By
Erin Coulehan
Photos courtesy of
The El Paso Community Foundation
Imagine a world where everyday wonders are no longer just mysteries, but discoveries waiting to be unlocked. A world where what seems like magic – floating objects, glowing lights, even the vastness of space – can be explained through the power of science. At the El Paso Science Festival, that world comes alive, sparking curiosity and awe in everyone who steps through its doors. It’s not about spells or tricks; it’s about the real, tangible magic of science, the kind that transforms how we see the world, inspires us to dream bigger, and empowers us to shape the future.
This April’s festival is an invitation to dive into that magic and experience science in a whole new way, where the impossible becomes possible, and the adventure is just beginning.
Romelia Acosta, the Marketing and Communications Director of the festival, explains that the festival’s mission is simple but powerful: to ignite the imaginations of children and inspire them to dream big. It’s about helping them envision themselves as the future scientists, engineers, and innovators who will shape our world. And, perhaps most importantly, it’s about making those dreams feel attainable by connecting children and their families with the world of science in a fun, accessible, and hands-on way.
“The goal of the festival is to not only showcase the incredible scientific advancements happening right here in the community but to help children, along with their parents, see themselves working in the fields of science and technology,” Acosta explains. By presenting role models who are native to the community – professors, researchers, students, and even professionals who are actively shaping the future – attendees can begin to imagine their own futures in these fields.
This year, the festival is bringing even more excitement. José Hernández, a former astronaut, will share his incredible journey from working in the fields of California to achieving his dream of going to space.
His story is a testament to the power of education and perseverance, showing students that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
There’s also an interactive portion, “It’s Not Magic, It’s Science”, that will break down the “magic” we see in movies and TV shows, showing how it can be explained and achieved through science. For kids who might think science is dry or boring, this show promises to open their eyes to its exciting, real-world potential.
One of the most exciting aspects of the festival this year is the partnership with La Nube, which will have a significant presence, offering exhibits and staff interactions throughout the festival. In addition to engaging with the exhibits, families will have a chance to win vouchers for free visits to the museum, further expanding their opportunity to explore the wonders of science.
Acosta highlights that the festival is not just for kids, it’s designed with families in mind.
Recognizing that many parents may not have had the opportunity to attend college or pursue higher education, the festival includes resources and programs to help empower parents to support their children’s academic and career goals. There will be a panel specifically for parents, helping them navigate how to talk to their kids about going to college, how to provide emotional and financial support, and how to overcome the barriers that may exist in their own lives. It’s a way to ensure that the whole family is part of the journey toward a brighter, more science-filled future.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to see that spark of possibility light up in someone’s eyes,” she says.
The festival is more than just an educational experience, it’s an opportunity to inspire and empower kids and parents alike to believe in their potential and in the transformative power of science.
The festival has come a long way since its inception.
Originally modeled after the San Diego Science Festival and first launched in Austin by Enrique Gomez and Alma Rosales in the early 2010s, the idea was to create an event that would inspire and educate. Gomez, originally from El Paso, recognized that his hometown needed an event like this, a space where children could be inspired to pursue careers in science and technology.
After the success of the festival in Austin, it was time to bring it home to El Paso.
Last year’s inaugural festival was a huge success, drawing over 10,000 attendees, and this year’s event is set to double in size, with a goal of reaching 15,000. The festival will expand its footprint at the convention center, bringing even more exhibits and speakers, and it promises to be a vibrant celebration of all things science.
Acosta is especially excited about how the festival will look and feel this year.
As soon as attendees walk into the convention center, they’ll be met with the wonder of science. From exhibits outside to the planetarium inside, the festival will feel like a celebration, complete with loud presentations, music, and even a mariachi group. The idea is to show that science isn’t just a dry topic, it’s something that can spark joy and excitement, something that can feel like a party.
Eric Pearson, President and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation, couldn’t agree more.
“This is exactly the kind of event that can spark children’s curiosity and change their lives forever,” he says. “The El Paso Community Foundation is proud to be a part of the El Paso Science Festival.”
