About
About
The COSI Science Festival, happening April 29 – May 2, 2026, is a four-day celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Through hands-on events across Ohio, the festival connects people of all ages with the science that shapes our everyday lives—where we live, learn, and lounge.
Whether you're a curious visitor, a community leader, or an organization looking to get involved, the COSI Science Festival is your invitation to explore, engage, and celebrate the power of science.
4 days of hands-on science
Ways to Get Involved
Festival Highlights
Community Partners
The COSI Science Festival is proud to collaborate with civic leaders from 24 communities across Central Ohio. These partnerships ensure that science reaches people where they live, learn, and gather—whether through local STEAM events or participation in the Big Science Celebration.
By working directly with mayors, city councils, and community organizations, the festival reflects the unique character of each community while promoting a shared commitment to science literacy and public engagement.
Learning Lunchboxes:
Science in Every Neighborhood
Through our partnerships with civic leaders in 24 communities, the COSI Science Festival delivers more than just events—we deliver hands-on science directly to families.
Each year, we donate thousands of Learning Lunchboxes to these communities, working closely with local leaders to identify where they’re needed most. These interactive kits include all the materials for five fun STEAM activities, plus additional learning resources aligned with national education standards.
Whether distributed through schools, libraries, or community centers, Learning Lunchboxes help ensure that science is accessible, engaging, and equitable—no matter where you live.
5 STEAM Stars
The STEAM Star initiative celebrates everyday innovators who are making a difference in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. These are educators, artists, scientists, engineers, and community leaders whose work inspires curiosity, solves problems, and helps others understand the world in new ways.
Each year, five STEAM Stars are nominated by the public and selected by the COSI Science Festival Committee. Honorees are recognized at the Big Science Celebration and may be featured in local media.
STEAM Stars can come from any discipline—whether you’re designing sustainable architecture, teaching robotics, creating science-inspired art, or leading community-based research. If someone’s work sparks wonder and learning, they could be a STEAM Star.
Learn more about the 2025 COSI Science Festival impact
Access the 2025 impact report here:
Frequently Asked Questions:
The COSI Science Festival is four days – April 29 – May 2, 2026. April 29 – May 1 are three days of Community STEAM Events throughout Ohio, and the Big Science Celebration will be at COSI in Columbus on May 2, 2026 from 11am – 5pm.
Community events will be spread throughout the state of Ohio. Not everyone can make it to COSI, and we want to ensure the COSI Science Festival is as accessible as possible. Check out the 2025 Event Archive here. Check out the 2025 Event Archive here.
he Big Science Celebration will be May 2, 2026 from 11am – 5pm at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more about the Big Science Celebration here.
Individual community events will be decided on a case by case basis, but the Big Science Celebration will be rain or shine. We’ll put in a request for sunny and 72, but we all know how Ohio weather is.
COSI is still open on the day of the Big Science Celebration, general admission rates apply.
Maybe you are working on a school project or are still curious about a topic after a visit to COSI. Ask our Department of Science Content your science questions! You can submit your questions here – cosi.org/contact-us
There are a variety of ways. Each community will decide where the free Learning Lunchboxes will make the most impact, but kits are always available to be purchased online at cosi.org/connects/kits, or in person at COSI. There area also a huge variety of free activities available through COSI Connects at cosi.org/connects.