Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival

Attendee Information & FAQs 

Who is invited to the STEM Festival? 

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival will be held Thursday, October 8, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00PM at the Youth Development Center in Monticello (800 N. Maple Street). While the event is primarily geared towards PreK-8th grade students and their families, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. With over 20 exhibits, the festival features hands-on, interactive STEM activities, including the chance to drive a robot, conduct exciting science experiments, and more. 

How much does it cost? 

The event is free and open to the public, with exhibitors ranging from businesses and industries to higher education institutions, K-12 schools, museums, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and more. There will be a concession stand available to purchase food and beverages. 

Registration

If you would like to fill out the Express Registration ahead of time, you may print it at home and bring it with you to the festival. This is especially recommended if you would prefer a form in Spanish. You can find a Spanish version of the form on our Express Registration page. Otherwise we will have extra copies in both languages at the event.

Si prefiere una formulario de inscripción en español, puede encontrarlo en el página web de Express Registration. Puede imprimirlo a casa, rellenarlo, y llevarlo al festival. También tenemos algunos al evento. Si tiene preguntas en español sobre este evento, puede contactar Lucy Galloway a gallolab@uni.edu

What can I expect when I get there? 

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of STEM with us at our upcoming festival, where the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) come alive for students and families across Iowa! This vibrant celebration is not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while raising awareness of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities for families. So, come join us for an afternoon filled with inspiration, fun, and the chance to envision a bright future in STEM. 

Organized like a street festival or county fair, visitors can stroll from activity to activity at their own pace. This means that you can explore for as long or as little as you want, and decide which activities you'd like to partake in. We hope to see you there!

Exhibitor Information & FAQs

Event Information

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the Youth Development Center in Monticello. The festival is open to the public, and is geared towards PreK-8th grade students and their families. Organized like a street festival or county fair, this festival allows visitors to explore at their own pace for as long as they'd like. With generally 20-30 exhibits, this festival features hands-on, interactive STEM activities, and exhibitors should aim to create an activity that will engage both the younger and older students. 

Why Exhibit?

Exhibitor registration is free, we simply ask that exhibitors provide a hands-on STEM activity for youth and families to enjoy. This is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the community, inspire young minds, and showcase STEM in a fun and interactive way!

Who is invited to exhibit?

• Business and Industry
• Education
• Non-Profit Groups
• Government Organizations

Exhibit Ideas

There are endless possibilities where the wonders of STEM come alive for students and families, including:

• fun hands-on activities
• conducting an experiment
• playing a game
• participating in an interactive demonstration

If you want to see examples of past exhibits from various types of STEM fields, see the "Exhibit Examples" tab under the "STEM Festivals" drop down menu. Here you will also find important guidelines on which materials are not allowed (such as glitter and oil). 

Exhibitor Registration