Science Festival 2026: a lively weekend at the Cité des Sciences

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis, My de Sortiraparis, Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on September 9, 2026 at 02:42 p.m.
The Science Festival takes over the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and serves up a broad range of diverse activities over the weekend of October 3–4, 2026. Come along to experiment, learn, and have fun, whatever your age.

The Fête de la Science is the festive, educational event you won’t want to miss, running from October 2 to 12, 2026. On this occasion, the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie has put together an engaging program to bridging the general public with the world of research and innovation. It would be a shame to miss it!

These days are driven by curiosity and sharing, with a broad lineup of activities, workshops, and demonstrations. All spaces are devoted to the experiences, discoveries, and the joy of learning while having fun! Over these two days, you’ll also discover or rediscover the current temporary exhibitions!

Demonstrations, theatrical demonstrations, performances, mini-talks, interactive activities... The festival program is varied and suitable for all ages. Note: it’s advisable to book your entry ticket in advance for certain workshops or activities with limited seating.

Workshops, talks, exhibitions, games... more than a dozen activities await you. Grab a full lineup of free activities for everyone, all weekend long!

What's on for the 2026 Science Festival at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie:

  • Science Festival – City of Science and Industry

    As every year, the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie opens its doors to everyone for free on October 3 and 4, 2026!
    For the 35th edition of the Science Festival, visitors can look forward to a wide range of activities: workshops, experiments, lectures, planetarium sessions, and astronomy observations.
    Come explore at the Cité the mysteries of life, space, chemistry, and artificial intelligence… A free weekend to enjoy with family, learning while having fun!
     
     
     

    Participation conditions:
    • Target audiences: 3–6 years old, 6–11 years old, 11–15 years old, 15–18 years old, 18–25 years old, 25 years and up
    • Conditions: Free admission

    Hours: Saturday, October 3 — 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Sunday, October 4 — 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

  • The Odyssey of Seeds

    Even though it looks delicate, a seed is vital to the survival of many species. Seed bombs, sorting games, and a market stall—there are plenty of activities waiting for you!
    Proposed by the science mediators of the City of Children
     
     

    Participation conditions:
    • Target audiences: 3–6 years, 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and above
    • Requirements: Free admission

    Hours: Saturday, October 3 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

  • Glagla Show

    Presented by the science mediators of the City of Science and Industry

    Participation requirements:
    • Eligible audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
    • Conditions: Free admission

    Schedule: Saturday, October 3 — 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
    Saturday, October 3 — 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM

  • Meeting Airbus Defence and Space

    How do the police or the RATP communicate securely during a crisis? What does Earth look like from the International Space Station? Can artificial intelligence land a plane by itself?

    Don’t just watch science—come test it. Put yourself in the shoes of an engineer, an astronaut, and a security expert to discover the innovations that will safeguard our world from 2026 to 2030.

    Participation requirements:
    • Target audiences: 11-15 years, 15-18 years, 18-25 years, 25 years and over
    • Conditions: Free admission

    Hours: Saturday, October 3 - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

  • Herbal Remedies Bar

    Explore how they've been used through the ages and how to find reliable information about their use.

    Participation requirements:
    • Target audiences: 11–15, 15–18, 18–25, 25 and older
    • Eligibility: Free admission

    Schedule: Saturday, October 3 – 4:30–5:30 p.m.
    Sunday, October 4 – 4:30–5:30 p.m.

  • Animals are eyeing us

    Presented by the science communicators at the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie
     
     

    Participation conditions:
    • Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25+ years
    • Conditions: Free admission

    Schedule: Saturday, October 3 — 12:00–12:45
    Sunday, October 4 — 12:00–12:45

  • The soil's hidden biodiversity

    Springtails, millipedes, rotifers, bacteria… they all help enrich and transform the soil. Get to know them by peering through a microscope during a workshop on living soil.

    Presented by the science mediators of the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie

    Participation requirements:
    • Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
    • Conditions: Free admission

    Schedule: Saturday, October 3 — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Saturday, October 3 — 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    Sunday, October 4 — 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Sunday, October 4 — 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

  • The audience steals the show

    A one-of-a-kind experience where learning becomes a show!

    Presented by the science communicators of the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie.

    Participation requirements:
    • Target audiences: 11–15, 15–18, 18–25, 25 and over
    • Admission: Free

    Hours: Saturday, October 3 - 16:00 to 17:00
    Sunday, October 4 - 16:00 to 17:00

  • Math Magic

    Follow the math wizard as he performs his tricks, solve his puzzles, and become experts in the magic of science. 
     
    Presented by the science mediators of the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie.
     
     

    Participation conditions:
    • Target audiences: 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
    • Conditions: Free entry

    Schedule : Saturday, October 3 — 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
    Saturday, October 3 — 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM

  • A Day in the Life Under the Sea

    Offbeat tour of the "Bio-Inspired" exhibition
    Presented by the science mediators of the Cité des sciences et de l’industrie

    Participation requirements:
    • Target audiences: 6–11 years, 11–15 years, 15–18 years, 18–25 years, 25 years and up
    • Eligibility: Free admission

    Schedule: Saturday, October 3 — 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM

  • Astro-Follies

    On the agenda: building a sky map, meteorite identification, a stroll on the Moon and through its myths, a journey among the planets... and even a detour into astrology (if the stars align)! You’ll meet big names like Copernicus, Galileo, James Webb, Henrietta Leavitt, and even our Astromytho family!

    Participation requirements :
    • Target audiences : 6 - 11 years, 11 - 15 years, 15 - 18 years, 18 - 25 years, 25 years and up
    • Conditions : Admission is free

    Hours: Saturday, October 3 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
    Sunday, October 4 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

So, are we celebrating science this week?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 3, 2026 to October 4, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    30 Avenue Corentin Cariou
    75019 Paris 19

    Route planner
    Accessibility info
    Access
    Metro: line 7, Porte de la Villette station. Bus: lines 139, 150, 152, Porte de la Villette station. Tramway: T3b, Porte de la Villette station.

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    www.cite-sciences.fr

    Occupancy forecast
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