Dundee Science Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Discovery
From protecting ancient castles to exploring the future of artificial intelligence, Dundee Science Festival is back with a special 25th-anniversary edition.
From Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 February 2026, this year’s festival – Beyond Wonder – invites curious minds of all ages to dive into hands-on experiences, bold ideas and unforgettable scientific discoveries, while looking ahead to the next quarter-century of innovation.
Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitors covering everything from the health benefits of video games and the science of music to how we can protect historic places from climate change. With a vibrant mix of in-centre events, digital activities, community and school sessions, the festival offers something for everyone.
A brand-new family show, Fact or Fiction: AI Edition, will also make its debut, demystifying how artificial intelligence works, what it means for everyday life, and how it might shape our future.
Among the festival’s highlights is a day-long forensic science takeover featuring robotics demonstrations and hands-on activities for the whole family, along with a lively chemistry fun lab.
Visitors can also discover how to defend historic sites from climate threats, learn how to protect Scotland’s woods and trees and explore the mysteries of the human body, from our Brilliant Brains to the fascinating world inside our mouths.
For video-game enthusiasts, the festival offers the chance to try a variety of innovative games, including a Camouflage Testing game, the T-Wrecks Cycling Video Game, an exergame where players power a dinosaur by pedalling a real bike!
As always, Dundee Science Festival is branching out into the wider city and local communities, from after-school tea clubs to a unique “pigeon walk” to discover the overlooked beauty of urban birds.
Visitors will also be able to view bold, imaginative entries from the STEM Inspiration Award, which challenges local school children to predict what AI will look like 25 years from now.
Immediately ahead of the festival launch, Dundee Science Festival’s dedicated schools’ week will host STEM Expo26, welcoming around 500 primary and secondary pupils from Dundee and Angus. Taking place at Dundee Science Centre on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 February, the event will offer a wide range of interactive activities designed to build confidence and inspire awareness of future career opportunities in STEM.
Jill Farrell, CEO of Dundee Science Centre, added, “As we celebrate 25 years of Dundee Science Centre, this year’s festival is a moment to reflect on all the curiosity, creativity and wonder we’ve inspired in our community, while also looking to the next 25 years.
“Whoever or wherever you are, science is everywhere and underpins everything we do – from how our bodies work to the wildlife around us, the computer games and musical instruments we enjoy, and the homes we live in. Collaborating with our brilliant partners, from universities and the RSPB Scotland to the Woodland Trust and Historic Scotland, we have a range of exciting events for children, families, and adults, opportunities to meet scientists, researchers, and innovators and interactive activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
“And, as we embark on the next 25 years of our journey, we remain committed to making science accessible, encouraging questions, intrigue and exploration, and helping nurture the scientists and innovators of tomorrow.”
The festival is funded by the Scottish Government, the Edina Trust and Scottish Water.
Booking is recommended at www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/festival.
ENDS