Have you ever wondered how you wonder? On Saturday March 21, 2026, curious minds will once again gather at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center for BrainFest—a day dedicated to exploring the incredible human brain.

This annual celebration, co-hosted by the Allen Institute and PacSci, brings together passionate STEM professionals 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. 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.

Discover BrainFest stations throughout the science center, including…

• Bionic Brains: Listen in on the electricity in your own nervous system and harness it to control a robotic claw
• Mapping with Microscopes: Examine slices of human and mouse brains under a microscope as you explore the Allen Institute’s brain atlas projects
• Noggin Goggles: See how your brain adapts to change by trying on some mind-bending goggles (Hosted by the UW Neurosci Community Outreach Group)
• Complex Connections: Weave your own uniquely wired brain model as you explore complexity and neurodiversity
• Blood-Brain Barrier Breakout: Help the molecules escape a blood vessel to enter the brain in this interactive game (Hosted by the Institute for Systems Biology)
• Think Like a Mouse: Try out equipment used to study decision-making in mice and make your own decisions as a “mouse” in a board game
• Growing Brains: Discover how your brain’s connections change across the lifespan with several fun challenges (Hosted by the UW Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences)
• Brain Zoo: Compare the brains of different animals, including a T. Rex!

…and much more!

The Universe Inside Your Head: a Journey through the Brain

‍11:15am - 11:45am in the Willard Smith Planetarium

Description

What happens in your brain when you see a star? Learn how your eyes and brain interpret visual information while enjoying stunning imagery of real neurons and their constellations of connections.

A Guided Tour of the Brain: Human Brain Dissection

1:30am - 12:30pm in the PACCAR IMAX Theater

Description

Join local neuroscientists to explore the structures of the brain, featuring a real human brain donated to the University of Washington for educational use. Recommended for ages 10+.

LASER K-Pop Demon Hunters: Featuring pre-show talk on LASERs in neuroscience

1:00pm - 1:30pm in the Laser Dome

Dscription

Before your LASER show, enjoy a short talk by a neuroscientist from the Allen Institute exploring how we use LASER technology to better understand the brain.

Brain Trivia Challenge

‍1:30pm - 1:50pm on the Live Science Stage

Description

Learn fascinating facts about the most incredible organ in your body with this interactive trivia game for all ages!

A Guided Tour of the Brain: Human Brain Dissection

‍2:30pm - 3:30pm in the PACCAR IMAX Theater

Description

Join local neuroscientists to explore the structures of the brain, featuring a real human brain donated to the University of Washington for educational use. Recommended for ages 10+.

The Universe Inside Your Head: a Journey through the Brain

‍3:15pm - 3:45pm in the Willard Smith Planetarium

Description

What happens in your brain when you see a star? Learn how your eyes and brain interpret visual information while enjoying stunning imagery of real neurons and their constellations of connections.

Future Brain Tech: The Great Debate

‍3:30pm - 3:50pm on the Live Science Stage

Description

How could futuristic brain technologies change our society, and which ones would you invite into your life? Join UW students in a thought-provoking bracket tournament to explore the societal impacts of future and emerging brain technologies.

LASER Sci-Fi: Featuring pre-show talk on LASERs in neuroscience

‍4:00pm - 4:30pm in the Laser Dome

Description

Before your LASER show, enjoy a short talk by a neuroscientist from the Allen Institute exploring how we use LASER technology to better understand the brain.

activity stations/

1. Info Table
2. Noggin Goggles
3. This is Your Brain on Reading
4. Brain Hats
5. Brainy Book Nook
6. Brain Zoo
7. Build a Brain Cell
8. Sorting Cells
9. Ask a Scientist
10. Human Brain Investigation Station
11. Mapping with Microscopes
12. Think Like a Mouse
13. Minds vs. Machines
14. MindBall Chat
15. Growing Brains
16. Complex Connections
17. Brain Cell Puzzles
18. Bionic Brains
19. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakout
20. Sheep Brain Search
21. Butterfly House Chat

Ticket Information

BrainFest is included with General Admission to the Pacific Science Center. A limited quantity of free General Admission tickets, courtesy of the Allen Institute, will be available starting at 10am at the Pacific Science Center’s Main Entry 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.

Brain Awareness Week

A global campaign hosted by the Dana Foundation to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science, the Allen Institute proudly participates in Brain Awareness Week to share our neuroscience research and spread enthusiasm for the amazing brain. Follow us on social media for more Brain Awareness Week fun!

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