Skateboarding shows, rocket launches and labs unlocked – five must-see events at World Science Festival Brisbane
From March 21–30, World Science Festival Brisbane will transform the city into a buzzing playground of science, creativity and discovery for its milestone tenth year. A groundbreaking program of more than 90 events, including thought-provoking discussions, interactive installations and all-ages hands-on experiences will unfold across some of the city’s most iconic venues, bringing science to life in the most exciting ways. Here are some of the standout events that you won’t want to miss at this year’s festival.
Arena Atomica: Skate-ology
South Bank Piazza, March 29–30
Ever wondered how skateboarders can pull off sky-high tricks? Have all of your burning questions answered at this adrenaline-packed live arena show, which combines jaw-dropping live skateboarding and mind-blowing science. Presented with The Australian Skateboarding Federation, this high-octane event will see world-class skaters like Jesse Noonan, Tommy Fynn, George Richards, Taniah Meyers, Coco Crafter and more pull off gravity-defying tricks right before your eyes. But it’s not just about the stunts – expert physicists and sports science pros will break down the mechanics behind the madness, answering the big question – how do they do that?
David Sinclair: Why We Age—and Why We Don’t Have To
Concert Hall QPAC, Saturday March 29
While growing older is a privilege, ageing can bring its challenges. So, what if science could slow or even reserve the ageing process altogether? On Saturday March 29, professor David Sinclair, a leading genetics researcher at Harvard Medical School, will address this pressing topic with the latest groundbreaking research. The must-see talk will delve deep into the limits of what we all think is humanly possible, and how extraordinary advancements in the genetics field suggest that ageing can in fact be slowed – and possibly even reversed. Don’t miss this powerful discussion with one of the most incredible minds in science.
Love (and other heart conditions)
Cremorne Theatre, QPAC
Saturday March 29
Discover the captivating link between love and heart health at this thought-provoking event that unpacks the science behind ‘romantic love’, ‘broken heart syndrome’ and a range of other heart conditions. Hosted by ABC Radio National’s health and science reporter, Tegan Taylor, this live discussion brings together a panel of leading experts – Adam Bode, Sonia Shah and John Fraser – who will delve into groundbreaking advancements in heart health. Together, they’ll explore how our emotional and physical hearts are deeply connected. With new technologies and a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, this event will show how innovations in heart health are reshaping the future of care.
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Robots and Rocketry
Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, Ipswich
March 22–23
As part of its opening weekend, World Science Festival Brisbane extends beyond city limits on March 22–23, taking its hotly anticipated Robot and Rocketry event to the Queensland Museum Rail Workshops in North Ipswich. The two-day event will inspire young minds to aim for the stars, bringing robotics, aerospace and engineering to life through a stellar weekend of events and hands-on activities. You can launch rockets at Lift Off, explore the world of robotics and coding in Roving Worlds and dig deep into astrobotany in Surviving Space. The fun-filled launch weekend will also feature the thrilling Robo Wars, which returns to the festival program after a sell-out season in 2024. Australia’s top bot builders will battle it out in an electrifying clash of skills, design, tactic and intelligence – robot fan or not, this is an absolute must see!
World Science Festival Free Events
Various locations
March 21–30
The World Science Festival program is bursting with free events for all ages. Test your athletic skills and beat the clock at The Zone installation at South Bank Piazza (March 29–30) and grab free tickets to hear how Gold Coast-based Gilmour Space Technologies has become a leader in Australian-made launch vehicles and satellite platforms at the Game Changer talk at State Library of Queensland on Wednesday March 26. Keen to don a lab coat? The Labs Unlocked series will see incredible research facilities like The Queensland Herbarium, the Hendra Collections and Research Centre, and the Griffith Sea Jellies Research Laboratory open their doors to give curious minds a peek behind the scenes. For a change of pace, you can go on a taste bud tour at Alchemy Afternoons on Friday March 28, and have a drink and a one-on-one chat with a scientist at Researchers on Tap at Fish Lane on Saturday March 29.
Head to the World Science Festival Brisbane website to view the full program.
This article was written in partnership with our friends at World Science Festival Brisbane.