Expo Day | San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering Week 2026
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March 7, 2026 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free Admission Rain or Shine Parking $10 100+ Exhibits
Expo Day is back at Petco Park. Free admission. No tickets. No registration. Just show up.
Over 100 hands-on exhibits fill the ballpark, drawing more than 20,000 visitors and making this the largest event of its kind in Southern California. Programming spans the full STEAM spectrum — science, technology, engineering, arts, and math — with exhibits designed for everyone from pre-K to grandparents.
A little history: Expo Day launched in 2009 at Balboa Park before finding a long-term home at Petco Park from 2010 through 2023 — thirteen consecutive years. The 2026 edition marks its return.
What's there:
The Illumina Stage in Gallagher Square anchors the main performances, with acts including "The Music Notes" (math-themed rap), a fusion energy show from General Atomics, and the Fleet Science Center’s “Don’t Try This at Home” demonstration. Beyond the stage, the venue is organized into specialty zones:
Art pavilion:
The “A” in STEAM gets its own space. Includes a baby cap knitting station from "The Madhatters" benefiting local children’s hospitals.
Robotics round-up:
Hands-on robot demonstrations and interactive play for all ages.
Cybersecurity zone:
Intro-level explorations of digital safety and tech careers.
Construction corner:
Hands-on building and engineering projects.
College & Career connections:
Aimed at middle and high schoolers. Panels at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring industry pros and SDSU reps.
Pre-K zone:
Sensory-focused, age-appropriate activities scaled for the youngest visitors.
Slime-making, virtual reality, and rocket launches fill out the general floor. The high-traffic stations — slime and VR especially — will draw lines fast once the crowds arrive mid-morning.
Event Supported By
PETCO Park
PETCO Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget. Concourses are spacious, open and airy. Signature towers and terraces offer panoramic views of the Bay, the downtown skyline, Balboa Park and the mountains on the horizon of America's Finest City. The playing field is asymmetrical, with dimensions and charming features that accentuate traditional baseball values. The seating bowl is divided into distinctive "neighborhoods." All 42,000 fixed seats are comfortable, with cup-holders and extra leg room. Seats down the lines are angled to the infield. The two upper levels are built on extended cantilevers, with the front of the Terrace Level only 34 feet above the field, creating a sense of intimacy reminiscent of the great old ballparks. View Seating Chart. The handsome and historic Western Metal Supply Company Building has been renovated and incorporated into the Ballpark, with the left-field foul pole attached to its southeastern corner, 336 feet from home plate. The 98-year-old structure houses the Padres Team Store on the first floor, with a door opening onto a standing room area in left field. The second and third floors feature festive Party Suites. A restaurant on the fourth floor provides terrace dining with superb views of the field. There is bleacher seating and standing room on the roof, 80 feet above the field. Located at the hub of the regional transportation system, with easy access by car, Trolley, the Coaster, bus and future water taxis, the Ballpark has ample parking and inviting promenades to and from your vehicle or public transit. View the Parking and Access Guide. In short, PETCO Park is attractive, efficient, comfortable and strikingly beautiful — just like San Diego. Welcome home! View the Padres Current Game Schedule.