Various locations across Edinburgh
Taking place across the city, Edinburgh Science Festival is renowned for hosting inspiring science activities alongside serious and provocative debates. With events for all the family, this a great opportunity to get actively involved in learning about all things science.
The theme for this year is Spaceship Earth and will explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration, learning how to live like astronauts.
115 events will take place in around 30 venues across the city, including the City Art Centre, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Zoo, National Museum of Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The University of Edinburgh.
Family events
For those crazy about space, there is a bumper programme of events to choose from. Help a bubbleographer make the ultimate bubble, follow one man step foot on the moon, learn about how AI can be used to make art, and even get transported to a magical world full of imaginative creatures, and much, much more.
Spaceship Earth at the National Museum of Scotland explores what life would be like on the International Space Station and how astronauts live their day-to-day lives with limited resources. Head along to DiscoveryLab at the City Art Centre and explore five floors of interactive activities – from arts and crafts and construction activities to learning about aerodynamics and green energy of the future.
Entertain the whole family with shows such as The Rocket Show, and see how to build a space rocket. Enjoy a fun-filled show exploring the world of modern inventions at Incredible Inventions; meet some of Edinburgh Zoo’s incredible animals at Creatures of the Planet, or join scientist and Great British Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley for some space-inspired bakes at Mission Bake: From Bake Off to Blast Off.
Adult events
For older children and adults, take your pick from engaging talks, experiences and workshops where you can celebrate science, conservation and space exploration.
Sip on craft beer while diving into conservation efforts at Conservation and Cans; meet an astronaut and explore the future of life on Earth at Spaceship Earth After Hours, and get hands-on with science at Science Festival Late. Plus, uncover the mysteries of the universe at An Evening of Cosmic Exploration.
While for an extraordinary cinematic experience, don’t miss the planetarium screenings at Dynamic Earth. Showcasing a collection of iconic films, including Contact, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Martian and WALL-E, whether you’re a sci-fi aficionado or someone looking for a heart-pounding adventure, it’s an unforgettable journeys into space.
For more about this year’s programme of events and to book tickets, go to Edinburgh Science Festival.
