North Carolina Science Festival 2025 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! These events are free unless otherwise indicated.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College STEM Open House
Thursday, April 3, 2025
5 to 7 p.m.
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College on the North Carolina Research Campus
399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis, NC
Free
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College invites the community to an evening of excitement and exploration during its upcoming STEM Open House on Thursday, April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m. Join in a celebration showcasing the College’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at its facilities located at the North Carolina Research Campus.
The FREE STEM Open House promises an immersive experience for attendees of all ages, featuring interactive exhibits, hands-on experiments, and engaging demonstrations. From innovative robotics displays to captivating chemistry experiments, participants will be able to discover the endless possibilities and practical applications of STEM education.
Statewide Star Party: Mooresville
Friday, April 4, 2025
7 to 10 p.m.
Cornelius Road Park
247 Cornelius Road, Mooresville, NC
Free
Join us for an evening of discovery and wonder under the stars! Mooresville’s very first Star Party, hosted by the Parks & Recreation Department, will take place at Cornelius Road Park on April 4th from 7PM to 10PM. This family-friendly event will include a variety of crafts and hands-on activities. You’ll be able to explore the mysteries of the night sky with stargazing opportunities, and learn about the universe from local experts. Come experience the cosmos in a whole new way while you find your place in space!
STEAM Day at Latta
Saturday, April 5, 2025
Latta Nature Preserve
6345 Sample Road, Huntersville, NC
Free
This is a FREE day of adventure, exploration and hands-on learning, featuring science, technology, engineering, arts and math fun for all ages. No tickets are required. Activities take place at Carolina Raptor Center and Quest Nature Center.
Statewide Star Party: Davidson College
Saturday, April 5, 2025
6 to 10:30 p.m.
Davidson College
209 Ridge Road, Davidson, NC
Free
Come explore the wonders of astronomy and the night sky with your family and friends by joining Davidson for the three events described below. Please stay for all three, or feel free to come for just one or two. As a host for the NC Science Festival’s annual Statewide Star Party, theme theme for all events is “Your Place in Space.”
- 6:00 – 8:00 pm: Outdoor activity session in the courtyard of the Baker-Watt Science Complex featuring family-friendly demonstrations, crafts, and activities.
- 8:00 – 9:00 pm: Public lecture in Hance Auditorium: “Are We There Yet?” presented by Jack Howard, NASA Solar System Ambassador
- 9:00 – 10:30 pm: Public stargazing on the campus lawn, featuring telescope observations and guided tours of the Moon, stars, galaxies, nebulae, and planets. Bring a blanket and relax while you take time to simply look up.
In the case of inclement weather, the activity session will be held indoors and the public stargazing will be cancelled. For weather updates and more information about our event, please check this event webpage.
Statewide Star Party: UNC Charlotte
Saturday, April 5, 2025
9 to 11 p.m.
Charlotte Observatory
9628 Poplar Lane, Charlotte, NC
Learn about the planets, stars, and galaxies that make up our universe! It will be a great event for children and adults who want to learn more about space to look at the sky and participate in some astronomy activities at the campus observatory. Plus, learn some physics with liquid nitrogen demonstrations.
Registration is not required, but you’re encouraged to register here to help estimate numbers, and so you can be contacted directly in case of postponement.
Please use Polar Lane off Cameron Boulevard and proceed to parking in Lot 26, Lot 25, or the North Deck. Find a map of the campus here. Free parking after 7pm.
Science of Coffee
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Union West Regional Library
123 Unionville Indian Trail Road, Indian Trail, NC
Free
Adults
Small business High Octane Creamery & Coffee will share the tools you can use to make coffee and develop a deeper appreciation for your morning joe.
Gaston College sciVisit
Friday, April 11, 2025
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Gaston College Dallas Campus
201 US-321, Dallas, NC
Free
This event is for high school students from Gaston and Lincoln Schools.
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.
Charlotte Robot Rumble 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Belk Gym — UNC Charlotte’s main campus
8911 University Road, Charlotte, NC
Free
Come see combat robot fighting on UNC Charlotte campus! Expect sparks to be flying as 48 robots battling in a double elimination tournament. The robots fight in a 8 foot cage of bulletproof glass and metal. Robots fight until one robot can not move anymore, or until a fight goes to judges after 2 minutes. Stop by any time during the day to see exciting robot battles for free! The event is also free for non-students, and a great activity for families of all ages.
Battle X at Charlotte Motor Speedway — Exhibition RC Car Race
Thursday, April 24, 2025
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Charlotte Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Parkway South, Concord, NC
Free
Children (through high school) — registration required to participate
Teams from the GM Motorsports Technical Center and Charlotte Motor Speedway battle it out in this exclusive Exhibition RC Car Race. This classic showdown comes just ahead of the Ten80 STEM Challenge Nationals. happening in the infield of the iconic Speedway. The competition is comprised of many RC (Remote Control) and AV (Autonomous Vehicle) teams from across the country and China! These teams work and compete throughout the year for their chance to showcase their accomplishments and compete for the coveted #1 spot.
Visiting students will have the chance to try out their skills with the cars. Plus, teachers and students can learn how to start their own Ten80 team in their school. Representatives will be on hand to show you how to get started.
Treetops and Tombstones: Charlotte’s Super Natural Arboretum
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9 to 11 a.m.
Elmwood Cemetery
264 North Cedar Street, Charlotte, NC
Free — registration required
Elmwood Cemetery is Charlotte’s center-city gem. But did you know it’s also a certified arboretum? Join Charlotte arborists and the cemeteries manager for a fascinating walking tour where you’ll get tips on how to identify trees, learn about the historical figures interred in this historic cemetery, and discuss the City of Charlotte’s meticulous stewardship of its iconic tree canopy. The leisurely tour is accessible for cyclists and pedestrians. Please note the ground may uneven at times. Wear sturdy shoes, weather appropriate clothing, and sunscreen.
UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo
Sunday, April 27, 2025
12 to 4 p.m.
University of North Carolina Charlotte, Main Plaza
8838 Craver Rd, Charlotte, NC
Free
The UNC Charlotte STEAM Innovation Expo is back as part of the 2025 NC Science Festival!
The 2025 Expo will be Sunday, April 27, from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm and will take place on the UNC Charlotte plaza between Mebane Hall (Cato College of Education), the College of Health and Human Services Building, Barnhardt Student Activities Center, and Woodward Hall.
The UNC Charlotte Center for STEM Education, UNC Charlotte STEM departments, and community stakeholders will facilitate events focused on engaging and interactive STEM learning opportunities. Through hands-on activities, STEM talks, lab tours, nature experiences, exhibits and performances, the UNC Charlotte STEAM Expo engages a wide range of public audiences while inspiring future generations.
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However, sometimes things change without notice, and we are not always notified. It’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
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More Events for Kids
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