September 28, 2026 Curiosity Fair 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom
Get curious at the Curiosity Fair! Step into the Gatton Student Center Grand Ballroom for an energetic showcase of live demonstrations, hands-on activities, creative displays, and ideas in action. From science and technology to the humanities and arts, this event brings students, faculty, staff, community partners, vendors, presenters, and Lexington neighbors together to try something new, connect with big ideas, and celebrate learning in a lively, welcoming space.
What is the Curiosity Fair?
The Curiosity Fair is a fun, hands-on showcase of what makes learning exciting at UK and across Lexington. When you step into the Gatton Student Center Ballroom, you’ll find interactive demos, creative displays, vendor booths, and engaging activities led by students, faculty, staff, community partners, and local participants from fields ranging from science and engineering to the arts, humanities, and more.
This is your chance to watch ideas come to life, try things out for yourself, and explore questions, interests, and possibilities you may not have considered before.
Whether you’re a current student, a future Wildcat, a faculty or staff member, a community partner, or a Lexington neighbor, you’ll find something that surprises you or sparks a new interest.
Chat with presenters, visit vendor booths, hear what drives their work, and see how research, creativity, innovation, and community connection come together at UK.
Come ready to explore—your next “aha!” moment might be waiting.
Stay Curious!
Explore new interests and connect with opportunities at the 2026 Curiosity Fair.
Monday, September 28, 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 may not have encountered before—and 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.
Want to bring your own curiosity to the fair? Apply by September 9, 2026, to host a station, lead an activity, or participate as a presenter. Share what excites you, invite others to jump in, and help create a lively, hands-on experience that celebrates discovery, creativity, and community at UK.
Research is formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a purpose.
FAQs
What is the difference between this and a research fair?
The Curiosity Fair is more interactive than a traditional research fair. Instead of posters, participants create hands-on exhibits, demos, activities, or conversations that invite visitors to explore an idea. Research is welcome, but anything that sparks curiosity can become a great station.
What fields are represented? Who can run a station?
Everyone is welcome to host a station—students, faculty, staff, campus units, community partners, vendors, and local presenters. If something keeps you curious, it belongs at the fair.
How can my students get involved?
Bring your class to the fair as a launchpad for discussion, reflection, and experiential learning. Students can explore stations, talk with presenters, and connect what they see to your course. For more ideas, connect with CELT, the Center for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching.
Ways to connect your class to the fair
- Take a class field trip and explore the stations together.
- Have students identify which station sparked the most curiosity and why.
- Invite students to talk with presenters about their process, questions, or ideas.
- Connect a demo to a real-world application of your course content.
- Challenge students to design their own Curiosity Station for your field or major.