North Carolina Science Festival 2024 is a statewide collection of events during the month of April, intended to ignite an interest in science in both kids and adults. Events take place at a number of venues in the Triangle, including museums, parks and libraries.
We will be listing some of the special events in the Triangle below, but make sure to visit the North Carolina Science Festival website for a complete list.
North Carolina Science Festival
We’ve listed some of the events that have been announced, and you can see all of them online.
Follow each link for more information and to register, if required.
Carolina Science Cafe — Life Under a Solar Eclipse
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
6 to 7 p.m.
Haw River Tap & Table
300 E Main Street, Carrboro, NC
Free
Adults only
Until the “Great American Eclipse” of 2017, the only broad study of animal behavior during a solar eclipse was conducted during an eclipse that passed through New England in 1932 – all other descriptions were fairly anecdotal, and many were contradictory. In 2017, Dr. Hartstone-Rose’s lab did a study of how 17 species of animals at a zoo on the path of totality reacted to this phenomenon, and the results were amazing! Come learn about which animals reacted to the eclipse, how they reacted, and what their plans are for the eclipse happening on April 8th – including how you can contribute to the research!
Astronomy on Tap
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
7 to 9 p.m.
Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham, NC
Free
Astronomy on Tap in the Triangle features accessible, engaging science presentations from real astronomers on topics ranging from stars and planets to black holes and the beginning of the Universe. In addition to talks, each event has trivia and plenty of time to interact with the presenters and other astronomers in the audience.
Discovery Day: Jane Goodall’s Birthday
Thursday, April 4, 2024
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC
Free
This signature program features hands-on learning through experiments, crafts, and other activities set up at stations inside the Nature Center Classroom and on the Learning Deck.
Statewide Star Party: Triangle Land Conservancy’s Three Bears Nature Preserve
Friday, April 5, 2024
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Three Bears Acres
600 Beaver Dam Road, Creedmoor, NC
Free, but registration is required
This year we are combining our Operation Earth Day Carnival with the NC Science Festival’s Statewide Star Party! Learn all about the Sun and the Moon from community organizations and explore the night sky with fun astronomy activities. Start your journey from the parking lot by walking through a scaled version of our very own solar system and then take a pit stop at each of our activity tables to learn all about the stars, the moon, and some of the telescopes that we will be using to view the night sky.
When the sun has set, we will take an optional night hike or story time and end the night with guided demonstrations from Raleigh Astronomy Club to share constellation stories and opportunities to look through real telescopes! This is a free event but pre-registration is required.
Statewide Star Party: Old North Durham Park
Friday, April 5, 2024
7 to 11:15 p.m.
Old North Durham Park
310 W Geer Street, Durham, NC
Free
Celebrate this year’s NC Statewide Star Party with us as we attempt to understand our “Sun and Moon.” Our knowledgeable staff will provide viewing opportunities with binoculars or telescopes. Come and enjoy lots of sun and moon based activities and a solar system walk!
Statewide Star Party: White Deer Park
Friday, April 5, 2024
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Road, Garner, NC
Free
Join us at White Deer Park for the 12th annual Statewide Star Party! This year’s theme is “Sun & Moon.” Enjoy self-guided activities, stargazing with Raleigh Astronomy Club, s’mores by the campfire, and more! This free event will take place in the Nature Center and Nature Center lawn with activities for everyone in the family.
Statewide Star Party: Prairie Ridge Ecostation
Friday, April 5, 2024
8:30 to 11 p.m.
Prairie Ridge Ecostation
1671 Gold Star Drive, Raleigh, NC
Free
Join us at Prairie Ridge Ecostation to view the stars! See the sky through telescopes compliments of the Raleigh Astronomy Club, get answers to your astronomy questions, and learn how YOU can help scientists learn more about our universe.
This event is open to the public at no charge, so stop by for some starry fun. Don’t forget your flashlight — it’s going to be dark!
Discover the Wonder of Wetlands with Carolina Wetlands Association
Saturday, April 6, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
2616 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, NC
Free
Come join the fun and discover new adventures and wetland treasures under the trees! Carolina Wetlands Association in partnership with Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is excited to share the wonders of wetlands with you! Do you know that wetlands are thriving ecosystems? Through hands-on discovery activities and wetland monitoring demonstrations, you can experience fun engagement with our local wetlands. You’ll have the opportunity to observe and identify actual salamanders and living plants! The ecosystem found in Hemlock Bluffs includes trees not usually found in Central North Carolina and with these trees come cliffs, cooler temperatures and amazing wetland treasures.
Reach for the Stars! Be a Star! K-12 STEM and Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities and their Families and Friends
Saturday, April 6, 2024
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mckimmon Center, North Carolina State University
1101 Gorman Street, Raleigh, NC
Free
Calling all STEM Stars! This event is for K-12 Students with Disabilities and their families and friends who are interested in learning more STEM: Content, Educational and Career Pathways with over 50+ tables with hands on activities, led by STEM Professionals, Professors and College Students.
Learn about the latest STEM research and innovation too! In addition, there will be speakers in a separate room every 30 minutes by STEM: Professionals and College Students with Disabilities, on topics such as: pathways to success in college, self-advocacy, supports in the workforce, assistive technologies and much more. The event will also have resources that support students with disabilities on their pathway to success!
Come see how you can become a STEM Star too and help build a diverse, inclusive, and innovative STEM Workforce!
UNC Science Expo
Saturday, April 6, 2024
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
250 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Free
This annual celebration of science features more than 100 hands-on activities and science demonstrations led by STEM students, researchers, and practitioners from UNC-Chapel Hill. The UNC Science Expo is your chance to get up close and personal with cutting edge science hands-on activities, demonstrations, games, and performances!
Statewide Star Party: American Tobacco Trail
Saturday, April 6, 2024
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
American Tobacco Trail – White Oak parking area
1305 White Oak Church Road
Apex, NC
Join us for the NC Science Festival’s Statewide Star Party, themed “Sun & Moon”! Early in the evening, take part in fun, hands-on activities, including a solar system walk, crafts, games, and a selfie station. As the sun goes down, enjoy constellation storytelling around the campfire and observe the night sky through telescopes (set up by experts) and binoculars.
Certified-safe solar eclipse shades will be available first come, first served!
Solar Eclipse Party at Morehead Planetarium
Monday, April 8, 2024
12:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
250 E Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC
Outdoor activities are free; Indoor activities are $10
There will be both indoor and outdoor activities.
Statewide Star Party at White Deer Park: Solar Eclipse Viewing
Monday, April 8, 2024
2 to 4 p.m.
White Deer Park
2400 Aversboro Rd.
Garner, NC 27529
Free
Join us at White Deer Park for the 12th annual Statewide Star Party! This year’s theme is “Sun & Moon.” Enjoy self-guided activities and viewing of the partial solar eclipse. This free event will take place in the Nature Center and Nature Center lawn with activities for everyone in the family.
NC State Earth Fair
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Stafford Commons
NC State University
North side of Talley Student Union, 2610 Cates Avenue, Raleigh
Free
Celebrate NC State Earth Month with the Wolfpack. This is a sustainability-focused fair featuring exhibits, demonstrations and ideas on how you can make the world a better place. Bring a friend and come experience the breadth of sustainability, including learning about food, water, transportation, nature, wellness and so much more.
This outdoor event is open to the public and sponsored by NC State’s University Sustainability Office.
Family Science Discovery Day
Saturday, April 13, 2024
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Johnston Community College, Health Science Building
325 College Road, Smithfield, NC
Free
Johnston Community College will host “Family Science Discovery Day” on Saturday April 13, 2024 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Johnston Community College main campus in the Health Sciences Building.
On display will be engaging STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) activities and exhibits designed to stimulate scientific discovery and exploration for all ages.
Come out and be engaged by interactive activities that explore major STEAM areas! This event is free to everyone and no registration is required.
Inspire to Aspire: A North Carolina Central University Experience Expo
Saturday, April 13, 2024
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mary Townes Science Building, NCCU
1900 Concord Street, Durham, NC
Free
Step onto the vibrant campus of NCCU, where tradition meets innovation. Immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere of one of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Get ready for a day filled with immersive experiences, exciting presentations, and hands-on activities that redefine education.
Lean in, Women in Science
Thursday, April 18, 2024
4 to 6:30 p.m.
NC School of Science and Mathematics
1912 Club Blvd, Durham, NC
Free (registration required)
Lean In, Women in Science is an annual public event to inspire teenage girls in STEM fields. The event features accomplished female scientists talking about their careers, challenges, and successes, followed by conversation in small groups over dinner.
This is a two-part event designed to connect accomplished women in science with high school girls who are interested in STEM. All ages and genders are welcome, but the main target audience is high school girls.
The event starts at 4pm with a group interview of six prominent women scientists followed by smaller breakout groups for dinner on the lawn at 5:15pm, where attendees will be able to chat informally with a panel member. This event is free and open to the public. Dinner is catered by Foster’s Market.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Kids’ Events in the Triangle
Please check out our big list of free and cheap kids’ events in the Triangle or look at a quick list here:
