The annual Bay Area Science Festival kicks off on Thursday with 50 events over 10 days. Now in its third year, the event is part of a growing movement of science festivals nationwide.
“When we first started this project, there was maybe four or five in the nation,” says festival director Kishore Hari. “Now there’s three dozen and there’s more coming online every year.”
Bay Area residents can dive into the region’s rich scientific research through demos, lab tours, free talks and live performances.
“I think science is an important part of the culture of the Bay Area,” Hari says. “A science festival elevates science as an important part of culture just like music and art and food.”
You can check out the full schedule, and here are some of our event picks.
- Life at the Speed of Light – October 25
A talk with J. Craig Venter about rewriting DNA to create synthetic life.
- Yosemite and UC Berkeley: Partners in Research – October 26
Free public talk and museum tour, highlighting the legacy of scientific research in Yosemite, plus a screening of KQED’s “Resurveying California’s Wildlife 100 Years Later.”
- Touch Me: The Science of Touch Sensation – October 27
Learn about the sense of touch through the bizarre feelers of the star-nosed mole, plus the development of electronic skin.
- The Moth: The Big Bang – October 28
The much-loved storytelling series delves into creation and chaos at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley.
- Nerd Nite at Sea – October 30
Board the USS Hornet in Alameda for science demos on space and robotics (plus beer, 21+ only) and a screening of KQED’s “Edible Insects.”
- Discovery Days at AT&T Park – November 2
A free science extravaganza filling an entire baseball park with 150 exhibits (including KQED Science).
- Radiolab Live: Apocalyptical – November 12, 13, 17
Radiolab hosts Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich bring their show to the stage with a slew of special guests.