Exhibit at the BSC

Exhibit at the BSC

Big Science Celebration

Join us for the Big Science Celebration (BSC) on May 2, 2026, from 11am to 5pm — the grand finale of the four-day COSI Science Festival and Ohio’s largest interactive STEAM event.

This high-energy, outdoor experience brings together leading STEAM organizations from across the region and beyond to connect with thousands of youth, families, and adults. It’s a day filled with engaging experiments, hands-on science, and spectacular displays that showcase the incredible work happening in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Whether you're inspiring future scientists or sharing your organization’s impact, the BSC is your chance to make science fun, visible, and accessible to all.

 

Want to see what exhibiting looks like?
Explore the 2025 map and watch highlights from past exhibitors to get inspired!

View 2025 BSC map

Exhibitor Expectations

The 2026 Big Science Celebration exhibitor application is open through early February, 2026.

All exhibitors must create interactive, hands-on spaces and activities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics. Be creative and show the public what your organization does for our community and beyond. Help bridge the STEAM skills gap and inspire our community’s children to see themselves as future scientists. Let’s make science fun and accessible for everyone!

Interested in exhibiting at the BSC?

The 2026 Big Science Celebration exhibitor application window is now open. 

Apply to exhibit today!
BSC exhibitor timeline:
An event of this scale and magnitude involves many costs, (including, but not limited to: permitting fees, equipment rentals, security, labor, etc.). The exhibitor fee allows us to recoup some of these costs so that the festival is sustained for years to come. Fees vary depending on exhibit size and organization type. Reach out for details or support options. We are aware that these costs may prohibit participation for some exhibitors, and we want to work with all groups to make entry possible. If the cost of participation is prohibitive, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Sponsorship Opportunities

Want more in-depth information?

View our COSI Science Festival partner guide.

CSF Partner Guide

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ohio—especially central Ohio—faces a STEAM skills gap. By participating in the Big Science Celebration, your organization has a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of attendees and introduce them to careers in your industry in a fun and engaging way. This interaction helps attendees—from students to families—gain a better understanding of the job roles available in STEAM fields. Exhibitors have found that visitors leave with a greater appreciation for STEAM and its positive impact on daily life, as well as the many exciting career opportunities it offers.

Submit an online application through the orange link above. Applications are open until February 6, 2026. Accepted exhibitors will be charged exhibitor fees. After applying, you’ll receive confirmation and next steps via email. If you have questions about fees or need support, reach out to us at [email protected].

Each exhibit space includes either a 10′ x 10′ or 10′ x 20′ tent, along with chairs and tables. Electricity is available for an additional fee and can be requested during the application process. Larger exhibit spaces are available through sponsorship opportunities.

Your exhibit activity should be hands-on, engaging, and easy to understand. We encourage you to design an activity that reflects your organization’s mission or work, teaching a skill that a visitor would need for a career at your organization. Activities should be suitable for families and school-aged children. Examples include building challenges, interactive demos, creative art-science mashups, or nature-based experiments.

Yes! Collaborative exhibits are welcome. Just be sure to include all partner details in your application so we can plan accordingly.

We’re here to help! First-time exhibitors can reach out to [email protected] for guidance on designing an activity, understanding logistics, or navigating the application process.

The Big Science Celebration will take place on May 2, 2026, from 11am to 5pm at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Exhibitor applications for the 2026 event will open in Fall 2025. Exhibitors typically arrive between 8–10am for setup on the day of the event.

Typically, we see between 25,000 and 45,000 attendees. Attendance varies based on weather, with good conditions typically drawing larger crowds. 2025 saw the highest rainfall for that date in Columbus history, and we still saw over 15,000 guests.

The Big Science Celebration is a rain-or-shine event. While we always hope for sunny and 72, we know how unpredictable Ohio weather can be! Individual community STEAM events may adjust based on local conditions and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, COSI remains open to the public during the Big Science Celebration. Standard admission rates apply for indoor museum access.

Applications for 2026 will open in Fall 2025. For more information or to be added to the vendor interest list, contact [email protected].

Yes—space is limited and demand is high. We recommend applying early to secure your spot.