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Explore. Discover. Innovate. (All‑Ages, Free & Fun!)

What is the Vancouver Science Festival?

The Vancouver Science Festival is an annual celebration that invites learners of all ages—kids, teens, families, educators, and curious adults—to dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). Over several days in Vancouver, we host hands‑on workshops, live experiments, interactive talks, maker booths, and innovation showcases that bring science out of the lab and into the heart of our community.

Why Attend?

  • Hands‑on & interactive learning – Try real experiments, mix science with fun and see how things really work.
  • Inclusive & inspired for all ages – Whether you’re 7 or 70, there’s something for you. Families, school groups and individuals welcome.
  • Local innovation on display – Meet and learn from local researchers, startups, makers and youth innovators.
  • Spark the next idea – Discover how science & creativity solve real‑world challenges—and feel inspired to innovate your way.
  • Free or low‑cost access – Most activities are free or pay‑what‑you‑can; the idea is to remove barriers to participation.

Festival Highlights

  • Maker & Lab Zone – Tinker with electronics, build robots, explore VR/AR, and take part in surprise science demos.
  • Youth Innovation Showcase – Young innovators (grades 7–12) present their STEM projects and ideas in a friendly “expo” format.
  • Inspire Talks – Short, engaging talks by researchers, tech founders, and educators sharing big ideas and how they got started.
  • Science Walk & Street Fair – Sidewalk demo stages, pop‑up experiments, science art installations, and food‑friendly gather zones for families.
  • Community Challenge – A weekend hackathon or challenge (e.g., “design a device that…”) where teams collaborate and present solutions.
  • Certificate of Participation – Attend‑and‑learn badges or certificates for youth attendees, encouraging further exploration.

Who Should Come?

  • Kids & Teens (aged 7–15) — Ideal for curious young minds who love to ask “why?”, experiment and create.
  • Families & Parents — A great day out where you learn with your children and explore together.
  • Educators & Youth Groups — Field‑trip friendly, with activity tracks aligned to school‑curricula and STEAM objectives.
  • Community & Makers — Makerspaces, clubs, tech‑startups, local researchers: all welcome to engage, exhibit or mentor.
  • Anyone curious about the world – You don’t need to be a scientist; just come with an open mind!

Event Details

  • Date: TBD
  • Time: [10:00 AM – 5:00 PM]
  • Location: TBD
  • Registration: Free entry; some workshops may require pre‑registration. See “How to Register” below.
  • Cost: Mostly free; special workshops may carry a small fee to cover materials.
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair‑accessible venue; sensory‑friendly zones available; bilingual signage (English + [other language if desired]).

How to Register

  1. Visit our registration portal.
  2. Select the session(s) you wish to attend (Maker Zone, Youth Showcase, Talks, etc.).
  3. For youth (ages 7‑15): pick an activity track and confirm parent / guardian consent.
  4. Workshop spots are limited—please register early to secure your place.
  5. On the day: Bring a printed or digital ticket, and arrive 10 minutes early for badge pick‑up.

Call for Exhibitors & Volunteers

  • Exhibitors: Do you run a makerspace, science lab or tech startup? Showcase your work, engage attendees and spark conversations.
  • Youth Innovators: Are you a student with a STEM project? Apply for the Youth Innovation Showcase to pitch your idea and join a judging panel of industry mentors.
  • Volunteers: Help with setup, guide families, run demo stations and be part of an inspiring community event. Training provided.

Sponsors & Partners

We are proudly supported by local universities, research centres, public libraries, industry partners and community organizations who believe in empowering youth through science and creativity.

Make It Yours

Bring your curiosity, creativity and sense of wonder. Put on your thinking cap, grab a lab coat (optional!) and come celebrate science with us at the Vancouver Science Festival—where the future is yours to explore.