Guide To The 2014 Philadelphia Science Festival
Give your inner mad scientist free reign at the 4th annual Philadelphia Science Festival, kicking off on Friday, April 25th. Haven't heard of it? Here's the deal. - Chelsea Karnash
THE BASICS
What: The Philly Science Fest is an eight day celebration of science that includes workshops, demonstrations, lectures, hands-on activities and even an all-day carnival that shuts down the Parkway!
When: In 2014, the festival runs from April 25 – May 3, 2014
Where: Events take place all around the city—bars, restaurants, colleges and universities, cultural institutions, outdoors, you name it.
EVENTS
There are so many fun things going on for this festival that it's hard to keep track of them all. Below are some of the best:
Friday, Apr. 25
PSF Kickoff Party: Science Carnival After Dark
The Franklin Institute
220 N 20th St
6:30 p.m., $15 ($10 for members)
Fancy an adults-only carnival? You've got it! Enjoy hands-on activities, live science shows and demonstrations all tailored to adults. Pair that with the chance to tap the 2014 Yards Official Science Festival Beer, and you've got a perfect nerdy night.
Saturday, Apr. 26
Discovery Day
Three locations
Starting at 10 a.m.
Grab the kids and head to one of three parks offering "Discovery Day" in honor of the Science Fest. You'll join students, teachers, community leaders and other families for hands-on experiments and activities, food and snacks, live music and much more.
Sunday, Apr. 27
Explorer Sunday
Various locations
Starting at 7 a.m.
From what lives in Philly's rivers (do we even want to know?) to graveyard ecosystems, boats and even the science of skateboarding, kids of all ages are invited to spend the day exploring diverse aspects of science and nature.
Mess Fest
Franklin Institute
220 N 20th St
12 p.m., pay what you wish
Get dirty at this pay-what-you-want event spotlighting all things gooey, dirty and messy.
Science Crawl: Brain Games
Four stops, starting at the Continental
138 Market St
4 p.m., $35
Test your brain during this Old City "science crawl." You'll play memory games at the Continental, put your motor skills to the test at National Mechanics, discovery the connection between emotions and candy at Shane Confectionary and more.
Monday, Apr. 28
Phanatics: Philadelphia's Love/Hate Relationship with Sports
Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave
6 p.m., $5 ($15 for VIP)
If you've ever found yourself in tears at the end of an Eagles game or leaving Citizens Bank Park in a huff after just two innings, you know what it is to be a Philadelphia sports fan. Tonight, head to Frankford Hall for an exploration into the minds of athletes…and into your own mind when said athletes disappoint.
Tuesday, Apr. 29
Science Night at the Ballpark
Citizens Bank Park
1 Citizens Bank Park Way
7:05 p.m., $20 ($8 discount with code)
And speaking of Philly sports, check out the city's very own Phillies during Science Night at the Ballpark. In addition to catching the game versus the New York Mets, spectators are invited to visit a dozen hands-on activity stations both before and during the game.
Wednesday, Apr. 30
I Love My Science Job
Quorum, University City Science Center
3711 Market St, 8th Floor
4 p.m.
You don't have to hole up with a microscope to be a scientist. Find out everything you ever wanted to know about various jobs in the field, and hear from journalists, entrepreneurs and more on why they love their science job.
Thursday, May 1
DIY Science: Fermentation
DiBruno Bros.
1730 Chestnut St
6 p.m., $15
Create your own yogurt and sauerkraut during this DIY fermentation class at Philly's cheese mecca, DiBrunos.
Friday, May 2
The Magical Mushroom: How A Little Spore Can Save The World
The Wagner Free Institute of Science
1700 W Montgomery Ave
5:30 p.m., $15
No, it's not what you're thinking! Hear famed mycologist (aka mushroom expert) Paul Stamets discuss the potential of the mighty mushroom during this event, which also includes hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Beer Chemistry
Yards Brewing Company
901 N Delaware Ave
7 p.m., $40
Discover the science behind your favorite alcoholic beverage at this event. Ticket prices include food and drink samples plus two draft beers – and the chance to try on some real-life "beer goggles"!
Saturday, May 3
Science Carnival on the Parkway
Ben Franklin Parkway Outer Drive between 20th & 22nd Streets
10 a.m., FREE
Slime. Zoo Animals. Robots. If these are a few of your favorite things, you should head to the festival's outdoor, family-friendly carnival on the Parkway. More than 175 exhibitors will be offering games, interactive activities, experiments and live entertainment all day long.
GET INVOLVED
While registration to volunteer or exhibit at the 2014 Science Fest is now closed, the 2015 festival organizers are looking for teachers, scientists, exhibitors, and general volunteers. For more information, click here.
For the latest on the Philadelphia Science Festival, follow them on Twitter @PHLScienceFest.
