Be a part of the Oregon Science Festival!
Host a workshop, lecture or event during the week of Sept 11-15, or table at the Science Extravaganza Sept 16-17. Please submit an application by filling out the form linked below by Friday, June 30th. Note that the events scheduled during Sept 11-15 will be hosted by YOU and your staff at your location.
Join us for the 2023 Oregon Science Festival, a week-long celebration of science!
With this inaugural event, we’re excited to transform the widely celebrated Portland Mini Maker Fair into the annual Oregon Science Festival. This new iteration will celebrate science, engineering, technology, art, and math as central elements of our region as we engage new partners to expand science education outside a museum setting.
A Week of STEAM
The Oregon Science Festival, presented by OMSI, will include five days of events in the Portland Metro Area and beyond from September 11-15, 2023 including workshops, tours, lectures and events. We will celebrate STEAM education (science, engineering, technology, art and math) as central elements of our region by highlighting the vast array of scientists, engineers, and innovators –- companies and individuals — who are inspiring future generations. The festival will end with a two-day Science Extravaganza hosted at OMSI on September 16 and 17, 2023.
Festival Guide
Tuesday, September 12
Science Pub: Invasive Species
Learn about invasive species of the Pacific Northwest from Theresa Thom, PhD, Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. More info and tickets coming soon!
Sept 11, 7:00pm
OMSI’s Theory Restaurant
Wednesday, September 13
Reel Science: Elemental: Reimagine Wildfire
Join us for a screening of the film Elemental, and a lecture and Q&A session with Ralph Bloemers, Film Producer and Director of Fire Safe Committees.
Sept 13, 6:30pm
OMSI’s Empirical Theater
Saturday + Sunday, September 16 + 17
Science Extravaganza
We’re closing out Science Festival with a bang! Join us for a two-day celebration of STEAM education and industry.
Sept 16 & 17
OMSI Campus

OMSI Science Extravaganza
Join us September 16-17 for a 2-day science extravaganza to close out the festival with a bang. This celebration will feature STEAM partners all across the museum campus!
Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17
9:30am to 5:30pm
Tickets on sale in July!
Frequently Asked Questions
Science Festivals bring together families and individuals to celebrate science as a vital local force–showcasing how important it is to our local culture, education, and economy. They bring STEAM education to everyone in unexpected ways and engage a broad community to encourage a passion for science!
OMSI’s Science Festival will feature a week of events, September 11-17 at both OMSI and various other community locations and will culminate with a 2-day Science Extravaganza at OMSI. See the Festival Guide for a complete schedule of events.
Tickets to events happening September 11-15 might have a ticket associated with them. You will be able to find more information on our website beginning in July.
Tickets for the Science Extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday, September 16 and 17, will be $15 adults (14+), $10 youth (3-13) and $12 seniors (63+). OMSI members receive 50% off the price of admission.
All events are family-friendly unless otherwise noted.
Each event will be set up different. Make sure to check the listing or the venue’s website to determine what will be available.
All Science Pub and events taking place at OMSI will have food and beverages available. If the event is after hours, alcohol will be available as well.
The Science Festival will replace the annual Maker Faire.
All events are rain or shine.
Interested in volunteering for this special event? Are you comfortable providing quality customer service in a fun atmosphere? If yes, your first step is to complete the Oregon Science Fest Volunteer application form found here.
Please be aware that all volunteers must be 14 years old or older to participate in this volunteer opportunity. We’ll send you an email once we’ve received your application with more details. Please contact volunteer@omsi.edu with questions!

Get Involved
If you’re interested in hosting a tour, workshop, lecture or event the week of Sept 11-15, or for a chance to table at the Science Extravaganza Sept 16-17, please submit an application by filling out the form linked below by Friday, June 30th. Note that the events scheduled during Sept 11-15 will be hosted by YOU and your staff at your location.
Thanks to Our Advisors
Beth Morton, Portland ACS
Chris Smolen, ePlus inc.
Christina Codino, Trackers Earth
Deeana Smith, Sneaker Week
Eric Thompson, Low Voltage Labs
Herbert Beauclure, Sneaker Week
Jerian Abel, PDX Stem
Juan Barraza, Vertue Lab
Kate Stout, OHSU
Kiki (Dr. Kristen) Sanford, Broader Impacts
Lurlene Shamsud-Din, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
Megan Davis, Sneaker Week / Wacom
Miguel Higgins-Moy, PIE
Nanci Champlin, SE Uplift
Renee Anderson, Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators
Sankar Raman, The Immigrant Story
Scott MacHaffie, Schrodinger, Inc.
Siira Rieschl, Reed College
Susi Thelen, University of Oregon
Tong Zhang, Portland State University, Maseeh College of Engineering & Computer Science
Valentina London, Oregon MESA