Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

UNC Science Expo
2026-04-11 11:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27516, United States
Join us for one of the biggest science celebrations in the state!

Every year, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center hosts a day of science learning and fun for our community in partnership with UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, students, and staff.

The UNC Science Expo is a signature event of the annual North Carolina Science Festival and one of the biggest celebrations of science in the state. More than 100 booths staffed by UNC-Chapel Hill students, researchers, practitioners, and community volunteers fill the quads surrounding Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. From hands-on activities and games to science demonstrations and behind-the-scenes lab tours, the UNC Science Expo makes learning about science fun and engaging for people of all ages.

Spot, an agile mobile robot from Boston Dynamics, wows the crowd at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center as part of the UNC Science Expo on Saturday, April 6, 2024.

Learn More About the UNC Science Expo

UNC Science Expo Parking

If you are attending the UNC Science Expo and plan to drive, please allow extra time for parking due to limited options caused by the Expo and other events in Chapel Hill. Please note that the parking lot in front of Morehead Planetarium and Science Center (250 E Franklin Street) will be closed on April 11.

For campus parking options, please visit maps.unc.edu/parking/. Parking is also available in town lots and on the street, but public parking fees may apply. For more information about Town of Chapel Hill parking options, visit parkonthehill.com.

Accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Old East lot, located on E Cameron Ave between the New East and Old East buildings. A drop-off zone will be available at the Morehead lot throughout the event.

Saturday Science Sparks: Migration
2026-05-02 10:00 - 15:00
Credit: The Avian Society at UNC-Chapel Hill

The Science of Migration

Calling All Bird Brains: Celebrate International Migratory Bird Day at Morehead

In this Saturday Science Sparks session, explore the wonders of winged migration through the tools of a bird researcher! With the help of UNC’s Sockman Lab, the UNC Avian Society, and the New Hope Bird Alliance, you’ll get the chance to help the scientists uncover how the Earth’s seasons impact a bird’s journey, discover the diverse bird species of North Carolina, and talk with Gloria Gao ’27, Founder of the Avian Society, as you engage in hands-on activities and learn how to become a community scientist for the benefit of birds (and people!).

Included with paid admission and located in the Launch Lab.

Schedule

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Please note: there will be a midday break.

MORE is happening at Morehead this year

New for 2026, Saturday Science Sparks offers Morehead guests a closer encounter with current science. Covering topics like astronomy, the physics of juggling, and computer science, this program collaborates with community partners and academic clubs, bringing you up-close experiences in the exciting world of STEAM. Saturday Science Sparks is open to the public and included in admission.

Credit: New Hope Bird Alliance
