By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
Exciting hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits and direct connections to emerging careers will take center stage at this year’s St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest.
The side-by-side events on Feb. 7 are expected to attract more than 10,000 people along the waterfront at USF St. Petersburg and outside the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.
Through more than 150 immersive exhibits and live demonstrations, attendees will explore careers in marine science, biology, chemistry and related fields. Highlights include drones used for wildlife tracking, a touch-a-truck display featuring law enforcement vehicles, a mobile seagrass aquarium and tours of USF marine research vessels.
"The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest have been event staples of our campus and community that showcase the incredible science and environmental work taking place all across our region," said Thomas Smith, interim regional chancellor at USF St. Petersburg. "For many kids, this yearly event introduces them to new ideas and innovations that could inspire them to pursue careers in these fields."
More than 10,000 people attend the yearly event that has over 150 immersive exhibits and live demonstrations.
While the festival is known for its fun and engaging exhibits, it also emphasizes workforce development by showing students how science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) skills translate into high-paying, future-focused careers in the region. It features the Junior Scientists program, where middle and high school students work alongside science professionals throughout the event. Rising interest in STEAM subjects and expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students were key motivations for creating the festival.
The festival is rooted in the St. Petersburg Innovation District, home to a diverse mix of science, technology, healthcare, education and research organizations and businesses. The district supports a growing local economy driven by emerging careers.
“This event is really about showcasing the jobs that are here,” said Lauren Bell, chief operating officer for the city’s innovation district. “Some of these careers are very niche or emerging, and you don’t know about them unless you’re exposed to them. This is a way for people to see what’s possible in their own community.”
Experts from USF’s College of Marine Science and College of Arts and Sciences, The Florida Aquarium, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), General Dynamics and many other organizations are participating.
Interactive and immersive exhibits for the 2026 festival include:
- Drone demonstrations that track wildlife
- Accident investigations using math and technology for real cases
- A touch-a-truck exhibit allowing guests to explore city and state law enforcement vehicles, including the St. Petersburg Police Department’s robotic dog, Spot
- Tours of ocean research vessels from the Florida Institute of Oceanography at USF
- An instrument petting zoo featuring guitars, ukuleles, percussion and a roll-out piano
On Feb. 6, more than 800 4th and 5th graders will preview the St. Petersburg Science Festival and FWC’s MarineQuest through organized field trips, exploring ways to engage with STEAM fields and discovering a variety of career paths.
“We do this for two reasons. One is kids and families get familiar with science and tech in our everyday lives. They get a chance to get immersed in it, and hopefully be inspired,” said Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation District. “Second, they may have a real interest in fields that are highlighted at this event, and think this could be a career for them and they begin really picturing that future for themselves and how to get there.”
This year's sponsors include:
- City of St. Petersburg
- Clear Channel Outdoor
- Carollo
- Challenge Island
- Duke Energy
- Eckerd College
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- General Dynamics
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Ocean Conservancy
- Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital- St. Petersburg
- Pinellas County Schools
- St. Petersburg College
- St. Petersburg Innovation District
- Science Festival Alliance
- Sea Us Rise
- Tampa Bay Estuary Program
- Tampa Bay Times
- Tampa Bay Water
- U.S. Geological Survey
- USF College of Marine Science
- USF St. Petersburg
- Wing Drone Delivery
- Women in Defense- Greater Tampa Bay Chapter
- WMNF