NORTHERN ONTARIO SCIENCE FESTIVALS
Northern Ontario Science Festivals are proud to have been recognized for Best Program – Large Institution by the Canadian Association of Science Centres. Watch the acceptance video:
The Science Festival is an annual week-long celebration that shines a light on the science and technology that takes place in Kenora, Thunder Bay, North Bay and Sault Ste. Marie. With events and activities happening across the festival community and a Science Carnival to wrap up the week, The Science Festival fosters a vibrant space for community members and organizations to provide people of all ages with STEM entertainment. The exciting week of events, vendors, science shows, and activities celebrates local businesses, drives community pride and fosters connections across Northern Ontario communities.
SAULT STE. MARIE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Please join us for the 12ᵀᴴ annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival taking place April 21–25, 2026!
We have a week of events planned to celebrate science, technology, and innovation. Check out the details on this week of awesome events below!
2026 SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS
PUBLIC EVENTS
These events are open to the public and free of charge to participate / attend. This year we have an amazing lineup of events to excite all ages about science in the world around them.
- SAULT STE. MARIE: WATER WORKS WITH N.O.R.D.I.K.
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Join the N.O.R.D.I.K. team for a unique, hands-on experience where water meets community. From 2pm–4pm, N.O.R.D.I.K. Institute staff will be on site, opening their lab to the public for an interactive session of exploration, connection, and learning.
Whether you're curious, creative, or simply looking to try something new, this is your chance to engage, experiment, and be part of a shared journey.
Come get your hands wet—and your mind inspired.
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: Algoma University (Room CC414) - SAULT STE. MARIE: SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT
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Join us at Northern Superior Brewery and show off your science smarts with rounds of sensational science trivia. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be Einstein to enjoy this event!
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Northern Superior Brewing Co. and The Tap Room
Registration: FREE!Note: Guests can book by reaching out to the Northern Superior Brewing Co. Taproom through social media — send a DM on Instagram or a message on Facebook. Bookings can also be made by calling the taproom at 705-574-0499.
- SAULT STE. MARIE: 90s GAMES NIGHT
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Step back in time for a retro Games Night at the Northern Superior Brewing Co. Tap Room!
Guests will be given the opportunity to play classic 90's board games and participate in fun challenges to earn points and be entered into a draw for some exciting prizes!
Free to attend — donations are welcome.
Bring your friends and get ready for a night of games, laughs, and a little friendly competition! 🎲✨
Date: Thursday, April 23
Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: Northern Superior Brewing Co. and The Tap Room - SAULT STE. MARIE: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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A One-Day Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community!
Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of discovery at the SOO Science Carnival—a vibrant community event where science comes to life! Families are invited to explore the exciting world of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment.
WHAT'S IN STORE:
- Interactive Exhibitor Booths featuring local science concepts and innovations
- Hands-on Activities that spark curiosity and creativity
- Spotlight on Sault Ste. Marie: Discover how science and innovation power our local businesses and organizations
- Live Science Shows with spectacular experiments and demonstrations
Whether you're experimenting, building, or simply exploring, this is your chance to connect with science in a way that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable!
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
INVITE ONLY EVENTS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
Schools are required to register groups for these events, and students will participate in curriculum-linked programs that will get them excited and engaged with the science and technology around them.
- SAULT STE. MARIE: WATER WORKS WITH N.O.R.D.I.K. (for schools)
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Students will join the N.O.R.D.I.K. team for a unique, hands-on experience where water meets community. N.O.R.D.I.K. Institute staff will lead students through an interactive session of exploration, connection, and learning. Students will get the chance to be curious, experiment and try something new.
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 9:00am to 2:00pm
Location: Algoma UniversityRegistration is full!
- SAULT STE. MARIE: A DAY OF OUTREACH
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Science North Bluecoats will be delivering outreach STEM programming to a school community in Batchewana.
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 11:15am to 1:15pm
Location: Batchewana Learning CentreRegistration is full!
- SAULT STE. MARIE: INVASIVE SPECIES INSPECTION
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Learn how to identify, prevent, and manage harmful species threatening our ecosystems—guided by experts who make it practical and engaging. Students will learn how to protect the local environment through participating in this hands-on Invasive Species Workshops.
Date: Thursday, April 23
Registration is full!
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In Partnership With:
Sponsored By:
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at genna.patterson [at] sciencenorth.ca (genna[dot]patterson[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
THUNDER BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 14ᵀᴴ annual Thunder Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!
2026 SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
These events are open to the public and this year we have an amazing lineup to excite all ages about the science in the world around them!
- THUNDER BAY: SNOWDAY ON THE WATERFRONT
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Come visit us at SNOWday on the Waterfront! This annual event run by the City of Thunder Bay is a great way to get outside for some fun this Family Day weekend.
Presented in English
Date: Monday, February 16
Time: 11:00am–4:00pm
Location: Marina Park (Festival Area) - THUNDER BAY: NERD NITE 19+
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Join us for an exciting night of nerding out at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Entertaining speakers, science experiments, and knowledge-testing trivia!
Presented in English
Date: Tuesday, February 17
Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm
Location: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company - THUNDER BAY: BRICK BUILD OFF – THE CHALLENGE
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Put your creativity to the test in our Brick Build Off. Builders of all ages are invited to create an original building block design inspired by the architecture, landmarks, and engineering in Thunder Bay. Your build could represent a local landmark, the Sleeping Giant, or an engineering marvel such as bridges, boats, roads, or trains. All entries must be original free-build creations. No kits or pre-designed instructions may be used. Build your creation at home and bring it to the Museum by 5:30pm on February 19 to be eligible for judging. Builds will be displayed for the public to enjoy, with judging taking place at 6:30pm.
AGE CATEGORIES
- Ages 9 and under
- Ages 10–15
- Ages 16+
- Group / Family (up to 4)
Prizes will be awarded at 7:00pm for top builds in each category, along with fun achievement awards such as Tallest Build, Most Colourful, Funniest Build, and Fan Favorite!
Presented in English
Date: Thursday, February 19
Time: 5:30pm–7:00pm
Location: Thunder Bay Museum - THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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A One-Day Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community!
Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of discovery at the Thunder Bay Science Carnival—a vibrant community event where science comes to life! Families are invited to explore the exciting world of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment.
WHAT'S IN STORE:
- Interactive Exhibitor Booths featuring local science concepts and innovations
- Hands-on Activities that spark curiosity and creativity
- Spotlight on Thunder Bay: Discover how science and innovation power our local businesses and organizations
- Live Science Shows with spectacular experiments and demonstrations
- Engaging Entertainment from local artists and musicians
Whether you're experimenting, building, or simply exploring, this is your chance to connect with science in a way that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable!
Date: Saturday, February 21
Time: 10:00am–3:00pm
Location: Intercity Shopping Centre
INVITE ONLY EVENTS FOR SCHOOL GROUPS
Schools are required to register groups for these events, and students will participate in curriculum-linked programs that will get them excited and engaged with the science and technology around them.
- THUNDER BAY: NORTHERN ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
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Northern Ontario Youth Climate Action Summit Students are invited to participate in this engaging conference. The summit features interactive workshops designed to inspire participants to take action on climate change in their local community. Attendees will hear from dynamic speakers and collaborate with peers on envisioning ways they can contribute to a healthier planet. As part of the experience, participants may engage in community action projects and start developing their own Climate Action Plans to implement in their schools or communities.
Date: Wednesday, February 18
For more information, email lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
- THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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Science North Bluecoats will be visiting Thunder Bay area schools with hands-on science programs designed to bring science and technology to life!
Dates: Wednesday, February 18 to Friday, February 20
For more information, email kaitlin.richard [at] sciencenorth.ca (kaitlin[dot]richard[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
Presented by:
In partnership with:
Sponsored By:
Climate Action Summit Supported By:
We also acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada towards Science Festival activities
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: kaitlin.richard [at] sciencenorth.ca (kaitlin[dot]richard[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
NORTH BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 8ᵀᴴ annual North Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!
2025 Science Festival Events:
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
These events are open to the public and this year we have an amazing lineup to excite all ages about the science in the world around them!
- NORTH BAY: LEGO® ROBOT WORKSHOP
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Participants will build a EV3 LEGO® Robot and design an attachment to carry an object. To move your robot, you will learn basic EV3 coding such as drive commands and line following. You will learn both modeling and robot coding skills in the workshop.
Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Ages: 9 to 14 years old
Location: North Bay Library - NORTH BAY: SCIENCE NIGHT AT THE NORTH BAY MUSEUM
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Join the Science North Bluecoats at the North Bay Museum for an evening of fun and engaging hands-on activities at the THINK Hub. Visitors will be able to put their engineering abilities to the test, learn about and build their own musical instruments, shine bright learning about the properties of light, and much more!
Recommended age range is 6 to 13 years but there will be activities available for people of all ages!
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: North Bay Museum - NORTH BAY: STARS, ROCKS, AND ROBOTS TRIVIA NIGHT
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Blast off, dig deep, and power up! Trivia has never been this fun! Join the North Bay Astronomy Club, Nipissing Rock and Mineral Club and FIRST Team 1305 for a fun night of fascinating trivia, guest speakers, displays and silent auction. No cover charge, lots of prizes!
Please contact Dawn at dawn [at] cecils.ca (dawn[at]cecils[dot]ca) to register your table
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Cecil's Brewhouse and Kitchen - NORTH BAY: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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A One-Day Celebration of Science, Innovation, and Community!
Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of discovery at the North Bay Science Carnival—a vibrant community event where science comes to life! Families are invited to explore the exciting world of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment.
What’s in Store:
- Interactive Exhibitor Booths featuring local science concepts and innovation
- Hands-on Activities that spark curiosity and creativity
- Spotlight on North Bay: Discover how science and innovation power our local businesses and organizations
- Live Science North Science Shows with spectacular experiments and demonstrations
- Engaging Entertainment from local artists and musicians
Whether you're experimenting, building, or simply exploring, this is your chance to connect with science in a way that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable! Come celebrate the science in your community—North Bay’s innovation starts here!
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Canadore College / Nipissing University Cafeteria
INVITE ONLY SCHOOL GROUPS AND TEACHERS
Schools are required to register groups for these events, and students will participate in curriculum-linked programs that will get them excited and engaged with the science and technology around them.
- NORTH BAY: NORTHERN ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
-
Northern Ontario Youth Climate Action Summit students are invited to participate in this engaging 1-day conference. The summit features interactive workshops designed to inspire participants to take action on climate change in their local community. Attendees will hear from dynamic speakers and collaborate with peers on envisioning ways they can contribute to a healthier planet. As part of the experience, participants may engage in community action projects and start developing their own Climate Action Plans to implement in their schools or communities.
For more information, email lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
- NORTH BAY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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Science North Bluecoats will be visiting North Bay area schools with hands-on science programs designed to bring science and technology to life!
Date: Tuesday November 18 to Friday November 21, 2025
Contact: meaghan.graham [at] sciencenorth.ca (meaghan[dot]graham[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In Partnership With:
Sponsored By:
We also acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada towards Science Festival activities
For any questions regarding the festival, if you are interested in sponsoring the festival, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, you may contact us at: grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.ca (grace[dot]schmidt[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
KENORA SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 6ᵀᴴ annual Kenora Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!
2025 Science Festival Events:
FREE PUBLIC EVENTS
These events are open to the public and free of charge to participate / attend. Explore our exciting lineup designed to spark curiosity and inspire all ages to discover the science happening all around us.
- KENORA: SCIENCE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTRE
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Take part in hands-on activities and a captivating science show, where we’ll dive into the wonders of nature through exciting demonstrations and uncover how the forces of the natural world shape life on Earth. Put your skills to the test with fun challenges — test your knowledge for a chance to win a prize pack! Bring your curiosities to Ask a Scientist! or take part in the Nature Trading Program by bringing your own items to trade and collect points. Plus, explore Science North’s permanent installations – the THINK Hub, Northern Nature Exchange, and Jane Goodall’s Reasons for Hope.
Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm (science show at 5:45pm)
Location: Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre - KENORA: SCIENCE AT MATIOWSKI'S FARMERS' MARKET
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The Matiowski Farmers’ Market is getting an extra dose of science! Join Science North Bluecoats and other Science Festival partners for demonstrations, activities, and displays as you shop during the Wednesday Farmer’s Market.
Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion - KENORA: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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A One-Day Celebration of Science, Innovation & Community!
Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of discovery at the Kenora Science Carnival—a vibrant community event where science comes to life! Families are invited to explore the exciting world of science, technology, and engineering through hands-on activities, interactive exhibits, and live entertainment.
What’s in Store:
- Interactive Exhibitor Booths featuring local science concepts and innovation
- Hands-on Activities that spark curiosity and creativity
- Spotlight on Kenora: Discover how science and innovation power our local businesses and organizations
- Live Science North Science Shows with spectacular experiments and demonstrations
- Engaging Entertainment from local artists and musicians
Whether you're experimenting, building, or simply exploring, this is your chance to connect with science in a way that’s fun, educational, and unforgettable! Come celebrate the science in your community—Kenora’s innovation starts here!
Featuring a Dog’s Life community BBQ!
Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Time: 10:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion
INVITE ONLY SCHOOL GROUPS AND SENIOR PROGRAMS
Participants and schools are required to register in advance for these events.
- KENORA: SCIENCE FOR SENIORS
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Science is for everyone! Our Bluecoats will be running an engaging science program specifically for seniors, A.I. 101- which will include hands-on and interactive programming. Learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence and increase your media literacy!
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Location: New Horizons Seniors Centre - KENORA: YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION
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Students are invited to take part in an in-person workshop to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change. Students will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops that pertain to taking action in their school or community.
Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
- LEARN MORE by emailing lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In Partnership With:
Sponsored By:
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and the GenAction initiative towards Science Festival activities
If you have any questions about the festival, are interested in becoming a sponsor, or would like to be considered as an exhibitor, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at kaitlin.richard [at] sciencenorth.ca (kaitlin[dot]richard[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
