This year, the Sydney Science Festival rockets into a new stratosphere of wonder and creativity. Presented by the Powerhouse Museum, the festival unfolds from 27 September to 4 October 2025, transforming venues into vibrant hubs of science, imagination, and community learning.
Anchored by a landmark partnership with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025 Space Week), this edition marks the first time Sydney hosts the world’s largest annual space gathering. Expect a dynamic fusion of science, art, design, and space innovation as insiders and enthusiasts come together under one cosmic canopy.
Join astronauts, space architects, science fiction writers, space suit designers and visionaries as they share industry insights and their predictions for the future of space. Talks, workshops and hands-on experiences will be held across Sydney including the ICC Sydney, Parramatta, University of Technology Sydney, and Seymour Centre from 27 September – 4 October 2025.
Festival’s highlights:
Space Now (Sat 27 Sept – UTS Great Hall)
Kick off the festival exploring the future of space missions with trailblazers discussing innovations such as lunar rovers and next-gen spacesuits .
Astronaut Forum (Thu 2 Oct – Seymour Centre)
Hosted by Katherine Bennell-Pegg (Australia’s first astronaut qualified under the Australian flag), this Auslan-interpreted panel brings together astronauts from NASA, ESA, Axiom, SpaceX, and more. Expect candid conversations on life in zero gravity and scientific exploration beyond Earth.
Moon Futures (Fri 3 Oct – ICC Sydney)
A compelling panel of space leaders—spanning designers, astrophysicists, lawyers, and architects—will tackle lunar architecture, ethics, and whether humanity’s future lies on the Moon. Featuring voices from ISRO, the UN, MIT, and beyond, this free, walk-in event promises stimulating perspectives.
HUMANS Deep Space Message (3–4 Oct – ICC Sydney & Parramatta)
Step into the spirit of the Voyager Golden Record project by recording a personal message to be broadcast into deep space in 2027. Featuring both in-person booths and global online submissions, this initiative resonates with MIT’s HUMANS project and echoes humanity’s diverse voices across the cosmos.
Sydney Science Festival at Parramatta (Sat 4 Oct – Parramatta Square & PHIVE)
A fun-filled, free day for the whole family, featuring:
Spacesuit mission patch-making and sci-fi character workshops
Lunar Horizons, a custom Fortnite Moon mission created by ESA, Epic Games, and Hassell
Tales of Khayaal book launch & sci-fi world-building
Meet a Scientist experiences and intimate data-rich chats with researchers
Meet an Astronaut opportunity for kids and adults alike to connect with real astronauts, and maybe win a if you show up in costume!
Final Countdown: Don’t Miss This!
Whether you’re keen to discuss the ethics of lunar colonisation, record your voice of Earth for future cosmos voyagers, or share Sunday games with a Fortnite lunar twist, there is something for everyone.
Global Heads Meet Local Voices: With astronauts and scientists from throughout the world, the festival provides rare face-to-face opportunities right here in Sydney.
Interdisciplinary Creativity Meets STEM: By blending art, design, play, and deep-space messaging, the festival goes beyond STEM to spark the imagination and curiosity in all of us.
Inclusive and Accessible: With free events, Auslan interpretation, and venues across Greater Sydney, the festival invites diverse audiences to engage, participate, and be inspired .
Stay tuned to the Powerhouse Museum’s official program page below for updates and ticketing info and prepare for lift-off!
This year, the Sydney Science Festival rockets into a new stratosphere of wonder and creativity. Presented by the Powerhouse Museum, the festival unfolds from 27 September to 4 October 2025, transforming venues into vibrant hubs of science, imagination, and community learning.
Anchored by a landmark partnership with the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025 Space Week), this edition marks the first time Sydney hosts the world’s largest annual space gathering. Expect a dynamic fusion of science, art, design, and space innovation as insiders and enthusiasts come together under one cosmic canopy.
Join astronauts, space architects, science fiction writers, space suit designers and visionaries as they share industry insights and their predictions for the future of space. Talks, workshops and hands-on experiences will be held across Sydney including the ICC Sydney, Parramatta, University of Technology Sydney, and Seymour Centre from 27 September – 4 October 2025.
Festival’s highlights:
Space Now (Sat 27 Sept – UTS Great Hall)
Kick off the festival exploring the future of space missions with trailblazers discussing innovations such as lunar rovers and next-gen spacesuits .
Astronaut Forum (Thu 2 Oct – Seymour Centre)
Hosted by Katherine Bennell-Pegg (Australia’s first astronaut qualified under the Australian flag), this Auslan-interpreted panel brings together astronauts from NASA, ESA, Axiom, SpaceX, and more. Expect candid conversations on life in zero gravity and scientific exploration beyond Earth.
Moon Futures (Fri 3 Oct – ICC Sydney)
A compelling panel of space leaders—spanning designers, astrophysicists, lawyers, and architects—will tackle lunar architecture, ethics, and whether humanity’s future lies on the Moon. Featuring voices from ISRO, the UN, MIT, and beyond, this free, walk-in event promises stimulating perspectives.
HUMANS Deep Space Message (3–4 Oct – ICC Sydney & Parramatta)
Step into the spirit of the Voyager Golden Record project by recording a personal message to be broadcast into deep space in 2027. Featuring both in-person booths and global online submissions, this initiative resonates with MIT’s HUMANS project and echoes humanity’s diverse voices across the cosmos.
Sydney Science Festival at Parramatta (Sat 4 Oct – Parramatta Square & PHIVE)
A fun-filled, free day for the whole family, featuring:
Final Countdown: Don’t Miss This!
Whether you’re keen to discuss the ethics of lunar colonisation, record your voice of Earth for future cosmos voyagers, or share Sunday games with a Fortnite lunar twist, there is something for everyone.
Stay tuned to the Powerhouse Museum’s official program page below for updates and ticketing info and prepare for lift-off!
Feature Image: Katherine Bennell-Pegg at Broken Hill, Photo Andy Roberts
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