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Oregon Science Festival

September 11 - September 17

Tickets Coming Soon!

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.

 

Apply Now!

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

What is a Science Festival?

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.

Do I have to buy a ticket?

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.

Will there be events for children? What about events for adults only?

All events are family-friendly unless otherwise noted.

Will food be served at Science Festival events? What about alcohol?

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.

Will there be a Portland Mini Maker Faire this year?

The Science Festival will replace the annual Maker Faire.

What happens if it rains?

All events are rain or shine.

How do I volunteer for the 2-day Science Extravaganza at OMSI?

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