In 2026, the Wisconsin Science Festival is turning the magnifying glass on ourselves. This year’s festival feature – Us – explores the science of who we are, what it means to be human, and what humans are capable of. That includes the physical aspects of our lives, from the brain and body to bigger questions about our place in the universe. The festival will explore and celebrate the ways human discovery touches our shared experience and the world we live in together. Science is shaped by human curiosity, creativity, and the people who choose to ask hard questions in a common goal to better understand the world and our place in it. “We are excited to center this year’s festival on Us, a feature that celebrates the many ways science helps us better understand ourselves, one another, and the world we share,” says Samantha Mulrooney, Director of the Wisconsin Science Festival at the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery. Event host registration for the 2026 Wisconsin Science Festival is now officially open at wiscifest.org. Taking place October 15–25, 2026, this year’s festival once again covers 10 full days of immersive, interactive experiences and community-driven events across the state, kicking off with Science on the Square – bringing hands-on science exploration to the Madison Night Market – on Thursday, October 15th. Marking its 16th year, the festival will include hands-on activities, lab tours, community talks, and panels with interesting people and topics throughout the state. The mission of the Wisconsin Science Festival is to inspire and engage Us in the enterprise of science and discovery, promote innovation, and cultivate the next generation of global citizens. In 2025, nearly 53,000 people participated in a staggering 820 events throughout 56 counties in Wisconsin. Events do not need to connect to the feature of ‘Us’ to be included in the festival. Whether you are a host ready to share what matters to you or a visitor hoping to learn something worthwhile, this year’s expanded schedule offers plenty of opportunities to experience the creativity, science, research, and innovation strengthening communities across Wisconsin. Learn more about the 2026 Wisconsin Science Festival, October 15-25th, at wiscifest.org!