Space Foundation Discovery Center Co-Hosts 2026 Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival
Space Foundation Discovery Center Co-Hosts 2026 Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival
WHAT: Space Foundation Discovery Center will join Cool Science as a co-host of the 2026 Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival, a 16-day celebration featuring dozens of STEAM events throughout Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
The festival begins Oct. 3 with Cool Science Carnival Day for Kids at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Produced by Cool Science, the free event will feature hands-on activities, demonstrations and interactive exhibits presented by participating organizations from across eastern Colorado.
WHY: The Cool Science Festival gives children, families and adults opportunities to experience science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics through engaging community events. Most festival activities are free, although some require advance registration or charge a small fee.
Cool Science Carnival Day is the festival’s largest event, with approximately 8,000 people expected to attend.
WHERE: Festival events will take place at locations throughout Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region.
Cool Science Carnival Day:
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Carnival activities will take place across the UCCS central campus. Media check-in will be located at the University Center Lower Plaza Information Tent.
WHO: Cool Science, Space Foundation Discovery Center, participating schools, museums, businesses and community organizations
WHEN: Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival, Oct. 3–18, 2026
Festival highlights include:
- Oct. 3–18: Dry Panning for Gems and Minerals at the Western Museum of Mining and Industry
- Oct. 7: Science Riot at Ivywild School, featuring stand-up comedy performed by scientists and engineers
- Oct. 8: Space Science Shows at the U.S. Air Force Academy Planetarium and the Ultraviolet Evening Experience at Cave of the Winds
- Oct. 10: National Fossil Day at Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center and a Community Stargazing Night at Thomas MacLaren School
- Oct. 14: Engineering Open House and Stargazing Night at Pikes Peak State College
- Oct. 16–17: Da Vinci After Dark and Spooky Science at the Leonardo da Vinci Museum in Pueblo
- Oct. 17: Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum STEM Day and Chemistry Magic at Pikes Peak Library District’s Penrose Library
View the complete Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival schedule.
Cool Science Carnival Day
Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. MT
A special Chemistry Magic show begins at 9 a.m.
Prime photo and interview opportunities include:
- Chemistry demonstrations featuring color-changing reactions and explosions
- Hands-on robotics, rocket-building and engineering activities
- Live animal encounters and interactive science exhibits
- Space Foundation Discovery Center’s Sphero robot programming activity
- Interviews with Cool Science organizers, educators and participating families
Admission and campus parking are free. The event will take place rain or shine.
View the complete Cool Science Carnival Day schedule.
CONTACTS:
Marc Straub
Cool Science Executive Director
719-964-1042
marc@coolscience.org
Zakary Watson
Director, Communications
Space Foundation
zwatson@spacefoundation.org