Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival

Attendee Information & FAQs 

Who is invited to the STEM Festival? 

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 4PM to 7PM at the Pavilion on the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon.  While the event is primarily geared towards PreK-8th grade students and their families, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. With over 20 exhibits, the festival features hands-on, interactive STEM activities, including the chance to drive a robot, conduct exciting science experiments, and more. 

How much does it cost? 

The event is free and open to the public, with exhibitors ranging from businesses and industries to higher education institutions, K-12 schools, museums, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and more. There will be a concession stand available to purchase food and beverages. 

What can I expect when I get there? 

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of STEM with us at our upcoming festival, where the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) come alive for students and families across eastern Iowa! This vibrant celebration is not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while raising awareness of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities for families. So, come join us for an afternoon filled with inspiration, fun, and the chance to envision a bright future in STEM Organized like a street festival or county fair, visitors can stroll from activity to activity at their own pace. 

Who is Invited to Exhibit!  

Businesses with a STEM focus, institutions of higher education, community non-profit groups, government organizations, and other organizations providing STEM education are invited to exhibit.  

The festival planning committee reserves the right to exclude any activity that it deems unsuitable or unsafe.   

Our committee looks forward to seeing you at the Family STEM Festival! Please feel free to contact me at jeff.beneke@uni.edu if you have any questions.

Link to exhibitor registration

Exhibitors Include

  • Allamakee Community School District
  • Allamakee County Farm Bureau
  • Collins Aerospace
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument
  • FreedomBank
  • Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
  • Iowa Corn Mobile Education
  • Iowa Department of Transportation
  • IowaWORKS
  • Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
  • KCRG-TV
  • Keystone AEA
  • Northeast Iowa Community College - Waukon Center
  • Robey Memorial Library
  • St. Patrick Catholic School in Waukon
  • Submarine Veterans of Iowa
  • University of Iowa, Department of Chemistry
  • University of Northern Iowa
  • Upper Iowa University
  • Veterans Memorial Hospital
  • Waterloo Community School District
  • Winneshiek County Conservation

The Northeast Iowa Family STEM Festival is a community-wide partnership led by the Northeast Region of the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council at the University of Northern Iowa, in partnership with Allamakee Community School District, St. Patrick Catholic School, Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism, Northeast Iowa Community College (Waukon Center), Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, IowaWORKS, and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

STEM Iowa Manchester collage.

NE Iowa STEM Festival

NE Iowa STEM Festival