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 11th annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival taking place April 22–26, 2025! We have a week of events planned to celebrate science, technology, and innovation. Check out the details on this week of awesome events below!
2025 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: SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT 19+
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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!
Please bring your own device to participate in the trivia.
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Northern Superior Brewing Co.
Registration: FREE — to attend, send a direct message to the venue's Instagram account here - SAULT STE. MARIE: CONNECTING TO NIBI (WATER)
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Join us for an inspiring and meaningful gathering designed to strengthen relationships and honor the life-giving force of water. The Anji Inaashkawun (Waves of Change) Team, in collaboration with Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig offers this unique opportunity to connect with the land, water, and community.
This gathering provides an opportunity to build relationships, honor water as sacred, and embrace teachings that connect us to the natural world. All are welcome to join in this shared journey of learning, reflection, and appreciation.
Date: Wednesday, April 23
Time: 9:00am to 3:30pm (9am to 12pm — ceremony and science teaching)
Location: Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig — Teaching Lodge - SAULT STE. MARIE: HANGAR AFTER DARK 19+
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Become a CSI Agent for the night! Step into the world of crime-solving and put your detective skills to the test! Join us for an exciting evening where YOU are the investigator. Can you crack the case? Guests will be immersed in a thrilling murder mystery scenario, taking on the role of a CSI agent. You'll journey through interactive stations, each packed with clues and evidence. Investigate the scene, analyze the data, and piece together the puzzle to uncover the truth.
Do you have what it takes to solve the crime? If you correctly identify the culprit, you'll be entered into a prize draw to win an amazing reward! Get ready to put your skills to the test and experience a night of mystery, suspense, and fun!
Cost:
- $35 +tax: includes one alcoholic / non-alcoholic drink
- $30 +tax: for Science North / Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre members
- Early Bird Promo: First 50 people to purchase get $5 off!
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19+ event
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Date: Thursday, April 24
Time: 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Registration: Register HERE! - SAULT STE. MARIE: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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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 26
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: (ARTIE) ADVANCED RESEARCH TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION EXPO
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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 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 24
Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Sault CollegeRegistration is available to school groups only — for more information, contact Shrwan Kumar at skumar [at] ssmic.com (skumar[at]ssmic[dot]com)
- SAULT STE. MARIE: NORTHERN ONTARIO YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION SUMMIT
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High school students and their teachers are invited to learn, be inspired, and take action on climate change in their community. This even focuses on bringing hands-on climate experiments, informative and engaging workshops, and climate action projects with local environmental champions. This year features workshops and activities hosted by Science North and The Invasive Species Centre.
Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 8:30am to 3:00pm
Location: St. Mary's CollegeFor more information, email lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
Presented By:
In Partnership With:
Science North gratefully acknowledges the collaboration of Canadian Forest Service, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Parks Canada
Climate Action Summit Supported By:
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 genna.patterson [at] sciencenorth.ca (genna[dot]patterson[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
Thunder Bay Science Festival
Thank you for joining us for the 13th annual Thunder 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 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: 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.
Date: Monday, February 17
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 with Trivia-Master Dave await!
Presented in English
Date: Tuesday, February 18
Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm
Location: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company - THUNDER BAY: SCIENCE CARNIVAL
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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 22
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 1–2 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.
Date: Wednesday, February 19 and Thursday, February 20
Location: Westgate Collegiate & Vocational InstituteFor more information, email lauren.szucki [at] sciencenorth.ca (lauren[dot]szucki[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:
In partnership with:
Climate Action Summit Supported By:
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: emily.kerton [at] sciencenorth.ca (emily[dot]kerton[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca).
NORTH BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 7th annual North Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!
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
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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!
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
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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: Thursday, October 24, 2024
Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Location: North Bay Library — register here
Cost: FREE! - NORTH BAY: HAUNTED HIKE
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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
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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
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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 CollegeFor 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
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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: Friday, October 25, 2024
Contact: sabrina.welden [at] sciencenorth.ca (sabrina[dot]welden[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
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: grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.ca (grace[dot]schmidt[at]sciencenorth[dot]ca)
KENORA SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Thank you for joining us for the 5th annual Kenora Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation, and fun!
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
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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
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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 18, 2024
Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion - KENORA: NATURE WALK AT RED PINE TRAIL
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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+
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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
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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: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Kenora Public Library - KENORA: NATURE WALK AT ASPEN TRAIL
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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
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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
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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)
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)
