12th annual
Maryland STEM Festival
2026 theme · Artificial Intelligence
DAY 9
Today at the Festival
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Discover events happening across Maryland throughout the Festival.
Published event spotlight
Explore the Festival
Because Science
Take-It-Apart — Spooky Science Festival at Because Science
Join us for the Spooky Science Festival, a frightfully fun celebration of science, creativity, experiments, and discovery! This interactive festival invites visitors of all ages to explore spooky science through hands-on activities, creepy creations, colorful experiments, and engaging STEM experiences. Festival Details Dates: Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 Festival Hours: 12 PM–5 PM both days Theme: Spooky science, STEM, creativity, and Halloween fun Format: Drop-in activities throughout the day Activities: Free and ticketed experiences Our activities are designed to make science fun, creative, and accessible for visitors of all ages. Stop by throughout the weekend to experiment, create, discover, and explore the spooky side of science! Take-It-Apart Explore the science and engineering hidden inside everyday objects by taking things apart, investigating their components, and discovering what's inside.
#Arts #Chemistry #Crafts and Hobbies #D.I.Y. #Early Learning #Earth and Space Science #Engineering #Hands-On Maker Space #Life Sciences #Maker #Makerspace #Physics #play #Robotics #Science and Society #STEM #Technology #Toddler Sci. Skills
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
91 upcoming events
Computers, AI & Robotics
86 upcoming events
Art & Creative STEM
60 upcoming events
Chemistry & Physics
42 upcoming events
Biology & Health
39 upcoming events
Nature, Animals & Environment
28 upcoming events
Space & Earth Science
31 upcoming events
Math & Problem Solving
15 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
OPENING CEREMONY
October 15Th 6-8pm
Join us for an evening of STEM activities & demos at the UMCP Student Union
Meet R2D2 and other Droids & Robots
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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October 24, 2026 · All day
Join us for a witchy afternoon at the Pennsylvania Branch – we’ll be brewing up some glittery slime in tiny cauldrons!
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Enoch Pratt Free Library -
October 24, 2026 · 10:30 am–5:00 pm
STEM activities changing Daily at our Makerspace table during branch hours. Ages 5-12
Best For: Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Washington County Free Library -
October 24, 2026 · 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Explore the exciting world of artificial intelligence through three interactive, hands-on activities! Participants will investigate how AI works, create their own AI-generated artwork, and explore the computer hardware that powers modern technology.
Best For: Middle School, High School, AdultsEvent Location Type: In-Person -
October 24, 2026 · 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Tweens and teens can join us for this fun STEM experiment in the honor of MD STEM Fest.
Best For: Middle School, High SchoolEvent Location Type: In Person (Maryland)Organizer: Montgomery County Public LibraryVenue: Gaithersburg Library -
October 24, 2026 · 12:00 pm–5:00 pm
Join us for the Spooky Science Festival, a frightfully fun celebration of science, creativity, experiments, and discovery! This interactive festival invites visitors of all ages to explore spooky science through hands-on activities, creepy creations, colorful experiments, and engaging STEM experiences. Festival Details Dates: Saturday and Sunday, October 24–25 Festival Hours: 12 PM–5 PM both days…
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, AdultsEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Because ScienceVenue: Because Science -
October 24, 2026 · 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
This is a 4-week robotics program presented by two High School juniors at Walter Johnson High School with a passion for STEM, who have participated in the First Lego League competition for two years.
Best For: Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In Person (Maryland)Organizer: Montgomery County Public LibraryVenue: Wheaton Library
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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