Exploring Your Universe 2026: Free UCLA Science Fest

Once a year, the UCLA campus turns its science departments inside out and invites everyone to walk through. Exploring Your Universe 2026 lands on Sunday, November 8, with a free afternoon of hands-on exhibits, working scientists and activities built for visitors of every age. If you are building a list of things to do in Los Angeles this fall that will not cost a dime, this one earns a spot.

When: Sunday, November 8, 2026, 12 to 5 PM Where: UCLA Court of Sciences, 617 Charles E. Young Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095 Price: Free, with an Eventbrite registration

What to expect

The organizers describe it as a science festival with hands-on exhibits, experts and activities for all ages. That framing matters: this is not a lecture series you sit through. The pitch is to wander from table to table, ask questions of the people who do the research, and touch, build or test something yourself.

The event's own logo hints at the range. It circles a planet, the Earth, an atom, a strand of DNA, a flask and a rain cloud, so astronomy, chemistry, biology, physics and weather all seem fair game. Specific exhibit lineups were not published on the ticket page at the time of writing, so check the Eventbrite listing for updates as November gets closer.

Who it suits

Families with school-age kids are the obvious audience, but "all ages" is doing real work here. Curious adults, college-bound teens and anyone who has not thought about the periodic table since high school will find an easy entry point. Because it runs five hours on a Sunday, you can drop in for an hour and still see plenty, or make an afternoon of it.

Practical info

Registration is free on Eventbrite, and it is worth claiming a spot ahead of time rather than counting on a walk-up. The festival is on the UCLA campus, where weekend parking and campus navigation can take some patience, so give yourself extra time and check UCLA's visitor information before you leave. Wear comfortable shoes, since you will be on your feet and moving between exhibits for most of the afternoon.

If you are filling out a calendar of LA events this weekend or the one after, pair it with a stop in nearby Westwood for lunch before the 12 PM start. Browse more arts and culture events around the city, or see what else is on the list of upcoming events in Los Angeles.