UNC Science Expo
UNC Science Expo
See you in April 2026!
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.
Learn More
Join us to celebrate the amazing research, teaching, and learning that happens on UNC’s campus every day.
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.
For campus parking options, please visit https://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 https://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.
Public Transportation
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center is accessible via Chapel Hill Transit, PART, and GoTriangle. Please note Chapel Hill Transit offers fare-free bus service between UNC, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro.
Directions to Morehead
From Raleigh and Eastern North Carolina
Take I-40 west to Exit 270 (US 15-501). Turn left off the exit and cross over I-40 onto US 15-501 south. Travel 1.5 miles. When the road forks, take the right fork to Franklin Street. Follow Franklin Street west for 2.5 miles and look for Morehead on the left.
From Pittsboro and the Sandhills Area
Take US 15-501 north to Chapel Hill. Cross Fordham Boulevard (this is the US 15-501 Bypass) and stay on US 15-501 Business, which is Columbia Street. Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Franklin Street. Follow Franklin Street east for a half mile and look for Morehead on the right.
From Durham and Areas Northeast of Durham
Take I-85 south to US 15-501. Travel south and cross I-40. Travel 1.5 miles. When the road forks, take the right fork to Franklin Street. Follow Franklin Street west for 2.5 miles and look for Morehead on the left.
From Burlington, Greensboro, and Western North Carolina
Take I-40 east to Exit 266 (NC Highway 86). Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Travel north 4.1 miles and turn left onto Franklin Street. Follow Franklin Street west for a half mile and look for Morehead on the right.
Check back later for the April 2026 schedule!
Check back later for the April 2026 food truck list!
Each year the Expo welcomes between 5,000-10,000 visitors from the Triangle region and beyond to the UNC-CH campus. More than 100 booths staffed by students, researchers, and other science-loving volunteers fill the quads surrounding Morehead. From hands-on activities and games to science demonstrations and behind-the-scenes lab tours, the Expo makes learning about science fun and engaging for people of all ages.
If your organization is interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor at the UNC Science Expo, please contact us.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for the UNC Science Expo. We are no longer recruiting for volunteers for this event.
Questions? Please contact Whit McMillan at whitmcm@email.unc.edu.
Erik MacIntosh | Manager, Community Engagement
erikmac@email.unc.edu
919.962.3274