NCSciFest

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NCSciFest Logo and Robot

The state of North Carolina holds the NCSciFest annually in the month of April to recognize Science Month. Union County Library holds programs, events, and activities all month long encouraging the community to explore, create, and learn with STEAM.

Read below to find out what the library has planned for this year's NCSciFest.

NC SciFest is sponsored by the Friends of Union County Library.

NC SciFest Games

Join the fun this April with the NC SciFest Games at Union County Public Library! Pick up your game card at any UCL branch and earn stars by completing science‑themed activities around the library and throughout Union County. When your card is full, return it to any branch for a chance to win NC SciFest incentives and to be entered into the raffle. Be sure to include your name and email when turning in your card.

How to Earn Stars
• Pick up your NC SciFest game card at any library location.
• Complete eligible activities at a library, at home, or around the county.
• Visit any UCL branch to receive stamps on your card.
• Turn in your completed card for prize and raffle eligibility.

Activities Eligible for Stamps
• Attend an NC SciFest program
• Participate in April’s STEAM Lab drop‑in activity
• Visit a Union County park and tag UCL on social media
• Reserve and use a UC Explore Pass
• Check out a STEAM‑related book
• Research a topic using NC Live
• Try a new technology tool
• Spot the moon’s phase
• Make or find a constellation and share it with a library staff member

Each activity may be completed up to two times and still count toward stars.

Star Party

Come say Goodnight, Galaxy! Enjoy a fun night under the stars at the Southwest Regional Library! Join us on Saturday, April 25 at 7:45 p.m. for our NC SciFest Star Party for the 2026 Mission to the Moon. This family‑friendly evening is great for all ages and perfect for anyone curious about the night sky.

We’ll have telescopes set up outside for stargazing, and staff will help point out constellations, the moon, and any visible planets. Inside, you can enjoy space‑themed crafts and activities, including coloring sheets, making your own night‑sky picture, creating moon craters, launching straw rockets, crafting a star wheel, and more!

The library will be decorated with constellation art, a galaxy projector, and other space‑themed touches to help set the scene for a relaxing night of discovery.

Snacks and fun giveaways will be available, including Moon Pies, Sunchips, stickers, NASA‑themed goodies, and a special boarding‑pass keepsake. You can also browse our display of space and astronomy books to check out and explore at home.

Bring your friends, family, and sense of wonder—everyone is welcome!

Programs

Innovation Challenge Showcase

The Innovation Challenge invites young innovators to identify real‑world problems and design creative solutions. Participants develop prototypes, conduct research, and showcase their ideas through a final presentation board.

Innovation on Display

Visit a Union County Library STEAM Lab during the month of April to see tri-fold displays created by our Innovation Challenge finalists along with their project prototypes and physical models (when applicable).

Where to Find the Showcase

April 1–14: Main Library, STEAM Lab
April 15–30: Southwest Library, STEAM Lab

A teal banner with the text “2026 Innovator Showcase,” featuring an illustrated blue robot and logos for STEAM and N.C. SciFest.

A teal “2026 Innovator Spotlight” banner featuring a student finalist and a photo of a temperature and humidity sensor project, with accompanying STEAM and robot graphics.

Contact Us

Have questions about NCSciFest? Contact our STEAM Services department.