fbpx Science Festivals | Science North

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.


KENORA SCIENCE FESTIVAL

kenora science festival

Please join us for the 4th annual Kenora Science Festival, taking place September 18–23, 2023!


2023 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.

SCIENCE AT THE LIBRARY

Stop by the Kenora Public Library to participate in their pinwheel helicopter activity and Colour Sorting STEM game offered throughout the week.

Date: Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22, 2023
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Location: Kenora Public Library

SCIENCE SHOW AT THE SPORTFISHING CENTRE

Join the Science North Bluecoats at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre in Sioux Narrows for a high-impact science show! This FREE 40-minute show will show off some of our favourite science demonstrations, from chemical reactions to physics experiments.

Date: Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Location: Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre (Sioux Narrows)

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 giveaways, demonstrations, activities, and displays as you shop during the Wednesday Farmer’s Market.

Date: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 8:30am to 2:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion

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: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 4:00pm)
Location: Aspen Trails (first fork on Dubois Road off of Highway 71)

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). 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.

Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 5:00pm (meet at the trailhead at 4:00pm)
Location1km drive down Airport Road in Nestor Falls off of Highway 71

SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT AT BOB'S BURGER BAR 19+

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

Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: Bob's Burger Bar

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 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, September 23, 2023
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion

TRIVIA AT LAKE OF THE WOODS BREWERY OKTOBERFEST 19+

Beer stein and bubbles and pretzels oh my! Join our Bluecoats to test your trivia skills about the science of beer, pretzels, and everything Oktoberfest. Prost!

Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
Time: 5:00pm
Location: Lake of the Woods Brewing Company (taproom)

INVITE ONLY SCHOOL GROUPS AND SENIOR PROGRAMS

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.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL PROGRAMS

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

Date: Monday, September 18 through Friday, September 22, 2023

  • LEARN MORE: Book your school group by emailing kaitlin.richard [at] sciencenorth.ca
SCIENCE FOR SENIORS *

Science is for everyone! Our Bluecoats will be running various engaging science programs specifically for seniors, which include hands-on and interactive programming.

* Available only to residents

Date: Monday, September 18
Location: Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls 50+ Activity Centre

YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION

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: Tuesday, September 19 and Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Location: Jarnel Contracting Pavilion and Lake of the Woods Discovery Centre

  • LEARN MORE: You can register for school groups by emailing emma.meadows [at] sciencenorth.ca
ANIMAL EXTRAVAGANZA *

Science is for everyone! Our Bluecoats will be running various engaging science programs specifically for seniors, which include hands-on and interactive programming.

* Available only to residents

Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
Location: Pinecrest Home for the Aged

A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

science north

In Partnership With:

kenora lake of the woods logo

matiowski farmers market   kenora public library logo

bimose tribal council   fset logo

IISD experimental lakes area    muse lake of the woods museum douglas family art centre

township of sioux narrows-nestor falls logo

A Proud Member Of:

science festival alliance logo

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, 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: scifest [at] sciencenorth.ca


sault ste. marie science festival

sault ste. marie science festival logo


Thank you for joining us for the 9th annual Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!


2023 Science Festival Events:

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: Tuesday, April 25 and Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Location: Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Registration: Special (FREE!) registration for school groups only — please email us at grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.ca for registration details.

IT’S NOT ROCKET SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library will be hosting a science trivia night! Not a science buff? That’s no problem! After all, it’s not rocket science!

Space is limited, so reserve your tickets soon to avoid disappointment! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/its-not-rocket-science-tickets-576138695347

Date: Tuesday, April 25, 2023
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Location: Sault Ste. Marie Public Library, James L. McIntyre Centennial Branch
Cost: FREE

(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 27, 2023
Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm
Location: Algoma University
Registration: CLOSED!

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 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 29, 2023
Time: 11:00am to 4:00pm
LocationCanadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
Cost: FREE


A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

science north

Presented By:

green for life logo

 

In Partnership With:

canadian bushplane heritage centre logo

invasive species centre  entomica insectarium

sault ste marie public library  

sault college  sault ste. marie innovation centre

canadian forest service  fisheries and oceans canada

parks canada logo  ontario logo

A Proud Member Of:

science festival alliance logo

Funding Provided By:

 genaction logo

In Collaboration With:

jane goodall institute canada logothe wild center's youth climate program logo

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: scifest [at] sciencenorth.ca


Thunder Bay Science Festival

thunder bay science festival


Thank you for joining us for the 11th annual Thunder Bay Science Festival! Congratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!


2023 Science Festival Events:

SCIENCE AT SNOWDAY ON THE WATERFRONT

Come visit Science Festival partners at SnowDay on the Waterfront! This annual event organized by the City of Thunder Bay is a great way to get outside for some fun this Family Day weekend. For additional SnowDay information visit:thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/snowday.aspx

Date: Monday, February 20, 2023 
Time: 12:00pm–5:00pm 
Location: Festival Area – Marina Park 
Cost: FREE 

CODING FOR CAREERS 

Get inspired to pursue a career in STEM by participating in Science North’s Coding for Careers series! Learn about the diverse professionals who use coding or digital skills in their careers via a live interview by our bluecoat and an opportunity for open Q&A.

Presented in English and French

Date: Tuesday, February 21, 2023 
Location: Online  
Registration: FREE! Registration for high school students and school groups — please email us at breanna.pyott [at] sciencenorth.carel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" for registration details.

REGISTER HERE

NERD NITE

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 23, 2023
Time: 7:00pm–9:00pm 
Location: Sleeping Giant Brewing Company
Cost: FREE 

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 22 and Thursday, February 23, 2023 
Location: Fort William Historical Park
Registration: Special (FREE!) registration for school groups only — please email us at grace.schmidt [at] sciencenorth.carel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" for registration details.

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 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, February 25, 2023 
Time: 11:00am–4:00pm 
Location: The Heritage building on the CLE grounds
Cost: FREE

A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

science north

In partnership with:

parks canada logo  ecosuperior logo 2023

sleeping giant brewing company logo  thunder bay public library logo

A Proud Member Of:

science festival alliance logo

Funding Provided By:

 genaction logo

In Collaboration With:

jane goodall institute canada logothe wild center's youth climate program logo

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: nicholas.barclay [at] sciencenorth.ca.


NORTH BAY SCIENCE FESTIVAL

north bay science festival


Thank you for joining us for the 5th annual North Bay Science FestivalCongratulations to all of our partners on a successful weekend of science, innovation and fun!


2022 Science Festival Events:

FIRST GATEWAY CONFERENCE: 1305 STEM DAY

This conference is for anyone who loves to build Lego contraptions, coding, robotics driving robots, and learning! Please join the 1305 Team for a day of fun and prizes. This event is for students in grades 7 to 12 and has a $20 admission cost that includes lunch.

For more information and registration, go to team1305.org/stemday.

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 9:30am–4:30pm
Location: Canadore College, 60 Commerce Crescent, Room E208, North Bay, ON, P1B 8K9
Cost: $20 (admission cost that includes lunch!)

PUMPKIN HUNT

We invite you to a pumpkin hunt! Join us for horse carriage rides, pumpkin colouring, bowling, maze, food, and family games in Champlain Park.

Date: Saturday, October 22, 2022
Time: 11am–2pm
LocationChamplain Park, North Bay, ON, P1A 2J3

SCIENCE TRIVIA NIGHT AT CECIL'S

Join us for a night of Science Trivia at Cecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen! Hosted by the amazing John Miller, grab a tablet and some friends for a night of bonus questions, lightning rounds, guess the species and…science! Don’t worry, you do not have to be an Einstein to enjoy this event!

Date: Thursday, October 27, 2022
Time: 7:30pm–9:30pm
LocationCecil’s Brewhouse and Kitchen, 300 Wyld Street, North Bay, ON, P1B 8K3

FALL CURIOSITY HIKE

Spend some time with Lucy, local naturalist and mushroom lover, and honour the way everything in the forest is shifting seasons to prepare for winter. Take time to explore the ways dynamic forest ecosystems and their web of connections can teach us how to connect with each other and expand our relationship with nature.  

Attire: dress for the weather! You may also enjoy binoculars or a camera, however, nothing but curiosity and attention are mandatory! 

Date: Friday, October 28, 2022
Time: 1pm–2pm
Location: (Monastary Trails) Nipissing University, 100 College Drive, North Bay, ON, P1B 8L7

SPOOKY SCIENCE CARNIVAL

This one-day community event provides families with the opportunity to participate in engaging and fun science, innovation, and technology activities. This year, we're adding a spooktacular twist! Visit with exhibitors showcasing halloween themed 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, October 29, 2022
Time: 11am–4pm
Location: 29 Duxford Road, Hornell Heights, ON, P0H 1P0


A Collaborative Venture Under the Direction Of:

science north

In Partnership With:

north bay and district chamber of commerce logo  north bay mattawa conservation authority logo

nnsri 1305 logo  ignite north bay logo  safesight exploration inc logo

AB créations logo  les compagnons des francs loisirs logo

north bay museum logo

nipissing university logo

ontario ministry of northern development, mines, natural resources and forestry logo

A Proud Member Of:

science festival alliance logo

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: harper.gilbert [at] sciencenorth.ca

Stay in Touch

Receive news about Science North, exhibitions, events, and more.