Dynamic Earth unveils roarsome Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line up

Dynamic Earth has announced its most immersive Edinburgh Science Festival programme to date, with a month-long celebration of discovery running from 3rd April to 3rd May!

Article Source: Dynamic Earth
Last Updated: 10 March 2026 11:22

As a programming partner of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, Dynamic Earth will host hands-on workshops, live storytelling, outdoor geological adventures, immersive Planetarium screenings and the chance to meet real scientists working at the forefront of research today.

From dinosaur encounters to astronaut training, this year’s programme invites families, curious adults and science fans of all ages to dive into discovery.

Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 at Dynamic Earth is designed to move science beyond the page and into real experiences. Young explorers will be able to:

• Take part in Astronaut Training (6–10 April) and prepare for lift-off!

• Join Jurassic Juniors Storytelling (6–10 April) and Journey Into Space Storytelling (13–17 April) designed especially for early years

• Step back into the 1700s with Hutton in Edinburgh (7–9 April), an immersive walking theatre experience

• Explore Holyrood Park’s dramatic landscape during Rocks Uncovered: A Geological Walk with Vojta Hybl (10 April)

Across the festival, visitors can also meet researchers tackling some of today’s biggest scientific questions, including:

• University of Edinburgh – 7 Days, 100 Scientists (7–13 April)

• British Geological Survey – Planet Power (15 April)

• Heriot-Watt University & Edinburgh Napier University – Meet the Scientists (17 April)

• Scottish Association for Marine Science – Meet the Marine Scientists (16–17 April)

These free drop-in sessions give visitors the rare opportunity to speak directly with experts and discover how science is shaping our world.

Dynamic Earth’s 360° Planetarium will become a festival stage in its own right, hosting an exciting programme of family favourites and special late-night screenings.

Families can enjoy dino-themed adventures including The Land Before Time, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, The Good Dinosaur and Dinosaur.

For adults, Planetarium Lates offer a completely different atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a Cretaceous cocktail before settling in for prehistoric blockbusters including Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and Godzilla.

Festival evenings also include an immersive 360° experience of The Dark Side of the Moon, alongside Stargazing Late and Live - presenter-led journeys across the cosmos with Dynamic Earth’s in-house astronomers.

Throughout the festival, families visiting Dynamic Earth can also take part in an Egg Hunt Across the Ages, included free with admission from 3 April to 3 May. The trail encourages children to explore the galleries while uncovering clues linked to Earth’s extraordinary history.

Speaking about the programme, Dynamic Earth Director Conor Ellis, Director for Science Learning and Engagement said: “Edinburgh Science Festival is a highlight of the year for us. It’s a chance to fill our galleries and Planetarium with even more energy, curiosity and hands-on discovery. Whether you’re training to be an astronaut, meeting real scientists or enjoying a blockbuster under the dome, there is something here to inspire every curious mind.”

Located at the foot of iconic Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth offers visitors a full day out, combining immersive galleries, live science engagement and one of the UK’s most striking Planetariums.

Events run from 3 April to 3 May 2026 and can be booked via Dynamic Earth’s website; dynamicearth.org.uk.

Advance booking is recommended.

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