ALL PHOTOS VIA ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER
Spark STEM Fest (Website), the Orlando Science Center’s largest annual event, returns Saturday, February 14 through Monday, February 16, with three days of hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM – get it?) programming aimed at visitors of all ages. The festival runs daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is presented by the University of Central Florida College of Research. You can’t get much more sciencey than that.
The event brings together scientists, engineers, artists, and educators from across Central Florida and beyond, with interactive exhibits and demonstrations designed to connect the public directly with working STEM professionals. Participating organizations this year include the University of Central Florida, Lockheed Martin, The Walt Disney Company, AdventHealth, and several research and education groups.
One of the festival’s headline attractions is the return of Jason Latimer’s Impossible Science? Live!, a theater show that blends stage magic with scientific concepts. Latimer, a world champion magician and science educator, is known for demonstrations that explore perception, physics, and problem-solving. The show includes new illusions this year, along with returning audience favorites, and carries a $5 additional fee beyond general admission.
Another featured guest is astronaut and artist Nicole Stott, who will lead a hands-on “open make” session focused on designing homemade spacesuits from recycled materials. Stott, a veteran of multiple NASA missions, will also speak about space exploration and creativity, connecting engineering, art, and environmental awareness.
Throughout the three-day event, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitor experiences. University of Central Florida researchers will showcase robotics, including a humanoid robot and a robotic dog. Disney representatives will host a themed escape room focused on teamwork and problem-solving. Lockheed Martin engineers will demonstrate flight simulators used in pilot training, while AdventHealth will offer interactive medical and healthcare career experiences. Additional exhibits include therapy robotics research and other emerging technologies.
The festival also includes Science Night Live, an adults-only event on Saturday, February 14, from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Science Night Live is separately ticketed and features a more social atmosphere with food, cash bars, and exclusive programming. Highlights include an additional performance of Jason Latimer’s Impossible Science? Live! and a fireside chat with Nicole Stott, moderated by Central Florida Public Media’s Brendan Byrne. The evening also includes curated LEGO displays from the Renaissance LEGO Users Group.
General admission to Spark STEM Fest includes access to exhibits, demonstrations, and most programs. Admission is free for Orlando Science Center members, $31 for adults, $29 for teens, and $24 for children ages two to twelve, with the additional fee applying only to the Jason Latimer theater show. Click HERE for more information.
