The Citizen Science Lab to host DreamFest 2026 in Pittsburgh's Hill District

The Citizen Science Lab will bring DreamFest 2026 to its new MLK Center for Scientific Excellence on Sept. 12, offering free, family-friendly STEM activities for about 300 youth and families from Pittsburgh’s Hill District and nearby neighborhoods. The event is meant to expand access to hands-on science experiences and showcase the organization’s new headquarters.

Why it matters: - DreamFest 2026 is designed to make STEM learning easier to access for youth and families in Pittsburgh’s Hill District. - The event adds a free public entry point to hands-on science, mentorship and community resources at The Citizen Science Lab’s new MLK Center for Scientific Excellence. - The celebration is expected to draw about 300 youth and family members from the Hill District and surrounding communities.

What happened: - The Citizen Science Lab will host DreamFest 2026 on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. - The event will take place at the MLK Center for Scientific Excellence, 636 Herron Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15219. - The event is free and open to the community. - Howmet Aerospace and FedEx Cares are sponsoring the celebration. - The event is positioned as a family-friendly “STEMabration” with science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics activities.

The details: - DreamFest will include hands-on experiments, carnival rides, music, interactive activities and live demonstrations. - Children will be able to explore scientific concepts through interactive learning stations and hands-on science activities. - Book giveaways and bike raffles are part of the event. - Volunteers and STEM professionals will help run activities and welcome families. - The event will also connect attendees with STEM professionals. - The MLK Center for Scientific Excellence serves as The Citizen Science Lab’s new headquarters and community learning facility. - The Center expands access to laboratory experiences, specialized equipment, STEM mentors and educational opportunities in the Hill District.

Between the lines: - The event gives The Citizen Science Lab a public way to introduce more residents to its new headquarters while reinforcing its mission. - The Hill District location matters because the organization is targeting a neighborhood where young people have historically had limited access to these resources. - Founder and CEO Dr. Andre Samuel said DreamFest is meant to give young people room to experiment, ask questions and see science as something they can understand, enjoy and pursue as a career.

What's next: - The Citizen Science Lab will use DreamFest to deepen community awareness of the MLK Center and its programs. - The organization expects the event to create more opportunities for families to connect with STEM learning and future educational pathways. - More information is available at The Citizen Science Lab website or by email at cslhq@thecitizensciencelab.org.

The bottom line: - DreamFest 2026 combines a community celebration with a larger effort to expand STEM access in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.