San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering 2026 to be Held at Petco Park-Rain or Shine March 7

The San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering will be held on Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Petco Park, and will be a full day of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fun provided by hundreds of San Diego area businesses, schools, libraries, and museums. Admission is free and open to the public, no registration is required. A clear bag policy will also be in effect.

This year’s event is presented by Illumina Corporate Foundation, and more than 20,000 people are expected. Featured areas include:

●       College and Career Connections: This will foster awareness and create meaningful connections for local middle and high school students who will have the opportunity to meet with over 20 higher education and industry partners, including SDSU. There will be two panels at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

●       The Art Pavilion: Back by popular demand, The Madhatters return to teach attendees how to knit baby caps that will be donated to the local children’s hospital. Students and community groups will showcase their creative expressions infusing the STEM experience with artistic flair. This exciting space will encapsulate the powerful synergy between science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

●       Teacher Workshops: The ScienceBridge Enzyme Lab will be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and is for educators with students in the 9th-12th grade. The Algae Academy is appropriate for any K-12 teacher, and will be held from 2-4 p.m. 

Sara Pagano, Managing Director of the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, says, “The festival aims to make STEAM learning enjoyable for all ages, from pre-K to gray. The event highlights San Diego's leadership and innovation in science, technology and engineering fields and simplifies complex subjects for everyone.”  

There will be dozens of returning hands-on learning experiences, interactive activities, and experiments to inspire kids (and kids at heart!) to engage in all things STEAM.

Two main stages will offer a variety of performances including math raps sung by The Music Notes, a High-Temperature Fusion show from General Atomics, Ms. Smarty-Plants cooling the climate, an SD Mad Science-Fire & Ice performance, Fleet Science Center’s spectacle: Don't Try This at Home, a special STEMusic performance by Ron Moye, and a TEDxkids@ELCajon presentation.

ADDITIONAL ON-SITE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

●       DNA fun and genomics education with Illumina Corporate Foundation

●       The pre-K zone is filled with engaging activities for little learners

●       Virtual reality experiences

●       Rockets and explosions with General Atomics

●       Make slime, learn about underwater sea life, play with robots, watch a drone show and more!

‘Know Before You Go’ tips and updates are listed at: lovestemsd.org

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