FAQs
Is the Festival happening this year?
Yes! BASF is returning as an inspiring one-day event on October 17, 2026 on UCSF’s Mission Bay Campus. Please sign up for our newsletter to stay updated. Thank you for your continued interest and support!
How can I stay updated on the Festival?
The Festival is all around the San Francisco Bay Area! We work with many different STEM groups to provide quality science experiences to Bay Area residents and beyond.
The best way to stay in the know is to follow us:
And subscribe to our Newsletter
Will it cost anything to attend the Festival?
The Bay Area Science Festival will be FREE of charge and open to all. The Festival is a perfect opportunity to bring together science role models, families, youth and adults to discover science together.
How do I become a Festival Volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the Bay Area Science Festival! Soon, we will add details to this Volunteer information page. When it’s ready, please fill out the Volunteer Application Form to be added to our contact list for volunteering. Volunteer opportunities will become available in August. Please note that we require volunteers to be age 16+. Thank you for your continued interest and support!
How do I become a Festival Sponsor?
We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and exhibit options. Please contact us at sponsor@bayareasciencefestival.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
I am a teacher. What opportunities are there for my students?
The Bay Area Science Festival will seek participation by every Bay Area resident, especially K-12 students & teachers! We have found that K-12 teachers are integral partners in the Festival’s success.
We have multiple opportunities for teachers and students. We invite science clubs or students from local middle and high schools to join us (with their teacher advisor or another responsible adult) by hosting a booth at the Festival. We’ve had teams of students from Bay Area schools exhibiting robots, biotechnology activities and other great science activities. If you have questions, please email us at info@bayareasciencefestival.org.
What happens if it rains?
Our events are Rain or Shine. If there are clouds or rain, we will continue the event. If it is determined that the event might become dangerous (due to severe weather), the event will be moved indoors.
Is the festival accessible?
Several nearby UCSF parking lots have ADA spaces for parking and a reduced rate of $7 per day with a valid DMV-issued disabled placard.
UCSF Community Center Garage, at Rutter Center
1625 Owens Street
UCSF Third Street Garage
1650 Third Street
Wheelchairs are not provided and must be brought in by visitors. The BASF is less than 0.2 miles from parking lots along paved sidewalks and pathways.
Most BASF exhibits are located along a paved pathway or indoors and are wheelchair accessible. Some exhibits are located on grass, which can be accessed via the paved walkway that runs the perimeter of Koret Quad.
ADA-compliant portable restrooms are available as well as restrooms inside the Mission Bay Conference Center and Sandler Building.
This will be a well attended event with families and children along with 125+ exhibitors. Expect louder volumes and prepare necessary headphones or support as necessary.
Is there a cost for Exhibitors?
The Bay Area Science Festival is free for the public to attend. Exhibitors from Bay Area K-12 schools, University groups, and Non-profits can all exhibit for free. Robotics Teams are encouraged to register and exhibit in our “Robot Zoo”. To make the Festival sustainable year after year, we ask that businesses participate by becoming a sponsor.How do I become and exhibitor?
Exhibitor information, including how to register can be found on the exhibit page. We anticipate significant demand for space. We will be taking applications on a first come, first served basis and will require that all forms are complete and that activities meet compliance for activity safety and appropriateness before confirming space. If you have a question about exhibiting please email us at: exhibit@bayareasciencefestival.orgWhat is included with SCIENCE FESTIVAL Exhibit Space?
Included with Exhibit Space:- Exhibitor listing on the Bay Area Science Festival website
- Exhibitor listing on onsite Map
- 6’x8’ space with 6’ table and 2 chairs on the UCSF Mission Bay campus
Multiple exhibits at THE FESTIVAL – Do I need to fill out the Exhibitor registration application more than once?
Yes – be sure to submit the form for each of the activities your organization will have the Science Festival. Doing so will allow us to approve each activity according to our safety standards and content requirements and accommodate your needs for each booth.When does Exhibitor application open? When does it close?
Exhibitor Application opens in May of each year. The application deadline for 2026 was September 13, 2026. We strongly advise, as space is limited, that you sign up as soon as possible to guarantee your spot and your activity. BASF will review applications for activity safety, compliance and appropriateness for a family audience, once approved exhibitor will be notified.Where can I find more information on how to become an Exhibitor?
Please visit our Exhibitor Information page, for registration information and deadlines.Is the Science Festival the Same thing as a Science Fair?
What are the hours for THE SCIENCE FESTIVAL?
- UCSF Mission Bay Campus: 11 AM – 4 PM
