot drones through exciting obstacle courses while learning about the physics and problem-solving behind flight. In the AI Literacy Lab, families explore how artificial intelligence impacts everyday life, learning to craft prompts, identify deepfakes, and think critically about what you see online.
Each experience is led by real educators, technologists, engineers, and data experts who connect these activities to future career pathways. Parents are encouraged to learn alongside their children, gaining tools to support continued exploration at home.
The day concludes with a youth showcase where you share what you’ve built, coded, and discovered, followed by prizes to celebrate your creativity!
How are your favorite games or apps created? With computer code! Join HYPE, the non-profit organization working to bring equitable tech education to under-represented girls, to create your own animation! Who is your shero or a woman that embodies excellence to you? Give her a cape and make her fly! At this event, in celebration of Women’s History Month, students will use code to create a cartoon of their shero. Parents- come learn too! No skills or previous experience necessary!
This is your special invitation to explore our STE(A)M Truck Maker Space and visit one, two, or all three of our stations, each tailored to different interests: AI & Art, engineering a mini geodesic dome, or harnessing the power of magnets to make a dancing replica of our famous STE(A)M Truck! Join us for this very special STE(A)M Truck Saturday and experience our new Maker Space, get hands-on with STEM, and maybe even check out some tools! As a bonus, visit the Pittsburgh Yards Indie Fair and make it a fun afternoon!
The Guthman Music, Art, and Technology Fair brings together creators from different backgrounds for an interactive showcase of creative technologies. Get hands-on experience with the latest experiments in music 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.
Stop by anytime for this drop-in event, then check out the Guthman Musical Instrument Competition happening at 7pm!
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.
Come on out to the unmissable conclusion of the 2026 Atlanta Science Festival! Hundreds of hands-on science activities at our city’s biggest science party. And, it’s free!
Science isn’t just about experiments in the lab; it touches all parts of life. Come on out to these Atlanta Science Festival events, taking place March 7-21, to learn more about the societal impacts of science.
For ASF2026, Science ATL is debuting a new Discovery Walk through downtown Decatur! Science is all around us, often hidden in everyday places – where we live, where we play, and where we walk. On this docent-guided through Decatur, you will uncover some of this secret science on a family-friendly 2-3 mile route with ten intriguing science stops. Come on out and enjoy the lovely spring weather and learn a little science along the way!
Please note – at moments, the sidewalk is narrow and may be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair.
Meet the ghosts of Albert Einstein and other historical scientists such as Marie Curie and George Washington Carver, as they share the tales of their lives, their research, and their *demise*. As you wind your way through a dark maze of frustration and inspiration, you will learn about science, test your knowledge via our interactive app, and collect each ghost’s talisman of discovery. Prepare to be afraid! Prepare to be amazed!
Flat Earth, aliens, astrology, oh my! What’s science? What isn’t? Join scientists and academics to dig into the evidence and science behind these topics and more!
Identifiers, categories, demographics, labels. Now more than ever, we are able to define every facet of the human experience with some kind of descriptor. But do these descriptions encourage diversity or disunity? Do scientific terms and labels provide grateful understanding or confused fear? How do the things we call ourselves shape our selves? What are the spiritual, social, and neurological effects of the labels we use for ourselves and others? Join Gentle Spirit Christian Church, First Christian Church of Decatur, and distinguished guests for a panel discussion on identity, society, personhood, and the ways that our definitions define us. We look forward to engaging in this topic with you!
From President Carter’s 1970s solar panels on the White House to today’s high-tech solar vehicles, the look and efficiency of clean energy has been rapidly changing. Join the Carter Library and the Georgia Tech Solar Racing team for an engaging panel discussion on the evolution of clean energy. Hear from experts about how Carter’s early response to the Energy Crisis helped spark a clean energy revolution—and see modern innovations in action! The Georgia Tech Solar Racing team will bring their solar vehicles onsite for the public to view and interact with, offering a hands-on look at the future of sustainable transportation. Don’t miss this chance to connect a determined past with the innovations driving tomorrow!
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 Discovery Walk 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!
The West Atlanta Watershed Alliance presents Afro-STEAM, a celebration of science through an Afrocentric lens! Much of our modern world, including technology, medicine, art, and even space exploration, has been shaped by Black and African thinkers and cultures. Join our “career play day” event as we recognize and explore those contributions with past, present, and future change-makers. Participate in hands-on STEAM activities, interactive presentations, and engaging demonstrations inspired and led by STEAM professionals of Afro-Diaspora descent.
Ever wondered what it takes to become a pilot, and what it took in the beginning of flying planes in general? Join Théâtre du Rêve (Theater of the Dream) as we chat with, and learn from, leading experts in the field about how planes work and what it’s like to be a pilot, with a focus on women and people of color’s experience in the industry.
The Earth’s climate doesn’t have to be a mystery! Join Climate Fresk’s environmental stewards who’ll guide you and your family through an interactive, edifying card game about the causes and consequences of climate change. Walk away with accessible action items, learn how to make a difference in your community, and participate in micro-actions that can make a macro-difference! 2 MILLION people have already become environmental stewards through this workshop, join us and become one of them!
Science Team Trivia Night! Join host Laurel Bristow, infectious disease expert, research scientist, and host of the popular Health Wanted podcast at Monday Night Garage! Test your knowledge of health and science, enjoy a good time with friends, and mix and mingle with other science enthusiasts! Team up with friends to compete for fun prizes! Don’t have a team already? We will pair you when you arrive.
How do we stop the world’s worst killers? Dr. Tom Frieden knows because he has been there — in the field in the US and abroad as a disease detective, and in the director’s suite at the CDC under President Barack Obama. On a livestream, he’ll discuss his new book THE FORMULA FOR BETTER HEALTH with journalist Maryn McKenna, laying out what’s worked in the past and what we need to do now to improve the world’s health and our own.
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.
https://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-atlanta-science-festival.jpg6271200lizzihttps://atlantasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo-atlanta-science-festival-engineered-science-atl.pnglizzi2025-01-23 20:00:082025-01-23 20:06:51Atlanta Science Festival Returns with Exciting 2025 Programming
