Mountain Science Expo 2026

Mountain Science Expo 2026 April 25, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join us for a free STEM-oriented science festival where you can interact with scientists, explore nature, and grow your curiosity!

The Mountain Science Expo is a part of the larger NC Science Festival, a state-wide and month-long event dedicated to celebrating the impact of science educationally, culturally, and economically on our state. The NC Science Festival and the Mountain Science Expo hope to inspire children to pursue—and adults to support—the sciences, such that North Carolina can lead the country and the world as a place of innovation and learning.

The Expo will feature live animal presentations, exhibitors from across the region, special interactive activities, and more! It takes place in both of The North Carolina Arboretum’s main buildings and through the gardens.

Rain or shine, the Mountain Science Expo takes place fully within indoor or covered spaces at The Arboretum!

Special thanks to Community Partner AvL Technologies for sponsoring Mountain Science Expo

Exhibitors

The Mountain Science Expo provides an opportunity for all ages to learn about STEM fields and interact with scientists and science educators in a hands-on and wonder-filled environment. Past exhibitors include:

• Asheville Makers
• Asheville Museum of Science
• Muddy Sneakers
• The National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI)
• The North Carolina Department of Air Quality (NCDAQ)
• UNCA STEAM Labs
• RiverLink
• Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter
• FIND Outdoors
• And more!

Golden Tickets

Kids can get special Golden Tickets! Simply check out a science book from your local library, and you’ll receive a Golden Ticket good for free parking the day of the event. Participating libraries will be posted here by March 2026.

There is no additional cost to attend Mountain Science Expo beyond our standard parking fee. As always, Arboretum Society members and their accompanying guests can enter for FREE (guests must be in member vehicles to receive free entry).

This event is part of Spring Into the Arb! Celebrate the return of spring with a series of events and happenings throughout March, April, May and June! Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, art and more!Native Azalea Day

April 18, 2026 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit the gardens this spring for Native Azalea Day, an invitation to celebrate and experience azaleas through the eyes of plant enthusiasts, botanists, and artists. For one day only, visitors can observe as plein air artists capture the scene in paint and pen, learn about the garden and its collection on a walking tour, and participate in hands-on activities for children and adults.

A shuttle to the Collection will be available between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., departing to and from the Baker Visitor Center throughout the event. Visitors are also welcome to walk to the Native Azalea Collection from the Gatehouse Parking Lot using Old Mill Road to Bent Creek Road, or can park at the Baker Visitor Center and walk down Running Cedar Road to Bent Creek Road. Walkers should be prepared to travel one mile over unpaved roads and paths.

Special thanks to Community Partner Carolina Native Nursery for sponsoring Native Azalea Day.

Schedule Coming Soon

This event is part of Spring Into the Arb! Celebrate the return of spring with a series of events and happenings throughout March, April, May and June! Spring is a time of renewal and emergence, and The North Carolina Arboretum is excited to welcome this season with plant shows, nature programs, education, music, art and more!