March 30, 2026 Curiosity Fair 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom
Step into a world of wonder at the Curiosity Fair! Join us in the vibrant Gatton Student Center Ballroom for an immersive showcase of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and eye-opening explorations across disciplines—from science and technology to the humanities and arts. This dynamic event brings together curious minds from across campus to spark conversation, ignite inspiration, and celebrate the thrill of discovery—all in one buzzing space.
What is the Curiosity Fair?
Celebrate Curiosity. Discover Possibility. The Curiosity Fair is a vibrant, hands-on celebration of what makes learning exciting. Step into the Gatton Student Center Ballroom and explore interactive demos from across the sciences, arts, humanities, and beyond—each designed to spark curiosity and invite you into the joy of discovering something new.
Whether you're a current student, prospective student, faculty member, or community guest, you'll find something that surprises you, inspires you, or maybe even changes your path. Chat informally with presenters, dive into their passions, and see how curiosity fuels research, creativity, and innovation at UK.
Stay Curious!
Explore new interests and connect with opportunities at the 2025 Curiosity Fair.
Monday, March 30, 2026
4 - 6 p.m.
Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom
Why attend?
- Experience learning as play: Discover how fun and engaging education can be outside the classroom.
- Explore new interests: Encounter fields and ideas you might never have considered—and maybe find your future major or career.
- Connect with community: Join fellow curious minds from the UK and Lexington in a welcoming, informal space.
The event is free, open to all, and designed to delight. Come curious—leave inspired.
Sign up for a Station
We are currently accepting exhibitor proposals for the 2026 fair. The application window opens on Monday, January 12th, and closes on Friday, January 23rd, 2026.
Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.
FAQs
What is the difference between this and a research fair?
We ask that our participants showcase and interactive exhibit rather than a research poster. Additionally, research isn't the only thing presented at the Curiosity Fair. Anything that sparks curiosity could be the idea behind a great booth.
What fields are represented? Who can run a station?
Anyone from any field is invited to showcase what keeps them curious! In the past we have had a lot of faculty from the different colleges on campus, but anyone who wants to host a booth can.
How can my students get involved?
You can attend the fair to get ideas of how you might use experiential learning and demos to spark more curiosity in your own classroom. Feel free to reach out to CELT (Center for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching) for more ideas.
So how can you involve your class?
- Take a class field trip to the fair!
- Class Discussion:
- Rank and debate which stations incited the most curiosity and why
- Ask a researcher about their research process
- Discuss a demo that shows real world application of your class
- Imagine a real world application of your class based on something you saw at the fair
- Imagine what kind of Curiosity Station could get people to see what's cool about their field/major