Beakerhead is an annual festival that merges the arts and science in a multi-day celebration of human ingenuity. Do you remember when the Enoch House in Victoria Park was covered with colourful balloons in 2018? How about the fire-breathing dragon in Prince’s Island Park in 2019? Yup, those were all Beakerhead installations.
2022 marks the end of a two-year hiatus for the beloved festival that has been in Calgary since 2013. From massive robots to enchanted gardens, here’s a run-down of what you can expect this year from September 23 to 25.
Telus Spark, Meet Beakerhead
Given Telus Spark’s dedication to making science and technology fun for all ages, a Beakerhead collaboration seems practically inevitable. For the first time ever, two of Calgary’s largest science entertainment and education forces are teaming up in order to engage and inspire a larger demographic. This will enable Beakerhead to continue to operate as a distinct brand while implementing year-round science centre operations. Telus Spark is also hosting opening night with two main events: PechaKucha Night Calgary and the Hack-the-House Program. More on those…
Opening Night
Beakerhead is officially kicking off on September 23 at Telus Spark, with a free evening (though tickets are still necessary) that features two main events: PechaKucha and Hack-the-House. PechaKucha is the Japanese word for “chit-chat,” and gives presenters six minutes and 40 seconds to talk in the format of 20 slides played for 20 seconds each. Hack-the-House is a program that will see aspiring engineers and creators between the ages of 14 to 21 turn pieces of furniture into sustainably powered machines. How cool is that?
220 Saint George’s Dr. N.E., beakerhead.com
Not Your Average Garden
On September 24 and 25, check out Beakerhead Landing at Century Gardens, which will be the main festival location following opening night. During this time, the gardens will be transformed into an enchanted forest, filled with luminary bunnies, octopus tentacles and performances from Reading with Royalty and Cirque Nuit.
826 8 St. S.W., beakerhead.com
Suit Up!
This year’s main festival attraction is an experimental robot suit called Prosthesis. You’ll want to see this 4000 kg, 200 horsepower machine to believe it!
826 8 St. S.W., beakerhead.com
Party On
Don’t be fooled — scientists know how to throw a party, and the team at Beakerhead are no exception. The Dark Arts After Party will be happening on September 24 for the 18+ crowd, and will feature an evening of delicious food, cocktails, fashion, music and camaraderie in an art gallery lounge setting. Tickets can be purchased here.
838 11 Ave. S.W., beakerhead.com