12th annual
Maryland STEM Festival
2026 theme · Artificial Intelligence
DAY 27
Today at the Festival
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Discover events happening across Maryland throughout the Festival.
Published event spotlight
Explore the Festival
Ripen the MeriSTEM, Inc.
Make & Test Candy and Food Experiments
Ripen the Meristem, Inc. (RTM) is thrilled to invite families throughout Cambridge, Dorchester County, and surrounding communities to our FREE Eats & Experiments STEM Series at the Dorchester County Public Library! Join us as we explore the wonders of science through four exciting activities: 🟢 Make Slime & Test Strange Materials — October 8 🧪 Make Color-Changing, Foaming, & Fizzing Chemistry — October 22 🍬 Make & Test Candy & Food Experiments — November 11 🧬 Extract Real DNA & Test It With Forensic Tools — November 15 Each session will feature a different hands-on experiment led by a real scientist, Chenere P. Ramsey, PhD, giving children and adults an opportunity to learn, discover, and have fun together! ✅ FREE and open to the public ✅ Pre-K through 12th grade students and adults welcome ✅ All experiment materials and refreshments provided ✅ Attend one session or all four! 📢 Advance registration is required, and space is limited!
#Biotech #Chemistry #play #STEM
Help us improve next year’s Festival. Share your experience in our attendee survey.
2026 Maryland STEM Festival
October 16 – November 15
Maryland STEM Festival brings hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math experiences to students, families, educators, and communities across the state.
Look at what is happening!
Choose a topic to find upcoming Festival events.
Building, Engineering & Making
19 upcoming events
Computers, AI & Robotics
20 upcoming events
Art & Creative STEM
8 upcoming events
Chemistry & Physics
15 upcoming events
Biology & Health
14 upcoming events
Nature, Animals & Environment
7 upcoming events
Space & Earth Science
10 upcoming events
Math & Problem Solving
5 upcoming events
Maryland STEM Ambassador Program
STEM Ambassador Program
Even if you missed the July 27th meeting, we will still welcome Middle and High School students to our Ambassador Program. Learn about being a Maryland STEM Festival Ambassador here. Email us at Phil@marylandstemfestival.org to join the program or with questions.
12Th Maryland STEM FESTIVAL
CLOSING CEREMONY
November 15Th 1-3pm
This free event will celebrate the 2026 Maryland STEM Festival, featuring a variety of STEM activities and demonstrations from different MC components and other area STEM organizations. Participating organizations will be added as event gets closer.
Our Mission
We’re Here To Make STEM Happen!
A Month Long Celebration!
The Maryland STEM Festival is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics that takes place every Fall. In 2026, we’ll be bringing hundreds of events focused on fun, interactive science learning opportunities. Students, families, friends, STEM professionals, teachers, and volunteers will all enjoy events taking place throughout Maryland.
Highlights The Impact Of Science!
The Festival highlights the educational, cultural and financial impact of science in this state. Through hands-on activities, talks, lab tours, nature experiences, expos, exhibits and performances, the Festival engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations.
Cultivates A Positive Environment!
This Festival cultivates a positive environment that inspires children to pursue science-related careers and encourages businesses to invest in Maryland. The Festival energizes our state’s efforts to respond to these challenges.
Upcoming Events
Don’t Miss Out On Our Upcoming Events
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November 11, 2026 · All day
Discover the building blocks of artificial intelligence through hands-on play, creativity, and problem-solving at this interactive family event! Children and caregivers will explore how computers learn by recognizing patterns, following instructions, making predictions, and learning through trial and error. Through engaging activities, families will discover that AI isn’t magic—it’s technology created by people. Kids will…
Best For: Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: e -
November 11, 2026 · 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Design the Future: STEM & Digital Engineering Preview Day is an immersive, hands on experience that introduces participants to core STEM and digital engineering concepts used in modern defense, technology, and engineering environments. The event highlights real world applications, encourages problem solving, and helps participants envision their pathway into STEM careers.
Best For: High School, AdultsEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Energetics Technology CenterVenue: Energetics Technology Center -
November 11, 2026 · 9:00 am–5:00 pm
How long? How heavy? How strong? Spend your day off school exploring the science of measurement through creative challenges, hands-on projects, and collaborative problem solving!
Best For: Elementary SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Because ScienceVenue: Because Science -
November 11, 2026 · 1:30 pm–7:00 pm
Pick up a STEM kit to make a crystal tree at home.
Best For: Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Washington County Free LibraryVenue: Smithsburg Library -
November 11, 2026 · 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
The University of Maryland Extension 4-H Youth Development presents a popular, hands-on aerospace engineering initiative originally launched as the national science experiment for 4-H National Youth Science Day. In Rockets to the Rescue, we explore how science and engineering can help solve problems!
Best For: Elementary SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Anne Arundel County LibraryVenue: Rivera Beach Branch -
November 11, 2026 · 5:30 pm–8:00 pm
This is a family friendly event, with a science show and interactive tables on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM), aimed primarily at elementary and middle school students, but older and younger guests are welcomed!
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Arundel Community College
Meet Our Sponsors
Testimonial
What Our Attendees Say
The Maryland STEM Festival hosts events for people of all ages, backgrounds, and areas of STEM. Learn more about our mission on the About Us page.
Elementary School
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“I made rockets, I got to pet a snake, and I got to make a tower out of paper straws to hold up a pumpkin!”
Middle School
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“It was very fun! I learned about robots and how they are made. I liked how a lot of the stations were hands on and interactive.”
College Graduate
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“I like that everyone gave anecdotes on how they got into Cybersecurity and gave tips on how people like me can get into Cybersecurity.”
Support Us
Support Maryland STEM Festival 2026
Your support helps bring hands-on STEM learning to communities across Maryland.
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