MADISON (WKOW) — The Wisconsin Science Festival returns for its 16th year with more than 650 events across the state from Oct. 15-25, exploring the theme “Us” through science and art.
The festival has expanded from a three-day Madison event to a 10-day showcase spanning over 55 counties across Wisconsin. The festival serves as a flagship model for engagement and collaboration as a member of the Science Festival Alliance.
“The Wisconsin Science Festival is a celebration of curiosity in action, inviting people of all ages and from every corner of our state to explore, ask questions and discover something new,” said Samantha Mulrooney, director of the Wisconsin Science Festival at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. “It’s also a chance to shine a light on the incredible innovative and creative minds who make Wisconsin such a special place.”
The festival kicks off with Science on the Square on Oct. 15. In collaboration with the Madison Night Market, the event features hands-on science exploration, food trucks, local artisans and views of the Capitol.
Events throughout the festival include Science & Soccer Night with Forward Madison FC at Breese Stevens Field, DNA testing in genealogical research with genealogist Caron Brennan in Door County and a magic show with illusionist Steve Belliveau in Westby. Former scientist and stand-up comedian Sarah Adelman will perform “BLOW MY MIND” at the Rigby Pub.
Participating libraries across the state will offer more than 3,000 take-home science kits through the “Science in a Bag” project, now in its sixth year.
The festival highlights the intersection of art and science with events including a stroll through the John D. Wiley Gallery for Art in Science, an evening at the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass and craft activities at Hustisford Community Library.
The Wisconsin Book Festival, celebrating its 25th year, partners with the science festival for cross-over events. “Together our two festivals celebrate the power of storytelling and knowledge sharing, often with Wisconsin writers and researchers leading these important community conversations,” said Jane Rotonda, book festival director.