About 

About 

Science is everywhere, and science is for everyone. The COSI Science Festival builds a diverse STEAM workforce and closes the STEAM skills gap by exposing individuals to science and technology where they live, learn, and lounge

4 days of hands-on science

23 Community Partnerships

The COSI Science Festival is fueled by partnership and built on collaboration. With businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, civic leaders, and industry joining forces, the COSI Science Festival features a unique, partner-based model that ensures the benefits of the festival reach a diverse audience across a wide geography, while also ensuring each festival event has its own distinct science flair.

Community Partners

10,000+ Learning Lunchboxes

The impact and engagement of these STEAM events will be amplified by the distribution of COSI Learning Lunchbox education kits. Learning Lunchboxes are interactive science kits filled with all supplies needed for five fun STEAM activities and additional exciting learning resources. Fun for the whole family and perfect for school-age learners, all Learning Lunchbox content is aligned with national learning guidelines and standards.

5 STEAM Stars

The STEAM Star initiative honors ordinary people doing extraordinary work, bringing awareness and well-deserved recognition to the local scientists who are powering the innovations of tomorrow. The 2024 COSI Science Festival will feature 5 STEAM Stars, nominated by the public and selected by the COSI Committee. STEAM Stars will be honored at the Big Science Celebration and may be featured on local media outlets. 

Learn more about this year's
festival impact

Access the 2024 impact report here:

Frequently Asked Questions:

The COSI Science Festival is four days – April 30 – May 3, 2025. April 30 – May 2 are three days of Community STEAM Events throughout Ohio, and the Big Science Celebration will be at COSI in Columbus on May 3, 2025 from 11 AM – 5 PM. 

Community events will be spread throughout the state of Ohio. Not everyone can make it to COSI, and we want to ensure the COSI Science Festival is as accessible as possible. Check out the 2024 Event Archive here.

The Big Science Celebration will be May 3, 2025 from 11 AM – 5 PM at COSI in Columbus, Ohio. Learn more about the Big Science Celebration here.

Individual community events will be decided on a case by case basis, but the Big Science Celebration will be rain or shine. We’ll put in a request for sunny and 72, but we all know how Ohio weather is.
COSI is still open on the day of the Big Science Celebration, general admission rates apply.

Maybe you are working on a school project or are still curious about a topic after a visit to COSI. Ask our Department of Science Content your science questions! You can submit your questions here – cosi.org/contact-us

There are a variety of ways. Each community will decide where the free Learning Lunchboxes will make the most impact, but kits are always available to be purchased online at cosi.org/connects/kits, or in person at COSI. There area also a huge variety of free activities available through COSI Connects at cosi.org/connects.

About COSI

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the “#1 Science Museum in the Country” as voted by USA Today’s 10Best and 2023 winner of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, is an esteemed science center that has delighted central Ohio, with all things science for 59 years. COSI inspires interest in science, technology, engineering, math and art (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has six Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions influencing science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional and national community, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences. For more information, please visit COSI.org.