BrainFest with Allen Institute

March 21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Buy General Admission Tickets
BrainFest

Join us for the third annual BrainFest, a day of brainy fun for all ages at PacSci. Explore hands-on activities, meet Allen Institute scientists and collaborators, learn about cutting-edge neuroscience research, and even touch a real brain!

Whether you’re a budding young scientist, a lifelong learner, or simply fascinated by how the mind works, BrainFest 2026 promises a full day of discovery, inspiration, and wonder.

Tickets

BrainFest is presented in partnership with the Allen Institute. A limited quantity of free General Admission tickets, courtesy of the Allen Institute, are available in a walk-up capacity on a first come, first served basis. Guests may also purchase a General Admission ticket online in advance.

In addition to admittance to PacSci’s exhibits, a General Admission ticket during BrainFest includes special programming that requires timed entry, such as scheduled planetarium shows, laser shows, and lectures in the PACCAR IMAX® Theater. Please visit the Main Entry and speak to a PacSci team member to reserve your timed entry for BrainFest programming. If you have purchased your ticket online, you may reserve your timed entry seating in advance.

Schedule

11:15–11:45 a.m.

Willard Smith Planetarium

The Universe Inside Your Head: a Journey through the Brain

What happens in your brain when you see a star? Learn how your eyes and brain interpret visual information while enjoying stunning imagery of real neurons and their constellations of connections.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

PACCAR IMAX Theater

A Guided Tour of the Brain: Human Brain Dissection

Join local neuroscientists to explore the structures of the brain, featuring a real human brain donated to the University of Washington for educational use. Recommended for ages 10+.

1–1:30 p.m.

Laser Dome

Laser K-Pop Demon Hunters: Featuring Pre-show Talk on Lasers in Neuroscience

Before your laser show, enjoy a short talk by a neuroscientist from the Allen Institute exploring how we use LASER technology to better understand the brain.

1:30–1:50 p.m.

Live Science Stage

Brain Trivia Challenge

Learn fascinating facts about the most incredible organ in your body with this interactive trivia game for all ages!

2:30–3:30 p.m.

PACCAR IMAX Theater

A Guided Tour of the Brain: Human Brain Dissection

Join local neuroscientists to explore the structures of the brain, featuring a real human brain donated to the University of Washington for educational use. Recommended for ages 10+.

3:15–3:45 p.m.

Willard Smith Planetarium

The Universe Inside Your Head: A Journey Through the Brain

What happens in your brain when you see a star? Learn how your eyes and brain interpret visual information while enjoying stunning imagery of real neurons and their constellations of connections.

3:30–3:50 p.m.

Live Science Stage

Future Brain Tech: The Great Debate

How could futuristic brain technologies change our society, and which ones would you invite into your life? Join UW students in a thought-provoking bracket tournament to explore the societal impacts of future and emerging brain technologies.

4–4:30 p.m.

Laser Dome

Laser Show: Featuring Pre-show Talk on Lasers in Neuroscience

Before your laser show, enjoy a short talk by a neuroscientist from the Allen Institute exploring how we use LASER technology to better understand the brain.

This event is a partnership of the Allen Institute and Pacific Science Center.