Philadelphia Science Festival

Dates:
April 18 – April 28, 2013

Overview

Now in its third year, the Philadelphia Science Festival (PSF) returns April 18-28 to put science in focus for an 11-day run of 100 events at restaurants, museums, libraries, galleries and outdoor spaces.

In past years, the festival has seen engagement from more than 120,000 people (including around 30,000 students), and with the awesome assembly of happenings on tap for 2013, this year’s festival is poised to be bigger, better and brainier.

Popular events have included star-gazing sessions, exploring the science of food and the massive Science Carnival on the Parkway. Check a few of the fun happenings at this year’s festival, below.

PSF Kick-Off Party: Science Carnival After Dark
Thursday, April 18, 6:30-9 p.m.
Proving science lessons aren’t just for kids, this after-dark soiree launches the festival with live shows fit for grown-ups — think 3-D presentations and cocktail demonstrations.
Where: NextFab Studio, 2025 Washington Avenue
Cost: $15

Science Carnival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This free al fresco fair will take over the Parkway for an afternoon of family-friendly interactive activities, live performances and demonstrations, including an App Arcade, where participants can test run new applications.
Where: The Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Cost: Free

Skinned, Stuffed and Mounted: Taxidermy Exposed
Sunday, April 21, 2-5:30 p.m
With more than 100,000 specimens in its permanent collection, the Wagner Free Institute of Science plays the perfect host to an afternoon of taxidermy-focused fun. Rachel Poliquin, author of The Breathless Zoo, and Beth Beverly, of AMC’s reality show Immortalized, are set to speak, answer questions and sign books.
Where: The Wagner Free Institute, 1700 W. Montgomery Avenue
Cost: $10

Hot, Hot, Hot: The Science of Spicy Food
Tuesday, April 23, 6-7:30 p.m.
Han Dynasty is well-loved for its incredibly spicy Sichuan fare, and this tasting event explores remedies for the burn with Monell Chemical Senses Center scientists.
Where: Han Dynasty, 3711 Market St.
Cost: Varies

Icarus at the Edge of Time
Wednesday, April 24, 8 p.m.
The Festival’s collaboration with the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) is a city premiere, and a key highlight of PIFA, too. Icarus at the Edge of Time, a multimedia show based on the children’s book by physicist Brian Greene, features film, narration and the sounds of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.
Where: The Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.
Cost: $32-$44

Science Day at the Ballpark
Thursday, April 25, 1:05 p.m.
Root for the home team while learning about the physics of baseball before and during the game at 10 activity stations located throughout the concourse and outside on Citizens Bank Way.
Cost: Ticket prices vary

Astronomy Night
Friday, April 26, 6 p.m.
Grab a blanket and tour the cosmos. Professional and amateur astronomers will bring out their telescopes to show locals the wonders of the night sky at more than 20 venues in and around Philadelphia.
Cost: Free

For a complete schedule of events and to purchase tickets to select events, visit www.philasciencefestival.org.