You don’t have to be fond of science to enjoy several of the science-related events that will take place throughout metro Atlanta starting March 19.
Dress as your favorite element for a family-friendly parade through the streets of downtown Atlanta or solve a mock zombie outbreak on Emory University’s campus during the week-long Atlanta Science Festival. Adults looking to have a drink and enjoy a few laughs will also have a few events to attend.
Since 2014, the annual Atlanta Science Festival has been partnering with local organizations, parks, museums and universities to put on events that are not only educational, but also a blast to attend!
Here are 15 can’t-miss events at this year’s Atlanta Science Festival:
Rock-n-Walk at Stone Mountain
Walk Stone Mountain with Georgia State University geologists and discuss the history and future of the site in the visitor center on March 19.
10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 19. Free admission. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Crime Scene Investigation Squad
There’s been a mock crime on Georgia Gwinnett College’s campus and you’re responsible for solving it and putting the community at ease. Using a forensic lab, you must analyze the evidence and find the person who is responsible for committing the crime.
This exercise is modeled after popular shows such as “CSI,” “NCIS” and “Bones.”
Channel your favorite characters at this free event.
10 a.m.-noon. March 19. Free admission with advance registration. Georgia Gwinnett College's School of Science and Technology, 1000 University Center Lane Building H, Lawrenceville. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Superhero Science Night
Children and their adult chaperones can dress up as their favorite superheroes while learning about science, math and technology at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta on March 19.
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. March 19. $6, museum members. $16, non members. Children's Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr., Atlanta. AtlantaScienceFestival.org.
Motions of Change
The Space and The Center for Chemical Evolution will teach attendees about social ecology, biochemistry and computer science through an acrobat show. A panel of experts will be on hand to enhance the educational value of three dance performances at this event.
8 p.m.-10 p.m. March 19. $5. The Space Atlanta, LLC. 4620-A South Atlanta Road, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Fernbank Forest Guide Tour
Learn about the 65-acre Fernbank Forest and restoration efforts during this two-hour walk.
Attendees will leave this free and educational walk through the forest with a newfound understanding of native biodiversity, invasive species and more.
Noon-2 p.m. March 20. Free admission. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
The Science of Circus
Curious about the science behind performances at circuses such as Cirque du Soleil and UniverSoul Circus?
The Imperial Opa Circus and Georgia Tech scientists will explain the science behind aerial trapeze and more at “The Science of Circus.”
2 p.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-6 p.m. March 20. $8, if purchased before March 19. $10. Buck's Sports Barn, 2303 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Zombie Outbreak Game
You are responsible for investigating a mock Zombie outbreak on the Emory campus.
Participants will be given "real-world tools employed by public health scientists" and asked to perform experiments, interview patients and more, according to the event listing.
This interactive event is produced by Out of Hand Theater.
2 p.m.-4 p.m. March 20. $5. Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Solve for X Science Variety Show
This night of science-themed fun will include comedy, puppetry and more. Geared towards adults, this variety show will add some educational humor to the traditional variety show roundup.
8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. March 21. $10. Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge, 644 North Highland Ave., Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Canning for Kids
Make jam and learn about food preservation in this fun seminar, geared towards kids, ages 5 to 18 years old.
Preregister for this event by contacting the North Fulton County Extension Office at 404-613-7670 or emailing ksumpter@uga.edu.
4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. March 22. $3. North Fulton Government Building Meeting Room, 7741 Roswell Road, Atlanta.
Science of Beer
Georgia Tech School of Physics and SweetWater Brewing Company will make learning about fermentation fun at their “Science of Beer” event on March 23.
For $18, attendees can learn about home brewing, tour Sweetwater Brewing Company and sample beers in a keepsake Atlanta Science Festival beaker glass.
Space for this event is limited, so purchase your ticket as soon as possible.
6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. March 23. $18. Sweetwater Brewing Company, 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Restoring Native Plants along Peachtree Creek
Walk along the Peachtree Creek and explore its native plants alongside South Fork Conservancy and Trees Atlanta on March 24. View the chestnut planting sites, pollinator meadow, restored creekside vistas and the graffiti-covered walls of I-85 during this hike.
9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. March 24. Free admission. The Confluence Trail, 2100 Armand Road, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
The Science of TV’s the Big Bang Theory
Dave Zobel, author of “The Science of TV’s the Big Bang Theory: Explanations Even Penny Would Understand,” will visit Little Shop of Stories to help fans of the popular CBS show understand some of the science jokes.
7 p.m.-8 p.m. March 25. Free admission. Little Shop of Stories, 133A East Court Square, Decatur. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Science behind Wine
Leave the kids at home for this event! Sample four wines and discuss the science of making them with a certified wine expert at The Elevator Factory. This two-hour event will educate attendees on various grape species, fermentation and more.
Event organizers suggest purchasing a ticket for this event before March 18 to ensure a seat. Tickets are $25.
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. March 25. $25. The Elevator Factory, A2, 437 Memorial Dr., Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Parade into the Park
Participate in a science-themed parade on the last day of the Atlanta Science Fair.
Meet in the parking lot of Centennial Academy and walk the streets of downtown Atlanta amongst your favorite elements, scientists and more. The parade leaves the academy at 10 a.m. and will walk to the Exploration Expo in Centennial Olympic Park.
10 a.m.-11 a.m. March 26. Free admission with advance registration. Centennial Academy, 531 Luckie St., Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
Exploration Expo
With more than 100 exhibits, this free event in Centennial Olympic Park will ensure that the Atlanta Science Festival ends with a big bang.
Fly a drone, touch a brain, build strands of DNA and participate in building a 40-foot LEGO replica of the city of Atlanta, with help from local scientists and engineers, throughout the day.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. March 26. Free admission. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. West, Atlanta. Atlantasciencefestival.org.
View the full list of events here.
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