Science Festivals

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.

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NORTH BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL

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Please join us for the 7^th annual North Bay Science Festival taking place October 23 to 26, 2024!

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2024 Science Festival Events:

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: THINKHUB HIGHLIGHT

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!

Age range is 6 to 13 years but there will be activities available for people of all ages!

Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Time: 3:00pm to 6:00pm 
Location: North Bay Museum
Cost: FREE!

NORTH BAY: LEGO^® ROBOT WORKSHOP

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: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: North Bay Library — register here
Cost: FREE!

NORTH BAY: HAUNTED HIKE

The North Bay Museum Haunted Hike is a 60-minute walking tour of downtown featuring true crime stories and well-loved ghost tales to ensure visitors see North Bay in a whole new light. While there is nothing too scary, we recommend ages 10 and up, and the hike is fully accessible.

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: North Bay Museum
Cost: $8 (including HST)

Get your ticket HERE!

NORTH BAY: SCIENCE CARNIVAL

This FREE one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with exhibitors showcasing the hands-on science of what they do, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles, with a spooky twist. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment, and Halloween-themed fun!

Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Canadore College / Nipissing University Cafeteria
Cost: FREE!

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

Students in Grades 9 to 12 and their teachers are invited to the summit to come learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change in their community. This event will focus on bringing youth from across North Bay together for hands-on climate experiments, informative and engaging workshops, and climate action projects with local environmental champions. The summit features workshops and activities hosted by Canadore College and their Sustainable Initiatives department, and more!

Date: Tuesday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 24, 2024
Location: Candore College

For more information or to register school groups, email sabrina.welden [at] sciencenorth.ca (sabrina[dot]welden[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

NORTH BAY: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Science North Bluecoats will be visiting North Bay area schools with hands-on science programs designed to bring science and technology to life!

Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Contact: sabrina.welden [at] sciencenorth.ca (sabrina[dot]welden[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

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A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

In Partnership With:

     

      

   

Sponsored By:

A Proud Member Of:

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: sabrina.welden [at] sciencenorth.ca (sabrina[dot]welden[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

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KENORA SCIENCE FESTIVAL

Thank you for joining us for the 5^th annual Kenora Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!

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2024 Science Festival Events:

FREE 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 the science around them.

KENORA: EXTREME SCIENCE NIGHT AT THE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Join the Science North Bluecoats at the Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre for a tour of the Beyond Human Limits exhibit and a high-impact science show! This FREE event will show off some of our favourite science demonstrations, from chemical reactions to physics experiments and get you excited about the science of adrenaline and extreme sports! PLUS, discover the other Science North exhibits that are installed permanently — the THINK hub, Northern Nature Exchange, and Jane Goodall – Reasons for Hope.

Date: Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Time: 4:00pm to 8:00pm (science show at 6:00pm)
Location: Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre

KENORA: SCIENCE AT MATIOWSKI'S FARMERS' MARKET

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 18, 2024
Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion

KENORA: NATURE WALK AT RED PINE TRAIL

Explore the 3k “maze” of Red Pine trail and learn about some of the biology of the region (weather permitting).

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Time: 1:00pm to 3:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 12:30pm)
Location: 1km drive down Airport Road in Nestor Falls off Highway 71

* Bring layers of clothing, hiking shoes, bug spray, water, and snacks. The hike will last approximately an hour over mixed terrain including gentle hills with some easy uphill sections

KENORA: EXTREME SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT 19+

Join the us at Bob’s Burger Bar and show off your science smarts with rounds of sensational science that push human limits. And don’t worry, you don’t have to be Einstein to enjoy this event!

Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Bob's Burger Bar

KENORA: SCIENCE FOR SENIORS

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: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Kenora Public Library

KENORA: NATURE WALK AT ASPEN TRAIL

Explore the 4.1k Aspen trail and learn about some of the diverse biology of the region. Bring layers of clothing, hiking shoes, bug spray, water, and snacks. The hike will last approximately an hour over mixed terrain including gentle hills, and some loose rocky areas (weather permitting).

Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 4:30pm)
Location: First fork on Dubois Road off Highway 71

KENORA: SCIENCE CARNIVAL

This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with local exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs, and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. You’ll also discover the science behind Kenora's local businesses and organizations, highlighting how innovation plays a role in our community. Plus, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment throughout the day.

Date: Saturday, September 21, 2024
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion

INVITE ONLY 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.

KENORA: YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION

Students from grades K–12 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. The workshops will take place right in their classroom! Sign up today!   

Date: Thursday, September 19 and Friday, September 20, 2024

• LEARN MORE: You can register for school groups by emailing lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

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A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

In Partnership With:

   

  

  

   

Climate Action Summits Supported By:

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

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 kaija.saarinen [at] sciencenorth.ca (kaija[dot]saarinen[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

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sault ste. marie science festival

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Thank you for joining us for the 10^th annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!

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2024 SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS

FREE 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: PLAZA TAKEOVER

Join the Science North Bluecoats at the Plaza for high-impact science show! This FREE outdoor event will show off some of our favourite science demonstrations, from chemical reactions to physics experiments.

Date: Monday, April 22
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: The Plaza — 99 Foster Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, ON

SAULT STE. MARIE: SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT 19+

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!

Doors open at 6:30 pm

Please bring your own device to participate in the trivia.

Date: Wednesday, April 24
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Northern Superior Brewing Co.

SAULT STE. MARIE: WATER WORKS

NORDIK Institute's freshwater citizen science team is hosting interactive Science Festival events on Friday, April 26^th from 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Activities will take place at two locations: Belleview Park (near Topsail Island) and Algoma University (Convergence Centre in CC414).

At Belleview Park near Topsail Island, participate in water sampling, hear how climate change is impacting our water cycle, and learn about opportunities to volunteer with the Sault Ste. Marie Water Rangers Task Team.

At Algoma University's CC414 lab, use microscopes to meet the tiny creatures that live in our waters, help a scientist measure water quality using specialized equipment, be a science investigator during one of six pollution mystery activities throughout the day, learn how pollution impacts the ability of fish to thrive, and more! This will be a fun and engaging event to learn about science, community efforts to protect our waters, and to explore new discoveries. Community members of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate!

Date: Friday, April 26
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Bellevue Park & Algoma University

SAULT STE. MARIE: SCIENCE CARNIVAL

This FREE one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. Visit with exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs, and attractions, all using local and global science concepts and engineering principles. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment.

Date: Saturday, April 27
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: NORTHERN ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT

Students in Grades 9 to 12 and their teachers are invited to the summit to come learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change in their community. This two-day event will focus on bringing youth from across Sault Ste. Marie together for hands-on climate experiments, informative and engaging workshops, and climate action projects with local environmental champions. The summit features workshops and activities hosted by the City of Sault Ste. Marie and Clean North, and features special Earth Day-related programming!

Date: Monday, April 22 & Tuesday, April 23
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Registration is available to school groups only. For more information, email emma.meadows [at] sciencenorth.ca (emma[dot]meadows[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

SAULT STE. MARIE: (ARTIE) ADVANCED RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION EXPO

This annual event is offered by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre to elementary school students from Grades 1 to Grade 8. Students will participate virtually in hands-on activities, demonstrations and presentations featuring a wide variety of science exhibitors, all with the opportunity to meet and interact with scientists in the fields including biology, environmental sciences, computer sciences, robotics, and technology, and so much more!

Date: Thursday, April 25
Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm
Location: Algoma University

Registration is available to school groups only. For more information, email genna.patterson [at] sciencenorth.ca (genna[dot]patterson[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

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A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

In Partnership With:

  

  

  

  

Science North gratefully acknowledges the collaboration of Canadian Forest Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Parks Canada

A Proud Member Of:

 Sponsored By:

 In Collaboration With:

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)

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Thunder Bay Science Festival

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Thank you for joining us for the 12^th annual Thunder Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!

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2024 SCIENCE FESTIVAL EVENTS

FREE 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 around them.

THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE OF SOUND

Join the Tamarack Quintet and Science North for an hour-long, family-friendly concert where sound and science come to life through musical delights and exciting science demonstrations!

Date: Sunday, February 18, 2024
Time: 1:00pm 
Location: BGC Thunder Bay

SOLD OUT!

THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE AT SNOWDAY ON THE WATERFRONT

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.

Date: Monday, February 19, 2024
Time: 4:00pm–8:00pm
Location: Festival Area — Marina Park

MORE INFO

THUNDER BAY: NERD NITE 19+

Join us for an exciting night of nerding out at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. Entertaining speakers, science experiments, and knowledge-testing trivia with Trivia-Master Dave await! 

Presented in English

Date: Thursday, February 22, 2024
Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm 
Location: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE CARNIVAL

This FREE one-day community event provides people of all ages with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, art, technology, and Indigenous knowledge-based activities. Visit the exhibitors showcasing hands-on presentations, labs and attractions, highlighting the science going on in and around the Thunder Bay community. Also, enjoy spectacular live science shows and entertainment!

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024 
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

Students from grades 9 to 12 are invited to this two-day interactive conference to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change. On day one students will hear from speakers and participate in interactive workshops and on day two students will get out into their community to participate in an action project and begin forming their own Climate Action Plan to implement in their school or community. 

Date: Wednesday, February 21 and Thursday, February 22, 2024
Location: Westgate Collegiate & Vocational Institute

For more information, email emma.meadows [at] sciencenorth.ca (emma[dot]meadows[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)

REGISTER

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A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

 In partnership with:

  

    

A Proud Member Of:

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: emily.kerton [at] sciencenorth.ca (emily[dot]kerton[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca).