Exhibit at the BSC

Exhibit at the BSC

Big Science Celebration

Join thousands of families, students, and lifelong learners at the Big Science Celebration (BSC) on May 1, 2027, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As the grand finale of the seven-day COSI Science Festival, the BSC is Ohio's largest interactive STEAM event, bringing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to life through hands-on experiences and unforgettable discoveries.

 

The BSC offers free public access to a wide range of STEAM experiences, giving thousands of young people and families their first opportunity to connect directly with real-world scientists, technologists, engineers, and artists. More than an engagement event, it serves as an important entry point for career awareness and a regional workforce activation platform, connecting residents with STEAM careers, employers, and ongoing learning opportunities at scale. This high-energy outdoor experience brings together leading STEAM organizations from across the state and beyond to showcase innovative work, inspire future scientists and innovators, and make science fun, visible, accessible, and meaningful for all.

Join the Big Science Celebration


Connect with thousands of festival attendees as an exhibitor. Applications are now open.

Apply Today

Want to see what exhibiting looks like? Explore the 2026 map and watch highlights from past exhibitors to get inspired!

View 2026 BSC map

2026 BSC Visitor Feedback

Exhibitor Expectations

  • 93%

    of visitors said their experience was excellent or outstanding

  • 90%

    said they experienced wonder, awe, or delight about science

  • 38%

    said they learned about a career they never knew existed

  • 52%

    said they interacted with a professional they never would have met outside of the Big Science Celebration

  • 92%

    wanted to continue learning about ways to engage with science “a lot” or “a huge amount” after attending the Big Science Celebration

Source: 2026 Big Science Celebration visitor survey.

Exhibitor Expectations

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!

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 application by February 5, 2027. 

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 1, 2027 from 11 AM to 5 PM at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Exhibitors typically arrive between 8 AM – 10 AM 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.

Food and beverage vendors participate through a separate application process and do not apply through the exhibitor application above. If you are interested in serving food or beverages at the Big Science Celebration, please complete the Food & Beverage Vendor Application. Our team will review your submission and follow up regarding availability and next steps.

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