Public Programs
Join us at the 2026 MSU Science Festival
Save the dates: April 1-30, 2026
Every fall, the Science Festival team hosts an open call for presentations across the STEAM disciplines. We're always looking for new and innovative programs. If you have an idea for a new program or event, we'd love to hear from you! Below is a list of featured presentation types for the upcoming 2026 Science Festival.
Presentation Types
STEAM Expo Zone Booth: Hands-on Science
The STEAM Expo returns April 11 & 12 at the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility! Invite audiences of all ages to get hands-on with activities across the STEAM disciplines. Presenters will be provided with space, tables, chairs, electricity access, Wi-Fi, and water access if needed.
Early Childhood Zone Booth: Hands-on Science
Host special activities and demonstrations for families with young children under 8 years old that support early childhood development. Presenters will be provided with space, tables, chairs, electricity access, Wi-Fi, and water access if needed. The Early Childhood Zone will take place at the STEM Teaching and Learning Facility as a part of the STEAM Expo Weekend on April 11 & 12.
Talks, Demonstrations, and Performances
Talks, panel discussions, musical performances, story slams, poetry slams, chemistry demonstrations, and more! The sky is the limit. Below is a list of featured topics we are especially excited about this year:
- Michigan Science: Join us in celebrating Michigan’s unique ecosystems, species preservation efforts, and the importance of protecting our rich biodiversity.
- Finally Some Good News! We could all use a little good news these days to keep us going. Join us to share uplifting scientific breakthroughs, conservation success stories, innovative solutions to global challenges, and inspiring research discoveries that showcase humanity's potential to create positive change and offer genuine hope for a brighter future.
- Take Action! Transform attendees from science enthusiasts into active participants through hands-on citizen science projects, advocacy, environmental stewardship activities, and collaborative initiatives that empower individuals to make a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.
Presentations may be scheduled during Expo Weekend, Science After Dark events, or other festival events throughout April. Festival staff will reach out to you in January/February 2026 to discuss scheduling options.
Behind the Scenes Tours and Open Houses
This year, the festival is hosting a campus tour and open house day on Saturday, April 18! Invite visitors on a special behind-the-scenes guided tour of your lab, museum, garden, archives, or facility. Host an open house for your space where visitors can drop by and explore at their own leisure.
Interested in hosting tours and open houses off campus? Fantastic! Submit a proposal with your prefered dates and times, and our team will reach out to talk scheduling and details in January/February 2026.
Nights at the Museums
Invite visitors to experience science LIVE in your museum! These events can be scheduled throughout the month of April. Reach out to our team to start planning your event.
Statewide Astronomy Night
Explore the wonders of the universe with local audiences at your planetarium or observatory during SWAN. The 2026 date is TBD, but will be announced in the fall of 2026.
Science After Dark
Programs designed for adult audiences: science pub nights, brewery and distillery tours, musical performances, late-night events, and more! Program venues and dates are TBD, but a festival staff member will reach out in January/February 2026 with scheduling options.
Next steps & what to expect
After submitting a proposal, our team will then review your submission and reach out in early 2025 regarding the status of your proposal. Upon acceptance, we will share venue and scheduling options, and next steps for preparation.
Questions?
Feel free to reach out to us at any time at scifest@msu.edu