North Carolina Science Festival 2024 is a statewide collection of events during the month of April, intended to ignite an interest in science in both kids and adults. Events take place at a number of venues in the Charlotte area, including museums, parks and libraries.
We will be listing a few the free events in the Charlotte area below, but make sure to visit the North Carolina Science Festival website for a complete list.
Make sure to follow the links below to register, if required.
North Carolina Science Festival
These are just a FEW of the many NC Science Festival events!
Star Lab at Harrisburg Branch Public Library
Tuesdays: April 2, 9, 16, 23
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Harrisburg Branch Public Library
201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg, NC 28075
Free
Experience a planetarium show right here in the Harrisburg Library! Shows will run from 10am to 6pm at intervals with presenter breaks. Check the Cabarrus County online calendar for weekly topics. The Star Lab is courtesy of the State Library of North Carolina.
NC Rocks
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
6 to 7 p.m.
Harrisburg Branch Public Library
201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg, NC 28075
Free
Do you know what a rockhound is? Maybe you are one, or maybe you’ve heard about rockhounding but don’t know where to get started! At this program, we will discover the best rock-hunting sites in the area as well as learn what you can—and can’t!—do while rockhounding in North Carolina. Attendees will make a clay craft of a simulated mineral to take home.
STEM Open House
Thursday, April 4, 2024
5 to 7 p.m.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College at the North Carolina Research Campus
399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28083
Free
Ever wondered about all of the STEM activities that take place at a community college? Come visit the two buildings on the North Carolina Research Campus to see STEM come to life! The event is free and open to all ages!
Statewide Star Party at Lake Norman State Park
Friday, April 5, 2024
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park
1412 State Park Rd, Statesville, NC 28677
Free
Help celebrate NC Science Festival with Lake Norman State Park! The Piedmont Amateur Astronomers will be coming out to the swim beach parking lot to show us the stars through their telescopes. Friends of Lake Norman State Park will bring the moon pies and Rangers will be offering activities as we wait for it to get dark. Meet at the Swim Beach. Rain date is the following Saturday.
Statewide Star Party at UNC Charlotte Observatory
Saturday, April 6, 2024
9 to 11 p.m.
UNC Charlotte Observatory
9628 Poplar Lane, Charlotte, NC 28262
Free
This will be a great event for children and adults who want to learn more about the planets, stars, and galaxies that make up our universe and is right before the April 8th solar eclipse! There will also be lots of physics demonstrations and activities for all!
Statewide Star Party at Harrisburg Library
Monday, April 8, 2024
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Harrisburg Branch Public Library
201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg, NC 28075
Free
Help celebrate “Sun and Moon” during the 2024 eclipse at the Harrisburg Library! We will be one of this year’s Statewide Star Party hosts. There will be games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, and more! Attendance is free so bring the whole family. Please note that the Star Party will take place indoors and will have no guided eclipse viewing, but patrons may come and go from the event. Parking is available in the park and in the Library’s two lots. Registration is not required for this event.
Learn where to buy eclipse glasses or how to make a pinhole eclipse viewer.
Gaston College SciVisit
Friday, April 12, 2024
8:30 to 12:45 p.m.
Gaston College Dallas Campus
201 US-321, Dallas, NC 28034
Free
Gaston College sciVisit is a free, annual, outreach event to promote STEM education to high school students in Gaston and Lincoln counties. Students will have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning activities and demonstrations hosted by expert college faculty and industry partners.
STEAM: On the Wing & On the Water
Saturday, April 13, 2024
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carolina Raptor Center and Quest Nature Center
6000 Sample Road, Huntersville, CN 28078
Free
Embark on an exciting exploration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics at STEAM: On the Wing & On the Water, a captivating event hosted by Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation’s Quest Nature Center and the Carolina Raptor Center at the picturesque Latta Nature Preserve. This family-friendly extravaganza, offered completely free of charge, invites participants to dive into the wonders of nature through a seamless blend of education and entertainment.
At Quest, families can immerse themselves in STEAM concepts themed around water, brought to life by engaging activities presented by various community partners. Delight in the enchanting world of live animals, a 6000-gallon fish tank, and interactive displays, including a mesmerizing water table that promises endless fascination for young and curious minds.
Meanwhile, over at the Carolina Raptor Center, enjoy complimentary admission to the Raptor Trail, where more than 30 avian ambassadors from around the globe await. As you stroll through this avian wonderland, connect with community partners stationed along the trail, sharing insights into how their work intersects with the intricate tapestry of ecology.
UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo
Sunday, April 14, 2024
12 to 4 p.m.
UNC Charlotte Main Campus – Across from Popp Martin Student Union
9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28223
Free
Engage with STEAM through close to a hundred stations showcasing problem-solving and igniting a sense of exploration. This event is held simultaneously with Charlotte Kids Fest, at the same time and area.
The “Wright” Stuff
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Midland Library
4297 NC-24 27 C, Midland, NC 28107
Do you have the “Wright” stuff to make a plane fly? Join us as we learn about the Wright brothers and planes. We’ll make our own paper airplanes and see how far we can make them fly. Recommended for ages 6 to 11.
STEM Spectra
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
OCH Campus, Main Building (South Piedmont Community College)
4209 Old Charlotte Hwy, Monroe, North Carolina 28110
Explore the topics of science, technology, engineering and math through an interactive open house at South Piedmont Community College. Ages 10+
Exploration Station
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
1:30 to 2:15 p.m.
Harrisburg Branch Public Library
201 Sims Pkwy, Harrisburg, NC 28075
Free
Exploration Station is a play-based STEAM program for our junior scientists! There will be several learning stations available for preschool-aged explorers, and together we will learn to find science and art all around us!
Illuminating Possibilities — make paper circuits
Thursday, April 18, 2024
4 to 5 p.m.
Kannapolis Library
850 Mountain Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081
Free
Ever wonder why your lights go out in your house? Join the Cabarrus County 4-H to learn all things paper circuits. You will leave with your own paper circuit to take home in this illuminating, hands-on experience for all!
Remote Control Race Car STEM Challenge
Saturday, April 27, 2024
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Charlotte Motor Speedway (Race track infield)
5555 Concord Pkwy South, Concord, NC
Free
Charlotte Motor Speedway has partnered with Ten80 Education to bring the 2024 Remote Control Race Car STEM Nationals. Join us in the infield of the iconic NASCAR track as teams from across the country battle it out in this STEM challenge. Walk through the “pits” and check out the race teams presentations and learn how you can become part of a Ten80 race team. Test out your skills with a remote control car.
Changing the Game: Exploring STEM & STEAM Career Pathways through Esports & Gaming
Saturday, April 27, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Johnson C. Smith University
100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216
Free
This exciting informational session, which will be hosted by students and staff representing Johnson C. Smith University’s Esports and Gaming Trifecta, is aimed at providing teenagers ages 13-18 years old, with the opportunity to gain invaluable insight regarding STEM and STEAM career pathways that are linked to the esports and gaming industries. Attendees will learn the psychological, cognitive, and physical benefits of gaming, as well as how to utilize their passions for gaming to create entrepreneurial opportunities. This interactive session will feature hands-on gaming activities and guest speakers, all of whom represent leading esports and gaming corporations, worldwide. Advance registration is required.
Imagineers Expo: Where science and fun collide
Saturday, April 27, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Southwest Regional Library
1515 Cuthbertson Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173
Embark on a thrilling journey of exploration and creativity at Union County Library’s Imagineers Expo, where we’ve crafted an immersive experience for all ages to discover the exciting world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Our event is designed to captivate the curious minds of all ages, making learning an exhilarating adventure.
Join us at Imagineers Expo for a day filled with laughter, learning, and limitless possibilities. Let’s collide the worlds of science and fun in the most imaginative way possible!
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