Have you ever wondered how you wonder? On March 21, 2026, curious families, friends, and neuroscience enthusiasts will once again gather at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center (PacSci) for BrainFest 2026—a day dedicated to exploring the incredible human brain.

This annual celebration, co-hosted by the Allen Institute and PacSci, brings together passionate volunteers and local STEM partners to create a vibrant, curiosity-filled experience. Visitors of all ages will dive into hands-on activities, explore interactive exhibits, watch live science presentations, and meet real neuroscientists who study how our brains make us who we are. You’ll even have the rare chance to see—and possibly touch—a real brain!

Whether you’re a budding young scientist, a lifelong learner, or simply fascinated by how the mind works, BrainFest 2026 promises a full day of discovery, inspiration, and wonder.

BrainFest is presented in partnership with the Allen Institute. A limited quantity of free General Admission tickets, courtesy of the Allen Institute, are available in a walk-up capacity on a first come, first served basis. Guests may also purchase a General Admission ticket online in advance.

In addition to admittance to PacSci’s exhibits, a General Admission ticket during BrainFest includes special programming that requires timed entry, such as scheduled planetarium shows, laser shows, and lectures in the PACCAR IMAX® Theater. Please visit the Main Entry and speak to a PacSci team member to reserve your timed entry for BrainFest programming. If you have purchased your ticket online, you may reserve your timed entry seating in advance.