2023 Upcoming Festival Events
Looking for an event that already occurred? Check out the 2022 event archive.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Geocaching Adventure
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 7:00am to 7:00pm
Hidden treasure boxes in the woods? Sign me up! Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS technology and a smartphone app to find containers called "caches" marked by coordinates at specific locations all over the world. You never know what you'll find in these secret treasure boxes! DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah and several dedicated geocaching enthusiasts have designed two scavenger hunts for you to seek within the forests of Mason Mill, Medlock, [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
O-STEAM
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
Hike through the old-growth forest with WAWA and enjoy STEM activities along the way! We will study 100-year-old trees, test the water quality in Utoy Creek, get artistic, and observe rocks that make up an old and dry cascade. Come join us and bring your classmates and family for a fun-filled day!
AUDIENCE(S): Preschool, Elem. School, Middle School, Families
Journey of Our Water
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 10:30am to 12:00pm
SOLD OUT Ever wonder where our water comes from and what happens to water before and after we use it? Come take an educational journey through the Johns Creek Environmental Campus and learn about the entire water treatment cycle! Watch millions of gallons of water journey through the process of treatment; learn about the latest in treatment technology, all while touring a state-of-the-art treatment facility. See the pipes and actual treated water and learn [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School
Roob and Noob
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 11:00am to 12:30pm
Meet Roob & Noob: two overly curious scientists who love nothing more than discovering something new. Join them on an interactive adventure, as they build machines from simple objects and explore the wonder and sensations of each of the four seasons. Inspired by Rube Goldberg's magical machines, this unique theatrical performance combines science and the arts, proving that sometimes the most profound discoveries are achieved by simply playing.
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Preschool, Elem. School
Bite Sized Physics
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Take a bite out of science with our Bite Sized Physics event! Run on a non-Newtonian fluid! Watch waves in action! Make static electricity with a Van de Graff generator! And more!
Advance registration is preferred, but not required!
For help navigating campus, view the campus map here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School
O-STEAM
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Hike through the old-growth forest with WAWA and enjoy STEM activities along the way! We will study 100-year-old trees, test the water quality in Utoy Creek, get artistic, and observe rocks that make up an old and dry cascade. Come join us and bring your classmates and family for a fun-filled day!
AUDIENCE(S): Preschool, Elem. School, Middle School, Families
Mathvenger Hunt!
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Do you like doing scavenger hunts but wish they were nerdier? Do you enjoy solving fun math problems but also want a lot of pointless walking around between questions? Did you complete a Mathvenger Hunt in the past two years and are eager to try a brand new set of math puzzles? What's the opposite of "no"? If you said "yes" to any of the above, join us for our third Mathvenger Hunt, the third [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Adults, Elem. School, High School, Middle School
Out of This World Science Carnival at Clayton State University
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Come experience awesome science at Clayton State University! We'll have in hands-on activities, demos, and talks about biology, chemistry, and physics of alien life and space travel. Come dressed up as your favorite space person or alien (the best costume wins a special prize!) and come look for signs of alien life on campus!
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Adults, High School, Middle School, Elem. School
Paranormal Phenomena and Pseudo-sciences
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Flat Earth, aliens, astrology, homeopathy, crystals, vaccinations, and more...What's science? What isn't? We will have professors from geology, biology, astronomy, philosophy, and more to dig into the evidence and science behind all of these topics and the issues surrounding them.
For help navigating campus, view the campus map here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, High School
The Plant Hunter: A Scientist's Quest for Nature's Next Medicines
Wednesday, 03/22/2023 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Join leading medical ethnobotanist and explorer, Dr. Cassandra Quave, as she shares the story of her quest to develop new ways to fight illness and disease through the healing powers of plants. Book signing of her uplifting and adventure-filled memoir, The Plant Hunter , and herbal tea blending activity to follow the talk!
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, High School, Middle School
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Geocaching Adventure
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 7:00am to 7:00pm
Hidden treasure boxes in the woods? Sign me up! Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS technology and a smartphone app to find containers called "caches" marked by coordinates at specific locations all over the world. You never know what you'll find in these secret treasure boxes! DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah and several dedicated geocaching enthusiasts have designed two scavenger hunts for you to seek within the forests of Mason Mill, Medlock, [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
Breaking Down the Bean: The Science Behind Home Coffee Brewing
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 10:00am to 11:30am
SOLD OUT
Have you ever wondered what it takes to brew a perfect cup of coffee? Did you know that flavor of your brew ultimately boils down to the science? Join us for a hands-on demonstration as we explore how time, temperature, grind coarseness, and proportion all affect what's in your cup -- and learn how to harness these variables in your own kitchen!
This event repeats on March 24: here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Coffee Roasting, Seed to Sip: A scientific exploration from green to brown to black
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm
SOLD OUT
Ever wonder how and why coffee beans turn brown during roasting? Join Opo Coffee's lead roaster in a hands-on experience, learning about the chemical changes that occur during the coffee roasting process, discussing the variables at play, and then getting to roast a batch of your own coffee to take home!
This event repeats on March 24: here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Astronomy of Star Wars
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 6:00pm to 7:00pm
One with the Force you are? Join us for an all-ages sci-fi adventure where Professor Jay Dunn teaches us about aliens and worlds in our galaxy and in a galaxy far, far away! For help navigating campus, view the campus map here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
R.O.C.K.S. (Rockdale Offers Creative Kids Science) 4-H Family Night
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Join the Rockdale County 4-H staff for a fun night of messy science! We'll have a blast with all sorts of science fun - color mixing, things erupting, and much more!
AUDIENCE(S): Families
Gwinnett Family Science Night
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm
SOLD OUT
Science is Magic that works! Join us for a night of some wacky and wild science experiments where youth and parents together will get a chance to become mad scientists. You will have a chance to explore some kitchen science, space exploration, and experiments, as well as make an explosion. We are erupting with science that we want to share with you!
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Elem. School
Wild About Science with Cobb 4-H
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 6:30pm to 8:00pm
SOLD OUT
Are you wild about animals and all things animal science? Join UGA Extension and Cobb County 4-H as your family will learn about wildlife, habitats, animal science and more. To add to the fun, there will even be hands-on critter encounters!
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Elem. School, Middle School
Science & Spirituality
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
What are the intersections and shared pathways of science and spirituality, of physics and faith, of biology and belief? Belief in a loving God may be nice if you have it, but what if you aren't wired that way? What if your main mode of being is by thinking, wondering, and questioning? Who says the only way to encounter the holy is through faith? Can people connect via the mind, or intellectualism, or reasoning? [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Pet or Pest? Why Humans Love Some Animals and Loathe Others
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Humans spend a lot of energy distinguishing between the animals we invite into our lives and the ones we chase away. But whether we consider a cat, a rat, a wolf, or even an elephant a hero or a villain depends on what we want from them — and what we decide reveals more about us than it does about them. Science journalist Bethany Brookshire talks about her new book “PESTS: How Humans Create Animal [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, High School
Meditation & the Brain
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
We've all heard that meditation is good for you, but can it actually change your brain? Join this virtual panel that brings together neuroscientists, Buddhist monks, and Sahajayoga meditation experts for a presentation and discussion about the neurological benefits of meditation, followed by a short, guided meditation.
Photo credit: Pexels | Min An
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, High School, Middle School
Nerd Nite ASF!
Thursday, 03/23/2023 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Ever wonder what your college professors lectures would look like if they were three beers deep and able to tell you how they REALLY feel about their favorite topic? Join us for Nerd Nite ASF! Three experts will give irreverent, inebriated, and deeply interesting talks about topics they're a giant nerd for.
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Friday, March 24, 2023
Geocaching Adventure
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 7:00am to 7:00pm
Hidden treasure boxes in the woods? Sign me up! Geocaching is a treasure-hunting game in which participants use GPS technology and a smartphone app to find containers called "caches" marked by coordinates at specific locations all over the world. You never know what you'll find in these secret treasure boxes! DeKalb County’s Ranger Jonah and several dedicated geocaching enthusiasts have designed two scavenger hunts for you to seek within the forests of Mason Mill, Medlock, [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
Exploring Atlanta’s Urban Parks: Adams Park - CANCELLED
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Due to circumstances beyond our control, this event has been cancelled.
You can find nature everywhere! Come with us to discover your city parks! During this hike, you'll learn the basics on how to be prepared for beginner hiking, tree identification, how wildlife interacts from the urban forest, plus how we can benefit from what the urban forest can provide for us.
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
Wildflower Walk
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 10:00am to 11:30am
Join us for a 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!
Please note that although this event is free with admission, we still require registration specifically for the event, as space is limited.
AUDIENCE(S): Families
Coffee Roasting, Seed to Sip: A scientific exploration from green to brown to black
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 10:00am to 12:00pm
SOLD OUT
Ever wonder how and why coffee beans turn brown during roasting? Join Opo Coffee's lead roaster in a hands-on experience, learning about the chemical changes that occur during the coffee roasting process, discussing the variables at play, and then getting to roast a batch of your own coffee to take home!
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
(Un)Natural History Walk of Constitution Lakes and Doll's Head Trail
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 11:00am to 1:00pm
Come discover one of Atlanta's secret parks. Join us for a walk around Constitution Lakes and visit the birds and other creatures that call this unique urban park home. The tour will include information on native and invasive plant identification, birds, and the geology and history of the area. Extra Bonus: Come tour the Doll's Head Trail during the walk and contribute to the folk art that makes Atlanta so unique. This hike is appropriate [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, High School, Families, Middle School, Elem. School
Breaking Down the Bean: The Science Behind Home Coffee Brewing
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 12:30pm to 2:00pm
SOLD OUT
Have you ever wondered what it takes to brew a perfect cup of coffee? Did you know that flavor of your brew ultimately boils down to the science? Join us for a hands-on demonstration as we explore how time, temperature, grind coarseness, and proportion all affect what's in your cup -- and learn how to harness these variables in your own kitchen!
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Chemistry Bonanza Demo Show!
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 5:30pm to 6:30pm
SOLD OUT
Come and see exciting chemistry reactions and demonstrations! We will explore the chemistry of polymers, combustion reactions, cloud formation, and even a few fireballs. How do you speed up a reaction? Or slow it down? We will explore it all! Liquid nitrogen ice cream will be served as well—tasty chemistry!
There is limited seating for this event. Reserved tickets do not guarantee a seat. Arrive early to ensure your seat.
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School
Biology of the Despised: Snakes!
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 6:00pm to 7:30pm
SOLD OUT The Amphibian Foundation seeks to elevate awareness of the global amphibian declines. Here in Atlanta, AF also works to address some of the urban pressures impacting reptiles as well. There is perhaps no group more misunderstood and despised than venomous snakes. AF has been working with the community since the beginning to help people discern facts from fiction and even teaches a training course on how to handle venomous reptiles safely. Come explore [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Families
Get Outside and Get Inventing!
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm
Sticky feet that climb anything. Trunk-like robotic arms. Super-sensitive hearing. Is this a kind of new superhero? No! These are examples of REAL technology made with bionics. In this FUN and interactive presentation by children's science author Jennifer Swanson, you will get an inside look at many awesome inventions being created by engineers right now.Then it’ll be YOUR turn! You’ll get instructions on how to go outside, find an animal and create your own bionic [..]
AUDIENCE(S): Families, Elem. School, Middle School
Stars, Moon rocks, and Other Out of this World Awesomeness
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Join us for an evening of star gazing in our observatory and get a unique chance to explore objects from outer space! We'll have meteorite samples and space stuff for you to get a close look at under microscopes. Come on out for a space-tacular time!
This event will take place in room NC1320 AND the observatory.
For help navigating campus, view the campus map here
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
Solve for X Science Variety Show
Friday, 03/24/2023 - 7:30pm to 9:00pm
Solve for X is a science-themed comedic variety show where everything is turned upside down: professional artists do short performances inspired by science and scientists do improv comedy, all for the delighted amusement of a tipsy audience.
AUDIENCE(S): Adults
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Exploration Expo
Saturday, 03/25/2023 - 10:00am to 4:00pm
Come on out to the explosive conclusion of the 2023 Atlanta Science Festival!
Emory
AUDIENCE(S): Adults, Families, High School, Middle School, Elem. School, Preschool
