FORT PIERCE – The Indian River Lagoon Science Festival returns for its 11^th year on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing a free day of hands-on discovery and family fun to a new venue. Due to construction at the previous location, this year's festival will be held at Museum Pointe Park, located at 414 Seaway Drive, located between the St. Lucie County Aquarium and Regional History Center. This free day of discovery promises to be a blast for the whole family with dozens of hands-on and minds-on activities exploring the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Just a few of the activities that participants can enjoy this year include:

• Explore a real Marine Mammal Rescue Ambulance with FAU Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
• Investigate the Mobile Sea Turtle Exhibit with the Oxbow Eco-Center
• Control underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) with Estella's Brilliant Bus
• Explore Fort Pierce Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation van to learn about forensic science
• Learn about physics in action with Mad Science of Palm Beach
• Get up close and personal with the animals of Treasure Coast Wildlife Center
• Feed mosquitofish and find out all about mosquitoes with St. Lucie County’s Mosquito Control staff
• Be a shark scientist and take part in a mock shark workup with ANGARI Foundation
• Spend the day in the life of a doctor with Little Medical School of the Treasure Coast

Exhibitor registration is now open online at the IRL Science Festival Host an Exhibit webpage for organizations wishing to participate. Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art or math activity is required. Volunteers are also needed to help on event day. Anyone 16 or older can register at the IRL Science Festival Volunteer with Us webpage.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of food trucks, free parking at Causeway Cove Marina with easy walking access to the festival and complimentary admission to the St. Lucie Aquarium and History Center throughout the day.

The IRL Science Festival has been made possible through funding from the Smithsonian Marine Station and Bill and Clare Bohnett, as well as the generous support of Dyer Subaru, Remnant Construction, St. Lucie County, Causeway Cove Marina, Treasure and Space Coast Radio and the Treasure Coast Almanac. For sponsorship opportunities, visit the IRL Science Festival be a Sponsor webpage.

Established in 2014, the festival aims to demonstrate that science is meaningful and fun, to make science accessible to all residents of the Treasure Coast, and to highlight STEAM resources in the IRL region. The festival planning committee is made up of volunteer organizers from local governments and research, education and non-profit organizations and administrative support is largely provided by the Smithsonian Marine Station. A member of the Science Festival Alliance since 2013, the IRL Science Festival serves as a leader in promoting science and science festivals across the state of Florida. For more information about all festival partners, sponsors and scheduled activities, visit the IRL Science Festival site. #IRLsciencefest