Registration opens January 15 for the annual Randolph College Science Festival, also known as SciFest. This event started as a science day for kids in 2005 and expanded to a full festival in 2009. This year's SciFest events take place on March 14 and March 22-28, 2026.
Science Day is a Scifest activity for 3-6th graders on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 11:45 AM - 4 PM. For children in grades 3-6, a parent, guardian, or responsible adult must be present for individual or group of children. Requires pre-registration. Registration opens Jan. 15.
More details and registration at: https://randolphscience.org/scifest-science-day-for-3rd-6th-graders/
Science Day for Little Scientists is for children ages 3-7, who will enjoy about one hour of hands-on activities on Saturday, March 28, 2026. There are four sessions available: 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Please choose only one slot. For children ages 3-7, child must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult at all times. Registration opens Jan. 15, 2023.
This event fills up quickly and has a limited capacity of 300 students (75 per session). There is no waiting list and you may not trade tickets. Registration is required and opens January 15, 2024. More details and registration at: https://randolphscience.org/scifest-science-day-for-little-scientists/
If your child is an age or grade between the two activities, you may choose whichever you think is most appropriate.
If this event has reached capacity and you are unable to register, please bring your family to other SciFest events on Sunday, March 22, 2026! There are more hands-on events for children and families with no registration needed.
All Science Festival events are free: costs are covered by local companies and donations from individuals.
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 15, 2026. YOU'LL FIND ALL DETAILS AND REGISTRATION LINKS AT:
https://randolphscience.org/scifest/
Check out the other amazing activities you can attend with the family at http://randolphscience.org/scifest/
Additional scifest activities include:
Pi Run at 9 AM on March 14 (Pi Day). This 3.14 mile fun run event is free and open to the public; however, you must pre-register for the event. After the run, free pie will be served to all.
Sunday Science Drop-In Activities
Sunday Science Day takes place on Sunday, March 22, the Sunday BEFORE Science Day in 2026. This is a change from previous years.
Maker Faire of Lynchburg takes place on Sunday, March 22 from 11 AM - 5 PM in the Main Hall and Front Campus. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is needed. Visit the website for more information.
Smash @ SciFest takes place on Sunday, March 22 from 11 AM - 4 PM on the 2nd Floor of Hampson Commons and Nichols Theatre, Student Center. This event is open to all for participation or just to watch. No registration necessary for this event. Full details at https://randolphscience.org/scifest/
SciFest FIRST LEGO League Explore Build Challenge Expo takes place on Sunday, March 22 from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM in Smith Building. Randolph College will again be offering two LEGO® competitions –the traditional FIRST® LEGO® League Explore projects and a smaller building challenge using kits provided by Randolph. Registration is open to elementary school teams and individuals. All participants are welcome to join the competition on the day of the event. The Expo is free to registrants and observers, but teams will need to register with FIRST to purchase challenge materials. Find details and register at https://randolphscience.org/scifest/
Science + Art Saturdays Reception takes place on Sunday, March 22 at 2 PM in the Ashley Jack Room, Smith Building.
Randolph College will have an awards ceremony to recognize the 2026 Randolph Scholars. Please come if you have attended any Science Saturdays event, or if you are curious to learn about the program. More information on Science Saturdays can be found at https://randolphscience.org/scifest/
Keynote Performer: Mario the Maker Magician will be held on Thursday, March 26 with a reception (usually takes place prior to the main event) at 7:30 PM in Smith Hall Theatre, Smith Building. At the opening keynote event, Randolph College will award the 2026 SciFest STAR – the regional, high school science teacher award. This free event is open to the public. No registration needed.
Center for Student Research Open House takes place on Friday, March 27 at 3 PM at Center for Student Research, Main 137. Visit the Center for Student Research, the hub for student research and creative endeavors in all subjects, not just science. Drop by to see our space, to see displays of student research, and enjoy some snacks. Free and open to the public.
Women in Science Panel takes place on Friday, March 27 at 4 pm in Nichols Theatre, Student Center, with a reception to follow in Hampson Commons, Student Center. Learn how our science alumnae have succeeded in their fields. Please join us if you are interested to hear successful women scientists, but especially if you are considering going into a career related to science.
Women in Science Panel at 4 PM on Friday, March 27 in Nichols Theatre, Student Center. Free and open to the public. No registration needed.
Women in Science Reception in Hampson Commons, Student Center at 5 PM on Friday, March 27. Free and open to the public. No registration needed.
Poetry Jam Reading and Competition Awards will be held on Friday, March 27 at 6 PM at Thoresen Theatre, Leggett Building.
Reception, awards, and reading of all the finalists from our K-12 science-based poetry competition. Finalists and details will be posted on the website www.randolphscience.org
K-12 students may submit a poem in advance at the website. Please see website for details and how to submit poetry. Free and open to the public.
For more details about the poetry contest, including poetry submission form, visit http://randolphscience.org/scifest-poetry-jam/
A Scientist Goes to the Movies: TBA will be presented on Friday, March 27 at 7:30 PM in Thoresen Theatre, Leggett Building. A science faculty member will share commentary on the science in the film. Free popcorn for all! Free and open to the public. No registration needed.
Science Day and Science Day for Little Scientists
Science Day is a Scifest activity for 3-6th graders and Science Day for Little Scientists is for 3-7 year olds, both on Saturday, March 28. If your child is an age or grade between the two activities, you may choose whichever you think is most appropriate. Visit the website for more information and registration for both events.
Science Day for 3rd-6th graders includes a series of fun, hands-on activities from 11:45 AM - 4:00 PM. Registration opens Jan. 15
Science Day for Little Scientists for children ages 3-7 is an hour long program of hands-on activities. Sessions are at 12 PM, 1 PM, 2 PM, and 3 PM. Registration is required and opens January 15.
Glow Stick Star Party takes place on Saturday, March 28 from 8:30 PM - 10 PM at Winfree Observatory. Refreshments will be served and glowsticks will be available for all. This event is free and open to the public. No registration is needed.
For more information, please contact the Science Department at scifest@randolphcollege.edu
Donations of any amount are welcome, thank you! If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact us at scifest@randolphcollege.edu.
You'll find details and registration for all SciFest events at: https://randolphscience.org/scifest/
Randolph College Science Festival is an excellent way to introduce kids of all ages to the fun aspects of science. Hands-on activities keep kids so busy having fun that they may not realize they're also learning!
