12th annual
Maryland STEM Festival
2026 theme · Artificial Intelligence
DAY 2
Today at the Festival
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Discover events happening across Maryland throughout the Festival.
Published event spotlight
Explore the Festival
Howard Astronomical League
Howard Astronomical League Public Star Party
Public Star Party with HAL Observatory open and members' telescopes set up in plaza and parking lot. Activities for kids.
#Astronomy #Science and Society
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
96 upcoming events
Computers, AI & Robotics
96 upcoming events
Art & Creative STEM
56 upcoming events
Chemistry & Physics
44 upcoming events
Biology & Health
36 upcoming events
Nature, Animals & Environment
33 upcoming events
Space & Earth Science
27 upcoming events
Math & Problem Solving
21 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 17, 2026 · All day
Stop by to learn more about the Light Street Branch’s new 3D Printer! Participants will be able to choose one item to print from pre-selected designs which will include fidgets, miniatures, and other small trinkets. All ages are welcome!
Best For: Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Enoch Pratt Free LibraryVenue: Light Street Library -
October 17, 2026 · All day
Dive into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math with fun, hands-on experiments and activities! Explore magnetic blocks through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
Best For: Elementary SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Prince George’s County Memorial LibraryVenue: Mount Rainer Branch -
October 17, 2026 · 6:30 pm–11:00 pm
Public Star Party with HAL Observatory open and members’ telescopes set up in plaza and parking lot. Activities for kids.
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, AdultsEvent Location Type: In-Person -
October 18, 2026 · 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Celebrate Maryland Maker Day at KID Museum’s Open Explore on Sunday, October 18! Families are invited to explore, create, and discover together through hands-on making that sparks curiosity, creativity, and innovation.
Best For: Preschool, Elementary School, Middle SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: KID MuseumVenue: 3 Bethesda Metro Center -
October 18, 2026 · 11:00 am–4:30 pm
Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors will learn about robots, use software to program a robot, build a prototype using easily accessible materials, and showcase their creations to fellow Scouts for feedback. Cadettes will also build circuits while Seniors build a hydraulic arm.
Best For: Middle School, High SchoolEvent Location Type: In-PersonOrganizer: Maryland Science CenterVenue: Maryland Science Center -
October 18, 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
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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