Get your thinking cap on because from March 20 to March 29, the World Science Festival 2026 is taking place across iconic venues throughout the city, including Queensland Museum Kurilpa, QPAC, QAGOMA, State Library Queensland, Fish Lane, Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Sir Thomas Planetarium.
With more than 100 sessions delving into everything from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to engaging discussions and interactive experiences, the festival will also invite audiences on a journey from other worlds to our natural one, from digital detoxes in nature to conversations about the brain and the future of humanity.
What to expect
Space lovers will be absolutely spoiled for choice with out-of-this-world events, such as Brian Greene: Listening to the Big Bang, in which World Science Festival Co-Founder Professor Brian Greene explores the nature of reality and the universe itself.
Then, discover NASA’s Mars missions at Blast Off: Exploring Other Worlds, in which aerospace engineer and National Geographic Explorer Tracy Drain will share her first-hand insights into the process and findings of these explorations. And, finally, none other than Australian of the Year and Australia’s first astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, will reflect on space, ambition and discovery in Ask an Astronaut.
If you’re looking for edutainment, Australia’s favourite science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki will be delivering his trademark mix of humour and insight in Dr Karl: Live! making your sides hurt with laughter and your brain expand with knowledge.
And hear about the ways in which science shapes our everyday lives in Leigh Sales AM and Annabel Crabb: An Afternoon of Science, and its link to humanity, ethics and the future in Healthy Microbiome, Happy Brain? with Julia Baird.
The festival will also present the Australian premiere of Bat Night Market in 2026, a spectacular experience direct from Taiwan. This futuristic night market blends science, creativity and imagination into a sensory celebration of culture and innovation.
Practical information
Whatever your area of interest, you won’t want to miss this science-sational festival, running from Friday, March 20 to Sunday, March 29.
The festival will have a mix of free and ticketed events, and prices vary depending on the event. You can see the full program and get your all your tickets here.