March 30, 2026 Curiosity Fair 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom
Revision for STEP into a world of wonder at the Curiosity Fair!!! Join us in the vibrant Gatton Student Center Ballroom for an immersive, high-energy showcase of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, and eye-opening explorations across disciplines—from science and technology to the humanities and arts. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find something to touch, try, question, or marvel at.
This dynamic event brings together curious minds from across campus and the community to spark conversation, ignite inspiration, and celebrate the pure joy of discovery—all in one buzzing, creativity-filled space.
What is the Curiosity Fair?
The Curiosity Fair is a lively, hands-on celebration of everything that makes learning exciting. Step into the Gatton Student Center Ballroom and wander through a collection of interactive demos from the sciences, arts, humanities, and more—each one crafted to spark your curiosity and pull you into the thrill of discovering something new.
Whether you're a current student, a prospective Wildcat, a faculty or staff member, or a guest from the Lexington community, you’ll find something that surprises you, delights you, or maybe even shifts your perspective. Chat with presenters, dive into their passions, and see how curiosity drives research, creativity, and innovation across UK.
Stay Curious!
Explore new interests and connect with opportunities at the 2026 Curiosity Fair.
Monday, March 30, 2026
4 - 6 p.m.
Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom
Why should I come to the Curiosity Fair?
- Experience learning as play — Rediscover how fun, joyful, and hands-on learning can be when you step outside the traditional classroom and into a space built for exploration.
- Explore new interests — Wander into fields and ideas you’ve never encountered before—and who knows, you might stumble onto your next passion, major, or career direction.
- Connect with community — Meet fellow curious minds from UK and the Lexington community in a warm, welcoming, come-as-you-are atmosphere.
- It’s free. It’s open to all. And it’s designed to delight. Come curious—leave inspired.
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