The Maryland STEM Festival returns in 2025 for an entire month of celebrations across the state for students, families, educators, and anyone curious about science, technology, engineering and math to enjoy.
From Oct. 17–Nov. 16, 2025, all are invited to interactive, hands-on STEM events taking place around Maryland. Most festivals stay put while attendees must travel – sometimes quite a distance – to attend, but the Maryland STEM Festival does its very best to come to you. This month-long celebration includes hundreds of events ranging from maker workshops and engineering challenges to lectures, expos, and career-day experiences.
The 2025 festival emphasizes discovery and inclusion. Every event is open to the public and many are free. Each is designed to spark curiosity, teach skills, and demonstrate the real-life impact of STEM. The programs are intended for as many kinds of learners, ages, and interest levels as possible, whether a person is a young maker, an aspiring scientist, or a lifelong learner.
This year’s theme is “Energy!” The Opening Ceremony is free to attend, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 16 from 6–8 p.m. in Laurel at Capital Technology University. There will be interactive STEM activities and demonstrations, and pizza, drinks, and desert for all attendees. (Registration is encouraged but not required.)
On Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m.–noon at Salisbury University, the Lower Shore STEM Festival offers people of all ages the chance to meet former astronaut Don Thomas and WDMT meteorologist Erich Ahlf. This event is also free to attend and the first 100 students to arrive will be given a free festival t-shirt. Attendees will be treated to The Science of Sorcery with magician Dave Thomen, along with exhibits and activities featuring robotics, astronomy, and aviation.
Other events include the Blue Collar STEM Conference and Job Fair in Columbia, the Frederick STEM Carnival in Carroll Creek Amphitheater in Frederick, a Nintendo afternoon, an eSports Conference, a Girl STEM Powerment event, and more. The Closing Ceremony will be on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 1–4 p.m. at the Gaithersburg Library in Gaithersburg. The ceremony will feature speeches by leaders in the STEM fields, interactive activities, and demonstrations. Light refreshments will be available, and admission is free.
For more information and a complete list of events, visit the Maryland STEM Festival website.
