Science will take center stage at the Witte Museum once again as Viva Science SA returns for its annual celebration of science. The event brings family-friendly, hands-on exhibits and demonstrations to the local community — all for free.
The event, coordinated by UT Health San Antonio’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, has grown steadily since its post-pandemic revival in 2022. Originally launched in 2016 as Science Fiesta, the event was spearheaded by graduate students to celebrate the city’s rich scientific contributions.
“Science is a huge part of San Antonio,” said Marcus Webster, academic programs coordinator lead and director of Viva Science SA. “We wanted the community to see that and to see that science doesn’t have to be confined to labs — it can be exciting and fun.”
Viva Science SA aims to break down barriers between the scientific community and the public, showcasing the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to San Antonio’s economic and cultural development. Last year, the event drew over 2,100 attendees, and organizers expect to meet or exceed that number again this year.
Open to all ages, this year the event will feature more than 45 interactive booths, with activities including 3D bioprinting, designing lunar landers and DNA spooling. Each booth provides hands-on elements to inspire learning through doing. Following popular chemistry and physics demos in previous years, this year event sponsor Thermo Fisher Scientific will lead a lava lamp creation demo.
Organizers emphasize the event’s accessibility. Admission is free, most parking is free or low-cost. A partnership with VIA Metropolitan Transit will also provide free transportation support. For many local families, Viva Science SA is a rare opportunity to explore science in a vibrant, welcoming setting.
“This is something a lot of students or children may not normally have access to,” Webster said. “It’s free, it’s fun and our hope is that it could spark an interest in science and inspire kids to pursue science as a career.”
In addition to booths and demos, the festival includes a science-themed art exhibit, a poster competition featuring work from local, middle and high school students as well as undergraduates and professionals. The event will also include attractions like a DJ, petting zoo, balloon twisting, folklórico dancers and food trucks.
This year will feature an exciting keynote speaker — “Dinosaur George” Blasing, a self-taught paleontologist, author and television host known for his traveling museum and school presentations across Texas. This year’s Viva Science SA Fiesta medal even features a dinosaur motif to commemorate this year’s keynote presentation.
Viva Science SA will take place May 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Witte Museum in the Mays Family Center and surrounding garden area. Rain or shine, it promises to be a lively celebration of science, discovery and community.