OMSI’s Oregon Science Festival

Celebrating the importance of science

Attendees focused on science experiments at OMSI

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) returns for the third Oregon Science Festival on September 13 and 14, bringing together individuals, families, and all lifelong learners to celebrate the importance of science as a force vital to our local culture, education, and economy.

The Oregon Science Festival includes Science Week, five days of events in the Portland Metro Area and beyond, and culminates in the weekend Science Festival at OMSI. From Monday, September 8, to Friday, September 12, community partners will host events and tours that highlight STEAM experimentation, advancements in science and innovation, and local organizations who connect STEAM and our community. Partners include Oaks Park, Vintage Tektronix Museum, Pacific NW College of Art, and the Portland Fruit Tree Project.

The week is capped by the Oregon Science Festival on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, at OMSI. The celebration features more than 41 partner booths, science demonstrations with OMSI educators, plus events and workshops across the museum. New this year is the Curiosity Stage on the front plaza, which will feature story times, Taiko drummers, a magic show, and a science comedy show. 

“This is the event of the year if you love science, engineering, or innovation of any kind, “says Melony Beaird, Director of Events at OMSI. “This year, attendees can expect fun-filled, hands-on learning about robotics, fossils, sustainability, music, and more!”

Event sponsor the Oregon College Savings Plan will present a special guest, Curious George, at their vendor table on Saturday, Sept 13. "What a privilege it is to sponsor the Oregon Science Festival, an event that brings STEAM education to life for young people across our state,” said State Treasurer, Elizabeth Steiner. “The Oregon College Savings Plan is all about investing in those young minds and their educational futures. We're also looking forward to previewing an upcoming change to our program, with the goal of helping more families navigate their saving journey with confidence. And what better way to celebrate hands-on exploration and curiosity—key elements of STEAM education—than with the one and only Curious George?"

Partner and sponsor Portland General Electric, a strong supporter of STEAM education, will also be on site with its fully electric tiny home for families to explore and see firsthand the environmental and cost-saving benefits of electrifying their homes. Kids can also learn about powering their communities through energy resources like solar.

PGE’s Vice President of Policy and Resource Planning and OMSI Board Trustee, Kristen Sheeran said OMSI is leading the charge to make STEAM education fun and exciting. “Portland General believes hands-on learning is key to inspiring our future leaders and teaching them about careers in energy,” said Sheeran. “Events like Oregon Science Fest are empowering our future innovators to create sustainable communities for all of us.”

Quantum Fiber has also teamed up with OMSI to support the event. “Quantum Fiber believes access to innovative technology opens doors for students and empowers communities to thrive. We’re honored to support the Oregon Science Festival as it inspires curiosity and imagination in young minds throughout our region.”

Food carts will also be on site for visitors. Tesla coil demos, live reptiles, stop-motion animation tutorials, AR smart glasses demos, robots in action—all this and so much more awaits families, students, and explorers of all ages.

Thank you to Oregon Science Festival’s sponsors: the Oregon College Savings Plan, PGE, Quantum Fiber, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Forth, and Weir.

For more information and a full up-to-date schedule of events, visit https://omsi.edu/events/oregon-sci-fest/.