Ava McDonnell
The Orlando Science Center is once again hosting its annual Spark STEM Fest, a multi-day science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) celebration presented by the University of Central Florida’s Office of Research. The event runs Feb. 13 – 16 and offers interactive exhibits, expert presentations, and immersive experiences aimed at inspiring curiosity across all ages.
The festival brings together experts from UCF and regional STEM organizations for interactive exhibits, dynamic demonstrations, and experiential learning opportunities aimed at audiences of all ages. Attendees will be able to explore cutting-edge research, learn about real-world STEM applications, and engage with professionals working across diverse scientific disciplines.
What to Expect
Spark Fest spans four days and includes a mix of structured exhibit days and special programming:
- School Field Trip Day: On Friday only, exhibits are focused on students in grades 4–8 with hands-on learning led by STEM experts.
- Expo Days: From 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sat. through Mon. feature open exhibits on all four floors of the Science Center, where visitors can participate in demonstrations, experiments, and interactive sessions.
- Science Night Live: On Saturday, the event will transition to an adult-focused session from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., with presentations and opportunities to engage with exhibitors in a more informal setting.
The festival’s goal is to spark interest in STEM careers and highlight how scientific research impacts everyday life. Organizers emphasize accessibility and inclusivity, welcoming attendees of all backgrounds and ages to explore STEM concepts in a hands-on environment.
Spark STEM Fest features a broad range of interactive exhibits and activities, including space-science demonstrations, robotics shows, artificial intelligence showcases, biology and neuroscience explorations, engineering challenges, and more. Presenters from UCF’s Florida Space Institute, Institute of Artificial Intelligence, College of Sciences, and other research units will lead many of the experiences.
Visitors can expect to encounter demonstrations such as robotics interactions, AI-driven perception technology, hands-on DNA activities, ecosystem VR experiences, and engineering exhibits that illustrate energy transformation and drone technology.
Community Engagement and Outreach
Spark STEM Fest is rooted in community engagement, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and public understanding. The event offers participants an opportunity to learn directly from researchers and industry professionals about emerging technologies and career pathways in STEM fields.
In the previous years, STEM Fest has drawn hundreds of attendees and collaborations with local institutions like NASA, Disney, and regional research programs.
Spark STEM Fest activities are included with Orlando Science Center general admission. Members of the Science Center can attend for free, while non-member ticket prices vary by age group. Special programming such as Science Night Live requires additional $5 tickets.
The Orlando Science Center is located at 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando. For more information, visitors can check the Science Center’s website.
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