The following content is created in consultation with the USA Science & Engineering Festival. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC Washington’s editorial staff. To learn more about the USA Science & Engineering Festival, visit Usasciencefestival.org.

We live in the golden age of the festival. From music to movies, comic books to consumer tech, there’s a “con” out there for everyone.

But what about would-be scientists and engineers? Is there a festival geared toward curious kids who want to know how the world, the universe, and everything in between works?

Look no further than the USA Science & Engineering Festival, a two-day STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) extravaganza taking place April 16-17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Founded and presented by Lockheed Martin and designed to inspire the next generation of inventors and innovators, the festival is a free, family-friendly expo that allows kids and adults to participate in more than 3,000 hands-on exhibits, experiments, and incredible live performances. Along the way, you and your family will meet everyone from astronauts and athletes to musicians and inventors, plus experts in fields like cryogenics, robotics, genomics, paleontology, space exploration, 3D printing, and more.

Not only will exhibits be hands-on, but talented exhibitors will help bring science to life by exploring questions that kids find interesting, like: Why did dinosaurs go extinct? Are aliens out there? What do magic tricks and hip hop have to do with math? What will be the next medical breakthrough? What does baseball have to do with physics?

With over 3,000 hands-on activities and more than 30 stage shows, there’s plenty to choose from. To help you get a head start, here are a few must-see events:

  • They Might be Giants
    Known for their fun and offbeat indie hits, the Grammy Award-winning band’s children’s music rocks just as hard. Kids will love science-inspired tunes like ”Science is Real", "Meet the Elements", and "I am a Paleontologist.” Catch the Brooklyn-born duo twice on Saturday, April 16.
     
  • Wil Wheaton
    The Star Trek: The Next Generation alum and Big Bang Theory regular is equally known for his unabashed nerdom, a reputation he maintains via his entertaining blog as well as his strong presence in the gaming community. Wil serves as a role model for geeks and science lovers worldwide with his eternal message: Science is cool! Catch him on Sunday, April 17 for a sure to be insightful stage show.
     
  • NASA's Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan
    Sure, we all saw The Martian, but how about talking to the woman leading the charge to put actual astronauts on Mars in the 2030s?! Forget sci-fi, this is the real deal, and so is Dr. Ellen Stofan, NASA’s Chief Scientist. Join her on Sunday, April 17, as she breaks it down, takes your questions, and explains how YOU can get involved in the mission of a lifetime.
     
  • Sick Science’s Steve Spangler
    Dubbed America’s Science Teacher by Ellen DeGeneres, two-time Emmy winner Steve Spangler reaches over 180 million people with SICK Science, his fun-filled YouTube series. Come experience some of Steve’s favorite experiments from his past 25 years on television as you learn the secrets to making science fun at home. Sit down with Steve on Saturday, April 16.
     
  • Doktor Kaboom, science comedian
    Doktor Kaboom! performs original interactive Science Comedy shows for audiences of all ages. Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom! keeps his crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Join Kaboom! for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular (and often successful) science experiments during two shows on Saturday, April 16.
     
  • Tyraine Ragsdale (a.k.a. Grand Hank), presents the Superpowers of Hip Hop
    Using The Superpowers Of Hip-Hop Music And Kinesthetic Learning to inspire students to achieve their maximum learning potential in STEM, Grand Hank’s creative, out-of-the-box approach provides audiences with first-hand strategies and techniques through Event-Based Instruction. This high-energy, interactive presentation is designed to pique the interest of students and create a winning formula to help move students towards careers in STEM. Get involved on Saturday, April 16.
     
  • Science Bob
    You might recognize Science Bob from TV shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live, The Dr. Oz Show, and Live With Regis & Kelly, where he’s performed some of his most acclaimed experiments. Join him both days at the festival as he presents some experiments that you can try at home, and some you definitely shouldn't try at home. From fountains of foam to giant nitrogen clouds, stop by on both days of the festival to see how science can be fun and inspiring.
     
  • Paleontologist Scott Sampson
    This kid-friendly interactive presentation offers Junior Paleontologists a chance to learn the ins and outs of being a dinosaur paleontologist, from that “Aha” moment of discovery, to digging up fossils, to preparing them back at the museum, to studying them as a scientist. Dr. Scott the Paleontologist, host of the PBS KIDS hit series, Dinosaur Train, will lead this lively tour and even share a BIG secret at the end.

Click here for details on the stage shows and to create your own personal schedule. 

The fourth USA Science & Engineering Festival kicks off on Thursday, April 14 with X-STEM Symposium sponsored by MedImmune, “Ted-style” talks and workshops lead by industry leaders who aim to empower and inspire middle through high school students about careers in STEM. Registration is required. NBC Washington readers use discount code X-STEM7 to register at no cost! Offer good for up to 7 free attendees and valid while supplies last.

Sneak Peek Friday, sponsored by Chevron, returns on April 15, 2016. Sneak Peek Friday offers school groups and military families a "sneak peek" of the Festival before the general public. Registration is required.

To learn more about the expo, from weekend schedules to a full slate of exhibitors and presenters, visit Usasciencefestival.org.

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