Science Bazaar

Saturday, 21 February 2026

Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar – See you next year!

Join us on Saturday 21 February 2026 for one of Oxfordshire’s biggest and most exciting free family events!

Designed especially for children aged 5–12 and their families, the Science Bazaar is packed with hands-on activities, live demonstrations, workshops, and shows, all led by scientists, engineers, artists and students from Oxford Brookes University and our amazing local partners.

Explore everything from tech and engineering to health, nature, and creativity, all under one roof. Whether your child loves explosions, inventions, animals, or art. There’s something to spark everyone’s imagination!

Highlights:

Autism-Friendly Early Opening: From 9:30–11:30am, we offer a quieter, sensory-considerate experience for families who prefer a calmer environment.
General admission runs from 11:30am–4:00pm.
It’s free, fun, and unforgettable – don’t miss it!

Want to be the first to hear when bookings open?
Join our mailing list to stay up to date with event news, announcements, and opportunities to get involved.

Extend learning beyond the Science Bazaar

This booklet is designed to help you bring the magic of science beyond the event and into your home, sparking curiosity and learning at every step.

At Oxford Brookes University, we believe education is a lifelong journey. Through events like the Science Bazaar, we aim to inspire a love for learning and create opportunities for everyone to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

About the Science Bazaar

The Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar is a vibrant, flagship annual event that welcomes over 8,000 visitors annually for a day of discovery, creativity, and hands-on exploration. Launched in 2008, it has become a much-loved fixture in the local community, designed especially for children aged 5–12 and their families. The event encourages curiosity across the full spectrum of science; from technology and engineering to the arts, maths, and social sciences, through engaging activities led by Oxford Brookes researchers, students, and local partners. The Science Bazaar aims to showcase cutting-edge research, make STEAM feel exciting and accessible, and inspire the next generation of innovators — all completely free to attend.

Accessibility is at the heart of the event, and we’re proud to offer a relaxed, autism-friendly early opening each year. This quieter, sensory-considerate session ensures that families who prefer a calmer environment can fully enjoy the experience.

By providing high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities at no cost, the Science Bazaar helps open doors to science for underrepresented communities and plays a vital role in sparking curiosity and confidence in young minds.

A firefighter outside the John Henry Brookes Building

Become a sponsor

Partner with us to inspire thousands of young minds.

Each year, the Science Bazaar remains free to attend thanks to the generosity of sponsors. In 2026, we’re inviting local businesses, national organisations, and values-aligned partners to support this much-loved community festival. Sponsorship makes it possible to provide free family transport, accessible workshops, volunteer support, and more, all while putting your brand at the heart of a high-profile, high-impact event.

Types of sponsorship available:

Lead Sponsor – Top-level visibility and engagement
Zone Sponsors – Support a themed zone
Supporters – Contribute through donation or in-kind support

Benefits of sponsoring:

Your logo featured across our campus, website, social media, and event materials
Recognition as a supporter of education, inclusion, and innovation, with opportunities for volunteer engagement at the event
Direct interaction with 8,000+ families, educators, and young learners

“We are thrilled to have Morgan Sindall Construction as the lead sponsor of the 2025 Science Bazaar. Their support ensures that we can keep the event free and accessible to local and regional communities, making a significant impact in inspiring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics education for all. Their commitment to sustainability and social value aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture future generations and promote lifelong learning.”

Professor Simonetta Manfredi, Director of Research, Innovation and Enterprise

Our previous sponsors

“As the proud lead sponsor of the 2025 Science Bazaar, Morgan Sindall Construction is dedicated to championing initiatives that reflect our core values of inspiring and empowering the next generation to achieve extraordinary goals. Our passion for creating spaces where people can live, learn, and thrive is at the heart of all we do, and we are thrilled to support future talent through this meaningful partnership.”

James York, Area Director at Morgan Sindall

Plan your visit

Make the most of your visit to the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar by planning ahead! Whether you’re coming for a quick visit or spending the whole day with us, there’s plenty to explore for the whole family.

Autism-Friendly Early Opening (9:30 am–11:30 am): We’re proud to offer a relaxed opening designed for families who prefer a quieter, low-sensory environment. During this time, activities are adjusted to reduce noise and crowds, creating a calm and welcoming space for all.
General Opening (11:30 am–4:00 pm): From late morning onwards, the festival opens to all. Dive into a packed programme of interactive stalls, hands-on experiments, creative workshops, live shows, and inspiring talks across our themed zones — such as Green, Healthy Life, Tech, Gallery, and Theatre.
Pick Up a Festival Map: On arrival, collect a printed programme and map to help you find your way around the festival, locate must-see zones, and check event timings.
Follow the Discovery Trail: Encourage your little ones to collect stickers at key activity zones. Complete the trail to win a fun prize and make sure you don’t miss anything!
Fuel Your Fun: There will be food and drink available on site, including child-friendly options and quiet break areas for families needing a moment to recharge.
Stay for the Highlights: Timed performances and workshops run throughout the day — check the schedule at the entrance or online beforehand so you don’t miss out on your favourites.
Get Involved: Speak to researchers, take part in real experiments, ask questions, and let your curiosity lead the way!

people in front of an oxford brookes bus at headington campus

Quick facts:

Location: Oxford Brookes Headington Campus, OX3 0BP
Date: Saturday, 21 February 2026
Time: 9:30 am–11:30 am (Autism-friendly quiet session), 11:30 am–4:00 pm (General public)
Entry: Free, no booking required
Accessibility: Fully accessible venue with quiet space

Get involved

Help us keep the Science Bazaar free for everyone

The Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar is a community-driven event, and there are many exciting ways for you to get involved and make a difference. Whether you’re an individual, family, local business, or organisation, your participation can help inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Donate

If you're unable to attend or volunteer, consider making a donation. Your contribution can help us cover essential costs, such as transportation for local families, materials for workshops, and ensuring the event remains free for everyone to enjoy. Every little bit helps us continue to provide this valuable community event.

Volunteer with us

Volunteers are at the heart of the Science Bazaar, ensuring that the event runs smoothly and that every visitor has a positive experience.

As a volunteer, you’ll have the chance to engage with visitors, assist in workshops, and be part of a team dedicated to inspiring curiosity and excitement about science. Plus, it's a great way to give back to the community and gain valuable experience.

Partner with us

We welcome partnerships with organisations that share our values and want to co-create exciting experiences. Whether you’re a cultural institution, educational organisation, or community group, we’d love to collaborate on zones, performances, or creative outreach projects that reflect your expertise and mission. Let’s build something amazing together.

Exhibit

Are you part of an organisation or company with a passion for science, technology, engineering, arts, or math (STEAM)?

We invite you to host a workshop, run a show, or showcase your work at a tabletop exhibit. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with young minds, share your expertise, and spark curiosity in the next generation of innovators. Whether you're sharing a hands-on experiment or explaining the latest in tech, your participation will make a lasting impact.

FAQs

When and where is the Science Bazaar taking place?

The Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar will be held on Saturday, 21 February 2026 at our Headington Campus, Oxford. Doors open at 9:30 am for our autism-friendly session and general admission begins at 11:30 am, running until 4:00 pm.

Is the event free to attend?

Yes! The Science Bazaar is completely free to attend, including all activities, workshops, and shows. You don’t need to pay to take part in anything on the day.

Do I need to book in advance?

Booking for the autism-friendly early opening session is mandatory to ensure a calm and comfortable experience for all attendees. For the main event, booking is advised, but we do accept drop-ins. Please note, there are no ticketed activities, and you can participate in all workshops and shows free of charge. We recommend arriving early to sign up for workshops at the registration desk upon arrival.

What is the Autism-Friendly Early Opening?

From 9:30 am –11:30 am, we offer a calmer, low-sensory environment for visitors who benefit from a quieter experience. This includes reduced noise and fewer people. Activities are the same - just delivered in a more relaxed way.

Who is the Science Bazaar for?

The event is designed especially for children aged 5–12 and their families, but there’s something for everyone! Teens and curious adults will also enjoy the activities, talks, and demonstrations.

Where can I park?

There is no public parking on campus. Parking is only available to Blue Badge holders. We strongly encourage using public transport or park-and-ride services. Full travel details and directions are available on our website.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes, food and drink stalls will be available throughout the day, with options suitable for children and families. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch.

Can we bring a group (e.g. school, club, home educators)?

Yes! Large groups are very welcome. If you’re planning to attend with a group of 10 or more, we’d love to hear from you in advance so we can help you plan your visit.

What kind of activities can we expect?

Expect hands-on experiments, science shows, creative workshops, and interactive exhibits themed around science, technology, engineering, the arts, and maths (STEAM). All activities are led by friendly researchers, students, and partners who are excited to share what they do.

Is it only science?

While the name suggests a focus on science, the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar embraces a wide range of subjects under the STEAM umbrella: Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths. We’ve got something for everyone, with activities and workshops spanning these disciplines, from interactive art projects to engineering challenges and technology demos!

Can I volunteer or get involved?

Absolutely! We welcome volunteers, researchers, student ambassadors, and partners. Visit our Get Involved section on the website to learn more and sign up.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. Oxford Brookes is fully accessible with step-free access, accessible toilets, and support for visitors with additional needs. Please contact us if you have any questions or need help planning your visit.