Manchester Science Festival

About

Explore the extremes of nature, human capability and creativity at the biennial Manchester Science Festival, returning from 18–27 October.

Tickets are now available for the packed programme of events making up the 2024 Manchester Science Festival—a highlight of the city's cultural calendar and one of the most popular science festivals in the UK.

This year, the festival is tackling the extremes of our world, with visitors having the opportunity to get hands-on with some of science's most cutting-edge developments through multi-sensory experiences, immersive events and hands-on family fun. 

 

State of Mind

18 – 27 October, 2024

Free, drop in

Step into a world of light, rhythm and sound, with headline installation State of Mind, created by Squidsoup.

Immerse yourself in this rich and colourful audio-visual experience - sit, stand or walk through this playful adaptation of the human brain.

 

Activity Zones

18 – 27 October, 2024

Free, drop in

Activity Zones are taking over the historic 1830 Warehouse, with fun and inspiring experiences for all ages.

Explore extremes from space to sport, nature and human capabilities with drop-in workshops and pop-up activities delivered by a range of Festival partners.

 

BBC CBeebies Bedtime Stories: Live at the museum

21–27 October 2024

Free (ticket required)

Mini star gazers can snuggle down for a special BBC CBeebies Bedtime Story inspired by Manchester Science Festival and read by CBeebies House presenters and a constellation of special guests.

See the full event schedule and book free tickets here

 

Out and About

Be both terrified and enchanted by Arachnobot, a world first giant spider puppet as it roams the Manchester Arndale from 19 - 20 Oct, ahead of Halloween in the city.

Visit Harpurhey Sure Start Children's Centre from 22 - 26 Oct, and get hands-on with interactive exhibition Maternal Instinct. Take a look inside the mind of a mum with this project from Malandra Jacks and Mindful Mums.

 

In conversation: Does AI have a place in space?

Friday 18 October 2024, 19.00

£7/£5

Over 18s only

Can AI be applied to Space exploration? Will it better our lives back on Earth or is it just science fiction?

STEM champion, social entrepreneur and computer scientist, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, and the UK Space Agency's Head of Space Exploration, Libby Jackson OBE, discuss how their worlds collide in this interactive forum.

 

Cosmic Quiz

Saturday 19 October 2024, 18.30

£7/£5

Over 18s only

Ready for an evening that's out of this world? Take top prize in a dynamic evening of surprise rounds, pop-up performances and laid-back cosmic vibes, where you'll be challenged on all things space and artificial intelligence.

 

Museum After Hours

Saturday 26 October 2024, 19.00

£10

Over 18s only

Explore the museum after hours and dive into a world of extremes at this special adult-only evening event.

Don't miss the premiere of new art works, interactive performances, talks and demonstrations, plus after hours access to headline experience State of Mind, Power Up gaming experience, and more.

Discover our collections and watch live demonstrations of historic textiles machinery and our iconic replica Baby - the ancestor of every modern computer.

 

Find the full festival programme here.