Organized by the University of California, San Francisco
Connect
Donate
Bay Area Science Foundation Logo
Bay Area Science Foundation Logo

STAGE EVENTS

The Bay Area Science Festival features two stages. All events are FREE and no tickets are required. 

ADA seating area is available.
Please contact info@bayareasciencefestival.org if you require ASL interpretation.

SANDLER STAGE

INSIDE THE SANDLER BUILDING

Experience how science is connected to our everyday lives through panels, video showings, science talks, and more!

The Sandler Stage is inside the Sandler Building. Maximum capacity is 150 people, first come first served. We ask that once you join an presentation, you refrain from entering and exiting to avoid extra noise.

PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

Nature's Blueprint: Biomimicry Lessons from KQED's Deep Look Wildlife Series

Summary: Butterflies, geckos, owls, and mussels all connect real world science and design breakthrough in a talk and documentary by an award-winning wildlife cinematographer for PBS/KQED’s Deep Look.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

That's Absurd Please Elaborate

Summary: Attendees can join a live science podcast, “That’s Absurd Please Elaborate,” where experts answer ridiculous scientific questions.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
11:30 am -
12:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 11:30 amOctober 17, 2026 12:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalTBDhttps://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/life-for-a-working-biotech-startup/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Life for a Working Biotech Startup

Summary: TBD
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:15 pm -
12:45 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 12:45 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalStep inside the glowing intersection of art and optical physics with light artist Johan Fredrik Källman.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/the-playful-science-of-light-an-interactive-artist-talk/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

The Playful Science of Light: An Interactive Artist Talk

Summary: Step inside the glowing intersection of art and optical physics with light artist Johan Fredrik Källman.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
3:15 pm -
4:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 3:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 4:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalCan UCSF PhD candidates present their research in three minutes? Hear from past UCSF Grad Slam Winners.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/3-minute-science-the-ultimate-research-challenge/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

3 Minute Science: The Ultimate Research Challenge

Summary: Can UCSF PhD candidates present their research in three minutes? Hear from past UCSF Grad Slam Winners.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students

KORET QUAD STAGE

OUTDOORS ON KORET QUAD

Science comes to life with fun and entertaining acts such as magic, animals, and music!

The Koret Quad Stage is at the heart of the Bay Area Science Festival, in front of the Genentech Hall steps, right next to Koret Quad.

PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

Luxtriplicata: The Playful Science of Light

  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

Immersive Whale Soundscapes

  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

That's Absurd Please Elaborate

Summary: Attendees can join a live science podcast, “That’s Absurd Please Elaborate,” where experts answer ridiculous scientific questions.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
PST
Add to Calendar Button Requires Start Time
Details

Nature's Blueprint: Biomimicry Lessons from KQED's Deep Look Wildlife Series

Summary: Butterflies, geckos, owls, and mussels all connect real world science and design breakthrough in a talk and documentary by an award-winning wildlife cinematographer for PBS/KQED’s Deep Look.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
11:30 am -
12:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 11:30 amOctober 17, 2026 12:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalTBDhttps://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/life-for-a-working-biotech-startup/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Life for a Working Biotech Startup

Summary: TBD
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
11:45 am -
12:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 11:45 amOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalMisterrr and UCSF scientists host a Drag STEM Storytime featuring children’s book readings and a dazzling drag performance.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/drag-stem-storytime/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Drag STEM Storytime

Summary: Misterrr and UCSF scientists host a Drag STEM Storytime featuring children’s book readings and a dazzling drag performance.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:15 pm -
12:45 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 12:45 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalStep inside the glowing intersection of art and optical physics with light artist Johan Fredrik Källman.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/the-playful-science-of-light-an-interactive-artist-talk/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

The Playful Science of Light: An Interactive Artist Talk

Summary: Step inside the glowing intersection of art and optical physics with light artist Johan Fredrik Källman.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalVisualize living cells using lasers, cutting-edge optics, and 3D movies during this tour of UCSF's Center for Advance Light Microscopy.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/1230pm-tour-ucsfs-largest-lab-and-learn-about-calm/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

12:30PM Tour UCSF's Largest Lab and Learn About CALM

Summary: Visualize living cells using lasers, cutting-edge optics, and 3D movies during this tour of UCSF’s Center for Advance Light Microscopy.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalA behind-the-scenes lab tour where scientists develop innovative technologies to uncover the causes of infectious and mysterious diseases.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/1230pm-inside-the-derisi-lab-science-at-the-edge-of-discovery/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

12:30PM Inside the DeRisi Lab: Science at the Edge of Discovery

Summary: A behind-the-scenes lab tour where scientists develop innovative technologies to uncover the causes of infectious and mysterious diseases.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalLearn about Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which enables researchers to image biological samples at the atomic-level to help fight disease.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/1230pm-tiny-photos-fuel-big-ideas-tour-the-cryogenic-electron-microscopy-faclity-that-is-revolutionizing-medicine/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

12:30PM Tiny Photos Fuel Big Ideas: Tour the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy Faclity That is Revolutionizing Medicine

Summary: Learn about Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which enables researchers to image biological samples at the atomic-level to help fight disease.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalCurious about the cancer research being investigated and the equipment scientists use to make discoveries? Join this tour to learn more about the fight against cancer.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/1230pm-how-to-boost-your-immune-system-to-kill-cancer-a-journey-of-pp2a-discovery/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

12:30PM How to Boost Your Immune System to Kill Cancer: A Journey of PP2A Discovery

Summary: Curious about the cancer research being investigated and the equipment scientists use to make discoveries? Join this tour to learn more about the fight against cancer.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:30 pm -
1:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalTake a hands-on lab tour to meet scientists in the spaces where they make discoveries about human health and neurodevelopmental conditions.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/1230pm-discovery-engines-tour-labs-that-drive-innovation-in-development-genetics-and-neuroscience/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

12:30PM Discovery Engines: Tour Labs That Drive Innovation in Development, Genetics and Neuroscience

Summary: Take a hands-on lab tour to meet scientists in the spaces where they make discoveries about human health and neurodevelopmental conditions.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
12:45 pm -
1:15 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 12:45 pmOctober 17, 2026 1:15 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalJoin magician Caleb Cheung, Chief Learning Officer at Quest Science Center, and his assistant Coco for a fun, family-friendly magic show filled with surprises, humor, wonder, and audience participation.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/perception-vs-reality-a-magic-show/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Perception vs. Reality: A Magic Show

Summary: Join magician Caleb Cheung, Chief Learning Officer at Quest Science Center, and his assistant Coco for a fun, family-friendly magic show filled with surprises, humor, wonder, and audience participation.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
1:30 pm -
2:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 1:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 2:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalMeet reptiles and amphibians face-to-face and learn about how we as inhabitants of this shared planet can help save, preserve and maintain our home!https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/wild-science-go-face-to-face-with-amazing-reptiles-and-amphibians/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Wild Science: Go Face-to Face with Amazing Reptiles and Amphibians

Summary: Meet reptiles and amphibians face-to-face and learn about how we as inhabitants of this shared planet can help save, preserve and maintain our home!
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:15 pm -
2:45 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 2:45 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalEver wanted to experience magic that’s actually real? "STEM: Science • Technology • Engineering • Magic" transforms audience members into active investigators.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/magic-thats-actually-real-the-stem-science-magic-show/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Magic That's Actually Real: The STEM Science Magic Show

Summary: Ever wanted to experience magic that’s actually real? “STEM: Science • Technology • Engineering • Magic” transforms audience members into active investigators.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 3:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalStep inside the a real research lab to see how biologists build custom microscopic tools to hunt down and destroy disease.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/230pm-molecular-hackers-how-scientists-reprogram-biology-to-fight-disease/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

2:30PM Molecular Hackers: How Scientists Reprogram Biology to Fight Disease

Summary: Step inside the a real research lab to see how biologists build custom microscopic tools to hunt down and destroy disease.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 3:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalVisualize living cells using lasers, cutting-edge optics, and 3D movies during this tour of UCSF's Center for Advance Light Microscopy.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/230pm-tour-ucsfs-largest-lab-and-learn-about-calm/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

2:30PM Tour UCSF's Largest Lab and Learn About CALM

Summary: Visualize living cells using lasers, cutting-edge optics, and 3D movies during this tour of UCSF’s Center for Advance Light Microscopy.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 3:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalStep inside MBC BioLabs to experience a working biotech hub and research techniques involving robotics and flourence in studying cells.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/230pm-cells-that-glow-grow-experience-a-working-biotech-hub-for-an-insider-look-at-cell-research-techniques/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

2:30PM Cells that Glow + Grow: Experience a Working BioTech Hub for an Insider Look at Cell Research Techniques

Summary: Step inside MBC BioLabs to experience a working biotech hub and research techniques involving robotics and flourence in studying cells.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 3:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalTake a hands-on lab tour to meet scientists in the spaces where they make discoveries about how the brain works to improve human health.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/230pm-discovery-engines-tour-labs-that-drive-innovation-in-development-genetics-and-neuroscience/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

2:30PM Discovery Engines: Tour Labs That Drive Innovation in Development, Genetics and Neuroscience

Summary: Take a hands-on lab tour to meet scientists in the spaces where they make discoveries about how the brain works to improve human health.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
2:30 pm -
3:30 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 2:30 pmOctober 17, 2026 3:30 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalLearn about Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which enables researchers to image biological samples at the atomic-level to help fight disease.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/230pm-tiny-photos-fuel-big-ideas-tour-the-cryogenic-electron-microscopy-faclity-that-is-revolutionizing-medicine/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

2:30PM Tiny Photos Fuel Big Ideas: Tour the Cryogenic Electron Microscopy Faclity That is Revolutionizing Medicine

Summary: Learn about Cryogenic Electron Microscopy, which enables researchers to image biological samples at the atomic-level to help fight disease.
  • Audience: Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
3:15 pm -
4:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 3:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 4:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalThe Tiny Rock band performs at BASF using miniature instruments playing songs about birds and other things.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/miniature-instruments-upbeat-music-tiny-rock-band-performs/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

Miniature Instruments, Upbeat Music: "Tiny Rock" Band Performs

Summary: The Tiny Rock band performs at BASF using miniature instruments playing songs about birds and other things.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students
3:15 pm -
4:00 pm
PST
Add to CalendarOctober 17, 2026 3:15 pmOctober 17, 2026 4:00 pmPSTStage Events - Bay Area Science FestivalCan UCSF PhD candidates present their research in three minutes? Hear from past UCSF Grad Slam Winners.https://bayareasciencefestival.org/event/3-minute-science-the-ultimate-research-challenge/akILMCXBezwgkecYZmwm128637Stage Events - Bay Area Science Festival60false
Details

3 Minute Science: The Ultimate Research Challenge

Summary: Can UCSF PhD candidates present their research in three minutes? Hear from past UCSF Grad Slam Winners.
  • Audience: Families, Adults, Middle School Students, High School Students

Thank You for Supporting BASF

We strive to make all Bay Area Science Festival events free, when possible. To produce the Festival, we must annually raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. Every donation helps us make this important work possible.

Make a Difference Today
Girl looks through magnifying glass

Thank you for your generous support of the Bay Area Science Festival! As part of UCSF, SEP is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Please let us know if your company participates in a matching gift program so that we can extend the benefit of your generosity.