Science Festival 2026 in Île-de-France: our 10 free picks

Are you passionate about science or simply curious? Don’t miss the Fête de la Science, running from October 2 to 12, 2026, with events planned in Paris and across all the Île-de-France departments! This week, dedicated to scientific culture in every form, offers free and exceptional activities, suitable for children as well as budding scientists of all ages, for a lively family outing!

• To be read
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Fête de la Science: discover the origins of this free, family-friendly scientific event
The Fête de la Science is the not-to-be-missed October event for fans of scientific experiments and new knowledge! Discover the history of this event, born in the capital! [Read more]

This 35th edition, which notably highlights sport, ventures into the museums, the universities, and the institutions, with screenings, meetings, debates, hands-on workshops, and even an escape room! An opportunity for scientists to present their work and the progress of their research to the general public, across the Île-de-France region and the capital. Heads up: with so much knowledge per square meter, your children might well find a real calling!

You’re not sure how to navigate all these activities? Don’t panic—discover our top 10 tailored to what you’re after. Here we go with the best free options!

Update in progress

The Top 10 deals you won't want to miss:

Science Festival 2026 at the Sorbonne: the schedule of activities across the campuses
The Science Festival 2026 runs from October 2 to 12 across Sorbonne University's various campuses. Workshops, lectures, tours, and activities invite the public to explore science and research in multiple formats. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 at the Climate Academy: weather-themed activities.
For the 2026 Science Festival, the Climate Academy will welcome the public from October 2 to 12 with conferences, exhibitions, readings, and events focused on water, weather, and ecosystems. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026: the Maison Poincaré makes mathematics accessible to all.
The Poincaré House, a math museum in Paris, will open its doors to the public for free on October 9 and 10, 2026, as part of the Science Festival. A chance to explore its spaces, its exhibitions, and a variety of activities centered on mathematics. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 at Jussieu: the program for the Pierre-and-Marie-Curie campus
The 2026 Science Festival runs from October 2 to 12 at Sorbonne University, with a series of events on the Pierre-and-Marie-Curie campus in Jussieu. Lectures, hands-on activities, experiments, and chats with scientists help shape the Science Village. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 in Palaiseau (Essonne 91): the lineup of activities
Science Festival 2026 runs from October 2 to 12, featuring workshops, exhibitions, festivals and activities centered on research. In Palaiseau, several free events are offered to the public, with activities accessible to children from age 3. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 at the Curie Institute: hands-on activities, encounters with researchers, and a look into the world of research
The Curie Institute is taking part in Science Festival 2026 in Paris, from October 2 to 12, with activities and encounters centered on cancer research. The public will have a chance to discover scientific careers, Marie Curie’s legacy, and the work being carried out in the institute’s laboratories. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026: a conference on video games at ISART
ISART Digital joins the 2026 Science Festival in Paris with hands-on activities centered on video games, 3D animation, and special effects. Attendees will get a glimpse of the science, technology, and careers behind digital creation. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026: a journey to the heart of flavors in Vitry-sur-Seine (94)
From October 2 to 12, 2026, Vitry-sur-Seine will take part in the Science Festival with a family‑friendly program of activities. Workshops, talks and demonstrations make research and science accessible. [Read more]

Fête de la Science 2026: happenings in CNRS laboratories and research sites
CNRS participates in the 2026 Science Festival by opening several of its laboratories and sites to the public from October 2 to 12. Tours, meet-and-greets, and activities offer a peek behind the scenes of scientific research. [Read more]

Science Experiences, the concept between museum and theme park at Bercy Village
Science Expériences is a unique concept combining museum and amusement park to bring science to life for children. With scientific experiments, virtual reality and video mapping, it uses the latest technologies to bring science to life for children... [Read more]