Kick off National Science Week 2026 with an evening of discovery, creativity, and hands-on fun at the National Science Week Launch!

This year, National Science Week (15-23 August) will be launched in the lower level of the South Australian Museum’s Science Centre: a space that is beginning its transformation into the Museum’s future Education Centre.

This free public event offers a preview of the exciting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events taking place across South Australia. Meet event organisers, try interactive activities, and discover the many ways you can get involved in science throughout August.

This year's launch will be held in the lower level of the Museum's Science Centre—a space that is beginning its transformation into the Museum's future Education Centre. Visitors will be among the first to experience this evolving space and gain an insight into the Museum's vision for a new learning hub where collections, research and cultural knowledge become tools for curiosity, critical thinking and discovery.

Explore a lively exhibition area filled with engaging STEM activities for all ages, and enjoy a series of live presentations on the main stage throughout the evening. From science comedy and space exploration to museum curation and cutting-edge research, the program will showcase some of the diverse experiences available during National Science Week. You'll also have the opportunity to experience exclusive activities and presentations created especially for the Launch event and available for one night only.

Want to see what happens behind the scenes at the South Australian Museum? Throughout the evening, guided tours of the Science Centre will provide access to laboratories, collection spaces and working research areas that are rarely open to the public. Discover how Museum scientists investigate biodiversity, evolution and extinction, and learn how specimens and collections help tell the story of life on Earth.

Whether you're a science enthusiast, a family looking for a fun night out, an educator, or simply curious about the world around you, the National Science Week Launch is your chance to experience the excitement of science and get a taste of what's to come during South Australia's biggest celebration of STEM.

Shows:

• 6 pm The Dating Game - SA Museum
• 6:30 pm Science Comedy
• 7 pm Space - Australian Space Discovery Centre

Science Centre Tours:

• Every 15 minutes from 6 pm - 7:30 pm 

Come celebrate National Science Week and discover the amazing STEM experiences waiting for you across South Australia this August.