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Fact: science festivals are the new music festivals. As we roll into 2019, you may feel a bit older, a bit less sprightly, and maybe the idea of a mind-numbing electronic dance festival sounds slightly less appealing. The solution? The Atlanta Science Festival. The springtime festival is a place to let your inner nerd shine and fill your brain with interesting new tidbits of information. Here’s your go-to guide on the Atlanta Science Festival.
Event Overview
Now entering its sixth year in 2019, the Atlanta Science Festival has gained full steam as one of the nation’s largest festivals around — science or otherwise. Stretching over two weeks with over 100 events and expositions throughout Atlanta’s metro area, the festival has something for everyone. Tasting edible insects, building your own drone, investigating a mock crime scene, discovering the chemistry behind ice cream — these are the kinds of hands-on activities that appeal to the nerd in all of us. And sure, it’s family-friendly, but no-one will judge if you opt to leave the kids at home and treat yourself to a day out.
The festival kicks off with a launch party at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and each year the theme is different. In 2018, the Atlanta Science Festival’s theme was “Rise up, Robots!” which showcased a droid comedian and a robot musician. After that, the festival opens up with dozens of events each day in a kind of á la carte format. Pick the events that sound the most interesting to you and your gang, and make your way there.
Atlanta Science Festival Dates and Location
In 2019, the Atlanta Science Festival will be held from March 9th to March 23rd at locations all around the city. The grand finale will take place at Piedmont Park, but the rest of the event information will be announced on January 24th, 2019.
How to Get There
Piedmont Park is the festival’s home base. Events are also held at the Atlanta Zoo, the Georgia Aquarium, and at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but Piedmont hosts over 100 different tents and exhibits, so make your way there to start things off. The park is located north of Downtown and has several entry points on Piedmont Avenue, Monroe Drive, and 10th street if you’re walking or biking. For public transportation, take the Marta and get off at either the Midtown or the Arts Center stop. Check out the park’s website for more in-depth directions.
Atlanta Science Festival Tickets
As far as tickets go, there is no general entrance ticket. And while roughly 60% of the events are free, they all require you to sign up beforehand. You can register via the website after February to enroll or buy your event-specific entry tickets.
Where to Stay During the Atlanta Science Festival
If you’re visiting the Atlanta Science Festival from out of town, we’ve got you covered. Here are some options for some excellent places to stay.
How about staying right in the heart of the park itself? This Parkside Retreat is a private, cozy little cottage perfect for anywhere from one to four people.
For larger groups, this Bright Piedmont Park Duplex will feel like a home-away-from-home and sleeps up to six people.
On the higher end of the spectrum, check out this Beautiful and Unique Midtown Home that has tons of natural light, exposed brick, and ceiling railings that give it a kind of modern industrial vibe while still feeling like home.
And for those who are looking for a little more traditional charm, definitely consider the Stonehurst Place Bed and Breakfast. The common areas are complete with grand pianos, nice wooden floors, and comfortable seating. The rooms are nice enough that you’ll want to stay here when you’re not in town for the science festival.
Other Festivals You Should Consider
For everything from music festivals to food festivals and nerdy science festivals, we have your back when it comes to guides. For stateside events, some of our top picks include the Best New Orleans Festivals, the 10 Coolest Music Festivals in Texas, and the Virginia Pork Festival.
Internationally, check out our rundowns on 9 of the Biggest Korean Music Festivals, Brazil’s 6 Best Festivals, and of course, Clothing-Optional Festivals Around the World.