Starting in late April, Penn will once again take part in the Philadelphia Science Festival, a celebration of the STEM fields: science, technology, engineering, and math. The popular program is entering its fourth year and continues to expand.

Organized by The Franklin Institute, the Science Festival is a collaboration between the city’s leading universities, museums, research centers, and hi-tech companies. Penn’s presence will include faculty, students, and staff from many of the University’s schools and labs.  

Science Festival programs will be held at various sites across the city between April 25 and May 3. Most are free.

Many favorites from previous festivals will be making repeat appearances, such as Science Day at the Ballpark, which will turn a Phillies game into a interactive sports science museum, and Astronomy Night, during which professional and amateur astronomers around the city will bring out their telescopes to give tours of the night sky, along with lectures, activities, and snacks.

Discovery Day at Clark Park is also returning on Saturday, April 26, with family-friendly events and hands-on activities that will showcase the science of the outdoors.

New this year is Mess Fest, which will be held on Sunday, April 27, at Smith Memorial Playground in Fairmount Park. The event will be full of interactive experiences for kids of all ages who aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty.

The annual Science Carnival closes out the festival on Saturday, May 3. This year, it will be bigger than ever with more than 150 booths, presentations, and exhibits on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Have an idea for a science-themed activity suited to one of these events? The Festival is currently accepting submissions, and will continue to do so through next month. Applications for carnival booths are also still available, and all of the Festival’s major events are seeking volunteers to provide logistical support and distribute information.

Beyond these gatherings, the Festival will have hundreds of smaller events, such as lectures and film screenings.

The full festival calendar will appear soon on the Philadelphia Science Festival website.