The Wisconsin Science Festival has officially kicked off its 2026 season with the unveiling of this year’s theme, Us. Turning the focus inward, this year’s feature explores the science of who we are, what it means to be human, and what we are capable of. Event host registration is now open, and the festival will take place October 15–25, 2025.
The Wisconsin Science Festival (WSF), now in its 15th year, returns Oct. 16-26 with more than 600 events across 56 counties—breaking its previous record of 52 counties. What began in 2011 as a three-day, Madison-only gathering has grown into a 10-day, statewide celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and math for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. A centerpiece of this festival is Science in a Bag — an initiative that will deliver 3,000 drawstring backpacks, each filled with ten to twelve hands-on experiments and activities designed to spark curiosity, plus access to an online portal for more ways to engage with STEAM.
The Wisconsin Science Festival welcomes renowned science influencer and author Leah Elson to engage with audiences of all ages. “I got to take the stage with colleagues from drastically different areas of science and community outreach, joining forces to educate (and entertain) an adult audience–interdisciplinary collaboration at its finest (and most impactful!)," says Elson.
Artists Sonya Sankaran and Richie Morales merge their unique styles to creatively highlight regenerative agriculture in the latest Science to Street Art mural at State Line Distillery.
Division of the Arts Director Chris Walker helms this year’s installment of the popular “Big Ideas for Busy People” event “Am AI Art Too? – How AI is Transforming the Creative Process.” Walker will explore how rapid technological advancements have propelled art and creative expression into new territory on Tuesday night, October 17.
Discovery Building
330 N. Orchard Street
Madison, WI 53715
1.608.316.4339
Space and events rental:
DiscoveryEvents@discovery.wisc.edu
608.316.4534
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