The Bay Area Science Festival returns on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11am to 4pm at UCSF Mission Bay. It is free, no tickets or registration are needed, and it runs rain or shine.
What to Expect
The festival’s 13th edition promises more than 100 hands-on demonstrations and experiments, stage performances, behind-the-scenes lab tours, film screenings and science talks, according to the festival’s 2026 page. Listed draws include a robot zoo, air rockets, live leopard sharks, a light installation, a forensic science mystery to solve and marshmallows roasted by solar power. Food trucks will be on site, and you can bring your own food and a water bottle for the refill stations.
The setting is outdoors on the lawns of Koret Quad and indoors in the adjacent research buildings and the Mission Bay Conference Center. Most exhibits are on paved paths or inside and are wheelchair accessible; some sit on grass reachable from the paved perimeter walkway. Organizers say to expect crowds and noise, and suggest headphones for anyone who needs them.
No weapons, drones, fireworks, alcohol, smoking, vaping or pets are allowed. The festival is organized by UCSF and is free thanks to donations, per the know-before-you-go page.
Details
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11am to 4pm. Where: UCSF Mission Bay campus, Koret Quad, near 1675 Owens Street.
Cost: Free. Getting there: The T Third Muni Metro line stops at UCSF/Chase Center, about two blocks from Koret Quad. The 22 Fillmore and 55 Dogpatch also serve Mission Bay. Two UCSF garages next to the festival, the Community Center Garage at 1625 Owens Street and the Third Street Garage at 1650 Third Street, offer ADA parking at a reduced $7 daily rate with a valid disabled placard.
