Spooky Mad Science Expo: Where Science Meets Halloween
A Free, Family-Friendly Celebration of Science, Technology, Creativity & Innovation, with a Halloween Twist
Mark your calendar and start planning your scientific costume!
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 3:00–7:00 PM
Patrick Henry Recreation Center
4653 Taney Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304
Free and open to the community
Rain date: Saturday, October 24
The 11th Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo, presented by Chrysalis Development Group in partnership with Alexandria RPCA, brings children, families, scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, university teams, innovators, artists, technology leaders, and community organizations together for an afternoon of hands-on discovery, creativity, and fun, all wrapped in a wonderfully spooky Halloween theme.
And this year, the City of Alexandria has made it official: October 17, 2026, has been proclaimed “Spooky Mad Science Expo Day.” Mayor Alyia Gaskins and members of the City Council will join us for the official proclamation.
With 100+ interactive STEAM experiences, there will be something to explore around every corner: a full-size Sky Dome Planetarium, robotics, drones, AI, space science, chemistry, engineering, sustainability, games and coding, science mysteries, illusions, and unexpected discoveries, along with Star Wars characters and plenty of surprises.
Come in your most creative STEM-inspired, scientific, or spooky costume and join the STEM Costume Parade and Contest. Enjoy student performances, Teen Science Café, student podcasting, a DJ, photo opportunities, treats, prizes, and food trucks.
Most importantly, meet the scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, university teams, innovators, and technology professionals who bring their worlds directly to the community and give young people a chance to see, question, and experience what STEM can look like beyond the classroom.Teens can also take an active role as volunteers, leaders, podcasters, and performers, while showcasing their STEAM projects and helping bring Spooky to life.
Whether you are a family looking for a great afternoon, a scientist or educator ready to share your work, a university or organization interested in participating, a company interested in sponsoring or supporting the Expo, or a community member ready to volunteer, there are many ways to be part of Spooky.
Registration & Information
For registration and event information, visit the Spooky Mad Science Expo page:
Come be part of Spooky as a family, volunteer, educator, scientist, organization, university, company, or community partner.
Presented by Chrysalis Development Group in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities (RPCA).
Science is the star.
Halloween is the theme. And Spooky is the celebration.