On March 7

Free indoor-outdoor STEM festival transforms downtown Fort Lauderdale into a playground of discovery, creativity and hands-on science

Boca Raton, FL – February 11, 2026 — The Third Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival returns to the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) on Saturday, March 7, offering a full day of hands-on, interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) exploration, experiments and learning through play for all ages. The free indoor and outdoor festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Designed to make science fun, accessible, relevant and unforgettable, the annual festival brings families, educators and science enthusiasts from across the region to explore interactive exhibits, live shows and emerging technologies that reveal how science shapes everyday life. The festival also highlights how STEM connects to real-world careers, environmental challenges and everyday problem-solving, making science relevant, approachable and fun for learners of all ages.

“Science has the power to spark imagination, build confidence and bring people together through shared discovery,” said Joseph P. Cox, president and CEO of MODS. “The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival invites everyone to explore and experiment side-by-side, connecting them to inspiring, hands-on STEM experiments that make learning feel like play.”

Throughout the day, MODS and the surrounding outdoor festival areas will come alive with live science shows, high-energy demonstrations and hands-on activities designed to engage curious minds of all ages.

“The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival reflects our destination’s commitment to education, innovation and family-friendly experiences,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale. “Supporting events like this helps showcase Greater Fort Lauderdale to visitors as a place where curiosity, creativity and discovery come together.”

Some of the Festival highlights include:

Amazon: Prime Air – Get up close with Amazon’s electric Rivian vans and celebrate the future of green transportation. Families can help create a large, collaborative community mural that brings art, sustainability and innovation together in one colorful experience.

International Game Fish Association: Learn to Fish Like a Pro – Little learners can cast into science with this hands-on fishing clinic featuring knot-tying, tackle basics, conservation, and safety stations. It’s a fun, interactive way to explore outdoor science, stewardship and skills that last a lifetime.

Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans: Microscope Flower Lab – Explore the hidden structure of flowers in this hands-on microscope experience. Visitors can examine petals, pollen and other flower parts up close while learning how each piece plays an important role in plant growth and reproduction.

Math Happens: Play Your Way Into Math – Math comes alive with open-ended play using pattern blocks, bubble tiles and Geometiles. Guests can explore hands-on math challenges, turning problem-solving into an engaging, playful experience for all ages.

Environmental Documentaries in the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater – Experience a breathtaking, FREE IMAX® documentary screening of Lost Wolves of Yellowstone, made possible by IMAX®. This powerful film explores wildlife conservation, ecosystem balance and the science behind restoring nature.

Festival Headliners Bring the Science to Life

These featured performers are just a few of the many interactive experiences guests can enjoy throughout the day.

Science Bob – YouTube star, science teacher and maker “Science Bob” Pflugfelder brings fast-paced experiments, big reactions and plenty of wow moments. He turns everyday science into unforgettable, laugh-out-loud discoveries that inspire children and adults to try science.

Chemistry Colleen: Black Marker Ate a Rainbow – A quick, colorful demo with Dr. Colleen Kelley reveals the hidden rainbow inside a black marker. Using paper chromatography, families discover how colors separate and mix, turning everyday materials into a wow-worthy science moment.

School of Rock – Students from School of Rock bring the energy with a live performance that blends rhythm, sound science and teamwork, proving that learning hits harder when you turn up the volume.

WeFlip Science Acrobats – This high-energy duo turns physics into a full-body experience, flipping, climbing and testing gravity in real time. It’s part science lesson, part stunt show and all wow.

In addition to festival programming, MODS is seeking student showcases, exhibitors, sponsors, food trucks and volunteers to help make this community celebration unforgettable.

The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival is expected to attract more than 11,000 attendees, including families, educators and science enthusiasts from across the region. Students with STEM projects, local organizations interested in exhibiting, food vendors and volunteers are encouraged to participate.

Sponsors of the Third Annual Visit Lauderdale Science Festival are Visit Lauderdale (Presenting Sponsor); Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans (Platinum Sponsor); Amazon (Gold Sponsor); Centuric Technology Solutions, Save Our Seas Foundation and UKG (Silver Sponsors); Broward MPO and CTS Engines (Copper Sponsors); AARP and BankUnited (Krypton Sponsors);  ABA Centers of Florida and Walmart (Titanium Sponsors);  4ocean Foundation, Allini Water Filters of Florida, Blue Frontier, IKEA, JetBlue, Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, Universal Waste and Xpress Entertainment (In-Kind Sponsors).

The festival is rain or shine, with activities located both indoors and outdoors at MODS.

For more information and to reserve free tickets, visit mods.org/sciencefest. Questions may be directed to [email protected].

The Visit Lauderdale Science Festival brings together STEM leaders, educators and families to celebrate science, showcase innovation across the region’s major industries. Powered by the Museum of Discovery and Science, the free, one-day festival features live shows, films, exhibits and demonstrations designed to make science interactive and accessible for all ages. Learn more at mods.org/sciencefest.

Opened in 1977 as the Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 SW Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit mods.org or call 954.467.MODS (6637).

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