2024 Beakerhead: What to Expect at Calgary’s Massive Science Festival This Weekend

The 11th Beakerhead Festival, a confluence of art, science, and engineering, returns to Calgary this weekend.

Credit: Beakerhead

2024 Beakerhead Highlights:

This year’s event features an immersive line-up of daytime and nighttime programming:

Octopoda: Making its North American debut, Octopoda will feature an interactive musical experience where attendees can control the beat using large drums to animate a massive octopus with over 100 meters of LED lights. This installation is crafted by the creative studio Amigo & Amigo.
Prairie Fire: Presented by True North Absurdities, this installation showcases a fire-breathing sculpture of a bronco with an ultra-sleek aluminum frame, standing 9.5 feet tall, which will be on display throughout the weekend.
Anthony Morgan: As the keynote speaker, Anthony Morgan, host of CBC’s The Nature of Things, will share his insights into the latest STEAM innovations. Morgan, an award-winning science communicator, will speak on the transformative power of science on Saturday, September 21.
Cirque de la Nuit: Western Canada’s premier circus troupe will perform throughout the weekend, bringing a blend of mysterious and enthralling circus arts to the festival.
Little Modern Beaker Market: This market offers a unique shopping experience with over 25 small businesses showcasing handcrafted goods and artisanal products. It features daily workshops and is open from morning till midnight.
Brouhaha: A musical spectacle by Squonk, featuring unique instruments like a foghorn organ and Squonkcordian, will engage attendees in both daytime and special Beakernight performances.
SPARKQUARIUM: This installation by BIG ART takes visitors on a 360-degree intergalactic journey through a virtual aquarium filled with alien creatures and futuristic surprises.

Balloon Installation: Calgary Party 50 will kick off the event with eco-friendly, biodegradable balloon installations in compliance with the City of Calgary’s landfill guidelines.
Projection Mapping: Local collective MAPPERZ YYC will transform the south wall of the Spark building with large-scale projection art.
Fungi: The Web of Life: A new feature at TELUS Spark, narrated by Bjork, explores the essential role of fungi in Earth’s ecosystem.
Canopy: An interactive pedal-powered installation by Pneuhaus, encouraging visitors to explore sustainable energy through a neon jungle theme.
Beaker Bar: Located within TELUS Spark, this venue offers custom-crafted cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere to discuss and digest the day’s experiences.

Trip Planning – Beakerhead 2024

What: Beakerhead is taking over TELUS Spark, transforming the building both inside and out, into a mind-blowing STEAM playground where innovation and science fuse for pure fun.

When: