What to Expect at Tech Fest 2026

Feb 17

Tech Fest is back, and it’s shaping up to be a full day of hands-on engineering fun for the whole family.

Join us on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at The Works Museum in Bloomington, MN, for this exciting engineering and technology fair designed especially for kids ages 5–12 and their grown-ups.

If you’re wondering what the day will look like, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

Hands-On Engineering Activities

At Tech Fest, kids are the engineers. Alongside real STEM professionals, they will build, experiment, test, and explore.

Throughout the museum, you’ll find engaging engineering challenges and interactive demonstrations, including:

Squishy Circuits – Use conductive dough to build circuits that light up and power tiny motors with volunteers from Burns & McDonnell

Heating & Cooling Experiments – Explore temperature changes with a kid-controlled touchscreen with volunteers from Daikin Global

Air Pressure Competitions – See the power of air pressure in action through fun, family-friendly challenges with volunteers from Emerson

pH Exploration – Test common household liquids and discover whether they’re acidic or basic with volunteers from Emerson

Building Challenges – Compete to create the tallest tower of stuffed animals with volunteers from the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers

…and many more creative, hands-on engineering experiences!

Meet Real Engineers and STEM Professionals

One of the most exciting parts of Tech Fest is the opportunity to connect with real people who work in STEM fields.

This year’s event features:

More than a dozen community and corporate partners

Over 100 volunteers from across the community

Representation from local companies including Emerson and Burns & McDonnell

Many of these volunteers work in engineering, technology, and other STEM careers. They’ll be leading demonstrations, answering questions, and sharing what they do in the real world.

It’s a powerful opportunity for kids to imagine themselves in these roles, and for grown-ups to explore STEM alongside them.

Designed for Families

Tech Fest is created with families in mind. Every activity is approachable for children ages 5–12. However, older and younger siblings, as well as adults, can find activities to enjoy as well.

Expect: