12th annual
Maryland STEM Festival
2026 theme · Artificial Intelligence
DAY 1
Today at the Festival
Friday, October 16, 2026
Discover events happening across Maryland throughout the Festival.
Published event spotlight
Explore the Festival
Gaithersburg Community Museum
Weekly Challenge: Earth Sciences Week
Celebrate Earth Sciences Week by learning about the rocks and minerals of Maryland and how they are used.
#Earth and Space Science
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
115 upcoming events
Computers, AI & Robotics
110 upcoming events
Art & Creative STEM
66 upcoming events
Chemistry & Physics
51 upcoming events
Biology & Health
41 upcoming events
Nature, Animals & Environment
37 upcoming events
Space & Earth Science
33 upcoming events
Math & Problem Solving
24 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 16, 2026 · 12:00 am–11:59 pm
Take and Make Fiber Optic Light Experiments. While supplies last.
Best For: Preschool, Elementary SchoolEvent Location Type: In Person (Maryland)Organizer: Montgomery County Public LibraryVenue: Kensington Park Library -
October 16, 2026 · 11:00 am–4:00 pm
Celebrate Earth Sciences Week by learning about the rocks and minerals of Maryland and how they are used.
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Gaithersburg Community Museum -
October 16, 2026 · 1:30 pm–3:30 pm
Boost your speed and confidence in Adobe Illustrator with this hands-on class focused on essential tools and time-saving shortcuts. Gain a solid understanding of Illustrator features and keyboard shortcuts to help you create vector designs more efficiently. This class is ideal for those looking to streamline the design process for makerspace projects. Attendees should have…
Best For: High School, AdultsEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Carroll County Public Library -
October 16, 2026 · 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Bringing art and STEM together, make your own unique creations at different stations. All supplies provided.
Best For: Elementary SchoolEvent Location Type: In-Person -
October 16, 2026 · 2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Ready to take your Tinkercad skills to the next level? We’ll be using this software program to create a personalized stamp that we’ll print out just for you!
Best For: Elementary School, Middle School, High SchoolEvent Location Type: In-Person -
October 16, 2026 · 2:00 pm–4:00 pm
In person information session for high school students interested in engineering majors. Specifically, a major and career that designs solutions to the problem of fire, protecting people, property and the environment from the unwanted affects of fire.
Best For: High SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Department of Fire Protection EngineeringVenue: J.M. Patterson Building
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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