Philadelphia Weekly

Share this Story:

Next week (April 20-29), the Philadelphia Science Festival returns for a second year,  unleashing a new and improved lineup of more than 75 events showcasing  science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Here’s just a few of  the fun and fascinating events the festival offers this year.

Mix It! Opening Night Party

At this kickoff event, Yards Brewery taps its exclusive 2012 Science Festival Beer—a Weizenbock with mild hints of vanilla and dark fruits—and reveals the beer’s official name as voted on by the public. While knocking back the limited-edition brew in Stephen Starr’s super-chill beer garden, you’ll get to create music and build gadgets with NextFab Studio, Philly’s “gym for innovators.” Fri/20, 7pm. Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave. 215.634.3338. frankfordhall.com

Science Carnival

For an entire afternoon, Logan Circle will transformed into a scientific wonderland with 100 different interactive activities, demonstrations and performances. This year, the festivities will be split between two stages—one in Aviator Park with WXPN Kids Corner, and the other in front of Family Court featuring science musicians and performances throughout the day. Over at the Franklin Institute, folks can nibble on nitrogen ice cream, learn how cheese is made and experience what pH has to do with the way our food tastes. Sat/21, 11am. Free. The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. 215.448.1111. fi.edu

Design Lab: The Fusion of Science & Style

Sure style is a form of artistic expression, but there’s also a certain amount of science that goes into it. See exactly where the two intersect while admiring the cutting-edge, functional and sustainable fashions in Philadelphia University’s student run Design X Fashion show. Guests can mingle with up-and-coming designers and examine their work while enjoying light snacks and beer. Sat/21, 5:30pm. $15. Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. 215.299.1000. ansp.org

Grow It, Cook It, Eat It

Take a tour through America’s old living botanical garden while agricultural experts and culinary students guide you through a variety of demonstrations and activities teaching you how to not only grow and cook your own produce, but how to choose the best at your local farmer’s market. Sun/22, noon. $5-$10. Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. 215.729.5281. bartramsgarden.org

Love: Its Evolution and Neurobiology

Despite what fairytales and rom-coms would have you believe, love is an incredibly complex emotion—one that the biological sciences have come up with numerous theories on. Explore some of these theories and find out how much chemistry, connections and evolution determine who we love. This event is 21 and over and probably not a good idea for couples who think fate brought them together. Sun/22, 8pm. Free. L’Etage, 624 S. Sixth St. 215.592.0656. creperie-beaumonde.com

Wine Chemistry: Best and Worst Pairings

At this event, guest will learn why red wine goes best with red meat and which wine helps combat spicy foods. Sample various wine and food pairings, and experience the difference a compatible match makes. Tues/24, 6:30pm. $35. Di Bruno Brothers, 1730 Chestnut St. 215.564.9339. dibruno.comdibruno.com

A Nerd’s Guide to Surviving the Apocalypse

Make sure you’re prepared for the apocalypse by seeing how it has been depicted in movies and TV during Nerd Night. Organizers will even help you pack an emergency kit! Thurs/26, 8pm. $5. Frankford Hall, 1210 Frankford Ave. 215.634.3338. frankfordhall.com

Science Cabaret

Unfortunately, there will not be any hot lab technicians prancing around in their skivvies. Rather, three scientists will each get 20 minutes to perform mind-blowing experiments and it’ll be up to the audience to decide which is most deserving of the coveted Golden Spoon trophy. In between acts, science comedian and emcee Brian Malow will keep the crowd stimulated with science-related jokes and stories. Tues/24, 6pm. $5-$15. Chemical Heritage Foundation, 315 Chestnut St. 215.925.2222 chemheritage.org