CHARLOTTE, NC (April 1, 2026) – This April, Discovery Place Science joins more than 100 organizations across the state as part of the 16th annual North Carolina Science Festival (NCSciFest), the largest statewide celebration of science, featuring more than 500 events from April 1 to 30. A proud participant since NCSciFest’s launch in 2010, Discovery Place Science is bringing this year’s theme, “Science Matters,” to life with experiences that emphasize the vital role science plays in shaping our world. 

“The theme ‘Science Matters’ is something we see every day — from the technologies we use to the challenges we solve, science shapes our lives,” said Dr. Nikki Hill, Chief Learning Officer at Discovery Place. “Our goal is to create opportunities for people of all ages to engage with science in ways that are relevant, hands-on and inspiring. NCSciFest is a powerful reminder that science is for everyone.” 

Throughout April, Discovery Place Science invites guests to experience science in action through interactive programs, live demonstrations and special events at the Museum. 

Spring Into Action | April 3 – 12, 2026 
Daily, during regular museum hours 

Discover new ways to take science beyond the Museum and into your everyday life. Experiment and explore how science, nature and sustainability impact our lives, our communities and the world around us. Activities are included with museum admission. 

Take Flight Weekend | April 18 – 19, 2026 
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

It’s the final boarding call to experience the traveling exhibition Above and Beyond. Explore the innovations that have shaped flight, from early pioneers like the Wright brothers to today’s cutting-edge aviation technologies. Plus, participate in special activities like building hydraulic systems, exploring how animals fly and diving into the physics of flight. Above and Beyond and activities are included with museum admission.  

Official Statewide Star Party | April 24, 2026 
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

Look to the stars during this official Statewide Star Party atop Discovery Place Science’s parking deck. This family-friendly event features telescope viewing, Moon observation, stomp rockets and night-sky art activities. In the event of inclement weather, a planetarium show in the IMAX dome theatre will replace outdoor stargazing. The Star Party is a free after-hours event, but registration is required. 

Since its launch in 2010 by Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, NCSciFest has reached more than 3.8 million participants across all 100 North Carolina counties. This year’s festival will feature more than 30,000 scientists and hundreds of STEM activities designed to engage students, families, educators and communities statewide. 

Images for media use can be found here. 

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About Discovery Place Science 
Discovery Place Science is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading hub for science learning in the Carolinas — dedicated to the exchange of ideas, scientific exploration and creative expression to encourage innovative problem-solving and learning for all ages. Located in Uptown Charlotte at 168 W. 6th Street, the Museum brings relevant, contemporary science to life through groundbreaking exhibitions, educational programming and interactive activities. For more information about Discovery Place Science, visit discoveryplace.org. 
 
About North Carolina Science Festival  
Founded in 2010, the North Carolina Science Festival is the first statewide science festival in the United States. Through a series of community-based events each April (hosted by schools, colleges, libraries, museums, parks, businesses and other local organizations), NCSciFest celebrates the economic, educational and cultural impacts of science in North Carolina. It is an initiative of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. For more information, visit ncsciencefestival.org.