Friday, March 28, 2025 (4:46 pm)

Imaginology is coming – free STEAM fun for the whole family April 12-13 at OC Fair & Event Center

The OC Fairgrounds will become headquarters for Imaginology on April 12 and 13, providing students and families with free hands-on fun and a look at futures in STEAM fields.

Imaginology will be held Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is free and most activities are included; food options will be available for purchase. Parking is $12.

This year, the family festival returns with a packed schedule of take-home crafts, science learning, live performances by local entertainers, youth competitions, demonstrations and more.

Activities include:

• New this year: The Roaming Railroad will roll through Imaginology giving rides, Megan the Bubbleologist will amaze and Zany Zoey’s Magic Show will entertain kids of all ages. And don’t miss the llama show!

• Science exploration: Kids can interact with reptiles from around the globe at The Reptile Zoo and try a little physical science with activities at Ninja Nation Boot Camp. Check out taxidermy animals and furs at the Oak Canyon Nature Center booth, then try Fishing in the City to see what you can reel in.

• Tech plus: Hack Club will bring tech projects for kids to test and they can even watch a robot draw. Play with a Rigamajig, try microscope activities and discover the secrets of writing code with computer software. Learn to use meters to check water levels in soil and Mind Works! will bring science experiments and more.

• Engineering exploration: From circuitry to construction activities, there will be plenty to build and discover at Imaginology. Harbor Soaring Society will host aerospace adventures and Imaginology’s cardboard engineering competition will be on display.

• Arts, entertainment, displays and more: Local entertainers such as dance troupes, youth bands and musical ensembles will provide live entertainment. There will be plenty of hands-on crafting and a number of take-home projects. Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display.

• Math and strategy: We can find math in just about everything (like having students count out the cash for a burger or a brat!). But logic and mathematical reasoning are the ways to win at chess, and the local Academic Chess chapter will host their annual tournament on Saturday.

• Agriculture education: Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. Plus, OC Fair & Event Center’s Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish-seed planting, chick petting – and don’t miss a peek at the farm babies! There will also be blacksmithing and milking demonstrations and visitors can dig for roots in a play garden.

• Explore: Students and families can participate in the Imaginology Scavenger Hunt and earn prizes while exploring all the fun of the free event. Pick up scavenger hunt sheets from information booths.

For more information, visit ocfair.com/steam.

Photos for media use are available here: ocfair.canto.com/b/T1HGE