What is Cambridge Science Festival?

Cambridge Science Festival (CSF), the first of its kind in the United States, is an annual celebration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).  A multifaceted, multicultural event, the festival makes science accessible, interactive and fun, highlighting the impact of STEAM in all our lives.

Founded and produced by the MIT Museum, a small dedicated festival team creates and manages the annual week-long program with a robust group of some of the most intelligent scientists, generous sponsors, creative non-profits, dedicated volunteers, and curious university students in the world.

How did it get started?

CSF began in 2007 with the support of MIT, Harvard, the City of Cambridge, and other key collaborators, and attracted an estimated 15,000 visitors.  Now, 15 years later, we attract more than 100,000 visitors annually, host events in more than 70 different venues and work with more than 250 collaborators and participants.

What is a Science Festival?

Modeled on community centered art, music, and film festivals, the Cambridge Science Festival offers activities, demonstrations, workshops, tours, debates, contests, talks, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to illuminate the richness of scientific inquiry and the excitement of discovery.

What’s the Festival’s Philosophy?

Our team focuses on creating a festival that is ‘by the community and for the community’. Our programs collaborate with, feature and attract young professionals, college students, adults, families and the science community throughout Cambridge, with a particular emphasis on outreach to residents whose talents and excitement are too often overlooked. We strive to surprise, excite and ignite the curiosity of our participants and attendees.

How do I get involved?

The best way to get involved with CSF is to attend our fabulous events! This year’s Festival Guide goes live online on September 1 with a full list of everything happening across the city.

If you want to host an event at CSF, our Call for Entry is open from April – June every year, or you can send an email to info@cambridgesciencefestival.org and a member of the team will be in touch to discuss your event.

Find out more about volunteering, or read about our sponsors and how to become one.

~

We’re the Cambridge Science Festival located in the United States. Looking for the Cambridge UK Science Festival? You can find them here.