Science City’s annual New Year’s event – Noon Year’s Eve – returns for another fun-filled, end-of-year celebration. Enjoy a festive day of science fun with the whole family featuring hands-on demonstrations, educator-led activities, and the wildly popular giant balloon drop featuring a community count-down that ends with thousands of colorful balloons floating down to eager hands below.
 
NOON YEAR’S EVE SCHEDULE:
Donutology | 12 – 2 PM
Location: Periodic Table
Learn how donuts are made and sample your own tasty treat in this presentation from our friends at Donutology.
 
Pompom Poppers (Early Learning) | 12 – 4 PM
Location: PNC Learning Lab
Young explorers can hear the story Happy New Year, Spot! by Eric Hill and will be able to make their own pompom poppers to ring in the new years, in addition to dressing up like star and taking a photo in our photo spot.
 
UV Paint Party | 12:00 – 4:30 PM
Location: Maker Studio
Get decked out with aprons, goggles, and grab some painting tools as you help paint a large scale sculpture that will be displayed in the Maker Studio throughout the month of February.
 
Wax Predictions | 12 – 4:30 PM
Location: Creative Corner
Try to predict what 2026 has in store while practicing your artistic abilities in this fun activity involving melted wax! Based on the German tradition of Bleigiessen, guests will see what shapes are created as melted wax is rapidly cooled in cold water. The resulting shape will be used to inspire their 2026.
 
Science Mash-up | 12 – 4:30 PM
Location: Science on a Sphere
Drive a sphero robot, experiment with different electrical circuits, and try out light and color mixing in these fan-favorite demos inside of Science on a Sphere.
 
Act Natural! Recycled Rhythm | 12 – 4:30 PM
Location: Tapped Out
Act Natural! will host Recycled Rhythm wherein explorers can use recyclable materials to create musical instruments. and will have the opportunity to perform an original song with their family band on stage.
 
Face Painters | 1 – 3:30 PM
Location: Engineerium
Ring in the new year with an artistic design from our friends at SAEKC.
 
Magic Scott | 1 – 4 PM
Location: EyeSpy
Be amazed by the magical stylings of Magic Scott. Get up close and personal as you participate as part of the show!
 
The Big Science Show | 4:45 PM
Location: Maze Park
Join our educator for this fun and explosive show about the wonders of science. It’s sure to turn up the heat, so you won’t want to miss it!
 
Balloon Bash for Little Learners | 5, 5:15 & 5:30 PM
Location: PNC Learning Lab
Play with a large parachute and balloons as you countdown to the new year! This activity is a perfect way for little learners to participate in a space that’s just for them!
 
Balloon Drop | 5:30 PM
Location: Maze Park
Ring in 2026 as you countdown to zero before thousands of balloons are dropped from the sky.