Beakerhead
SEPT 20-22

Beakerhead

The biggest, STEAM-iest, explosive, brain-busting science spectacle in Calgary!

Beakerhead is BACK and better than ever for 2024!


This year, Beakerhead is going to be held completely at TELUS Spark Science Centre so the event can fit in every bit of STEAM possible! Prepare for two premium event nights – packed with special programming, the return of Beaker Bar, speciality cocktails, key note speakers, unforgettable art installations and more – plus three daytime experiences sure to please families.

Expect a whole new lineup of STEAM-inspired programming, artists, experiences, talks, food, fun, and of course, FIRE! All while explore the entirety of Calgary's only science centre!

Friday September 20 + Saturday September 21

Beakernights - 5:00 PM-midnight

Time to get stoked for two premium Beakernights from 5:00 PM - midnight! Making its splashy debut for the FIRST TIME IN CANADA – Octopoda is set to unleash waves of sound, colour, design and good vibes. Put the pedal to the metal and rev up the fun with your crew under Canopy by Phenuhaus. Don’t miss the interactive concert experience with Brouhaha by Squonk, where you get to play the instruments too! Plus, check out the latest from True North Absurdities with the Prairie Fire pony blazing its way to Beakerhead. For the most out-of-this-world intergalactic aquarium experience from Big Art, head straight into SPARKQUARIUM! Plus the entire Brainasium outdoor park is fully licensed, so kick off or wrap up your Beakerhead adventure with a cocktail (or two) from Beaker Bar—it's one science experiment you won’t want to miss! Soak in the glow of all the lights, fire, and action only at Beakernights!

Nighttime Ticketing Info

Get your tickets now!

Tickets: $36.00 per person, per night. Children 3 and under FREE. 

Member Tickets: $32.00 per person, per night. Children under 3 FREE.

Get your tickets now. Limited capacity! Includes exploring the whole science centre! 

Member Tickets Buy Tickets

Friday September 20, Saturday September 21, Sunday September 22

Beakerdays

Daytime Beakerhead Experiences include family friendly programming, live science, special guests, Hack the House, special STEAM inspired guests, music and more! 

A man dressed in a disco ball mirror suit tips his hat to onlooking families at Beakerhead.
Beakerhead astronaut gives the peace sign.
Beakerhead Hack the House program. Kids stand behind their household creations.
A mom and her two daughters sit inside the Beakerhead "Speakerbox" and record a message.

Daytime Ticketing Info

Friday September 20 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM –General Admission and included in Spark Memberships. Includes exploring the whole science centre! Children 3 and under FREE.

Saturday September 21 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM - General Admission and included in Spark Memberships. Includes exploring the whole science centre! Children 3 and under FREE.

Sunday September 22 | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM - General Admission and included in Spark Memberships. Includes exploring the whole science centre! Children 3 and under FREE.

Daytime Beakerhead experiences are included in a Spark General Admission ticket, but will sell out fast!

Member Tickets Buy Tickets

Experiences

  • KEYNOTE SPEAKER

ANTHONY MORGAN

Host of CBC’s The Nature of Things and award-winning science communicator, researcher, Anthony Morgan brings his passion for sharing science to this year’s Beakerhead! Anthony has spent over 20 years teaching audiences the transformative power of science - it’s what he does best! His work has landed him several award nominations, including a Falling Walls nomination for groundbreaking science initiatives and recognition as one of CBC’s Top 20 Millennial Change-makers. As Beakerhead’s Keynote Speaker, Anthony will be diving into the world of innovation in STEAM, sharing the most exciting breakthroughs, and what the future holds.

Catch Anthony, and the coolest advancements in science and technology, Saturday, September 21st at Beakerhead!

  • Amigo & Amigo

OCTOPODA

Octo-STEAM Tentacle Spectacle!

Kraken that beat with every tentacle as Octopoda makes his eight-armed North American debut at Beakerhead 2024! Help Octopoda on his quest to become the GOAT (Greatest Of All Tentacles) as he unleashes waves of sound, colour, design and good vibes with your help. With over 100m of carefully crafted led animations, controlled through eight massive drums, guests get to control the beat and a massive Octopus! Created by Amigo & Amigo, this wickedly cool regenerator is guaranteed to get your blood pumping – no matter what colour it happens to be!

Catch Octopoda all weekend long at Beakerhead.

  • Pneuhaus and Bike Powered Events

CANOPY

Pedal Like it's 1999!

It’s time to get lit, Beakerhead! Put the pedal to the metal and throw some neon shade with Canopy by Phenuhaus. Imagine pedalling through a lush neon jungle, where the leaves glow and float in the breeze, except this radical jungle is powered entirely by your own two feet! But here’s the kicker – this pedal-powered party is about more than just a good time; it’s a fusion of art and science like no other. Inspired by 'Crown Shyness', this mind-blowing adventure, from Pneuhaus and Bike Powered Events, showcases the wonders of sustainable energy and creative innovation.

Rally your bike crew and check out Canopy every day at Beakerhead!

  • TRUE NORTH ABSURDITIES

PRAIRIE FIRE

Fire Breathing Bronco!

This is one stallion you won’t catch at the stampede! Blazin’ its way to Beakerhead is this one-of-a-kind sculpture made specifically for this year’s spectacle by True North Absurdities. Giddy on up to this horse with its ultra sleek aluminum frame standing a whopping 9.5 feet tall. This steed sports a mane sharper than a cowboy's wit and nostrils ablaze with actual flames!

See the full power of this fire breathing bronco all weekend at Beakerhead.

  • BIG ART

SPARKQUARIUM

Ever dreamed of meeting fish from the Andromeda galaxy?

Blast straight into the SPARKQUARIUM, the most out-of-this-world intergalactic aquarium around! This space-time portal whisks you right into the stardust splash zone as you navigate through this 360-degree, 3D-animated mega-structure! Mind-bending mysteries from distant worlds surround you in a space odyssey jam-packed with alien creatures, flora, fauna, and extra-TEST-rial surprises! Enjoy some interstellar banter and make special requests while CO2 effects swirl around you, brought to Beakerhead by BIG ART and Calgary Party 50!

  • TELUS SPARK

BEAKER BAR

Sippin’ on STEAM at the Beakerbar

What better way to start or end your Beakerhead adventure than with a cocktail (or two)? Welcome to Beaker Bar, one science experiment you won’t want to miss! Sip and enjoy a variety of custom-crafted cocktails and refreshing beverages while you soak in all those Beakerhead vibes. Plus, it's a great time to make new friends, swap stories of Beakerheads from years past and chillout from a day of STEAM!

  • SQUONK

BROUHAHA

Ever been to a concert that features a foghorn organ?

How about tuba bells? A Squonkcordian? Then, you haven’t been to a concert that lets you play the instruments too! Introducing Brouhaha by Squonk, a fantastical fusion of high-energy tunes, upbeat characters, unconventional instruments and a seriously cool stage design featuring blinking eyes and smoke-shooting ears. Beakerhead is so excited to showcase this immersive outdoor spectacle that allows guests to join in on the fun. This Brouhaha is one interactive sound experience you don’t want to miss!

Catch Squonk during both Beakernights, with a special daytime performance on Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22!

  • FUTURE OCEANS INTERNATIONAL

AWAKEN NEW DEPTHS FASHION SHOW

Get ready for an incredible evening where art, science, and fashion come together at Beakerhead 2024! On September 20 and 21, Future Oceans International is showcasing an awe-inspiring fashion show called Awaken New Depths.

Future Oceans International merges fashion, art, and sustainability, showcasing 10 designers who use eco-friendly materials and innovative processes. Their work tells powerful stories about protecting our planet. The fashion show is split into three sections: Harmonize, Transform, and Adapt.

Don't miss the chance to see how fashion and art can drive positive change and inspire others to protect our oceans. Be there to witness the future of fashion and be part of a movement that cares for our planet.

  • CALGARY PARTY 50

MASSIVE BALLOON INSTALLATION

Let’s kick off Beakerhead 2024 with Calgary Party 50! Get ready for larger-than-life balloon installations that are modern, organic, and eco-friendly. Crafted from biodegradable latex and filled with air, these installations follow the City of Calgary’s Landfill Guidelines. So, when the party wraps, they’ll be disposed of responsibly. Celebrate with style and sustainability—the Beakerhead way!

  • MAPPERZ YYC

PROJECTION MAPPING

Look up… way up! Calgary’s local projection mapping collective, MAPPERZ, will display giant projector-powered works of art on Spark’s south building wall.

  • BIG ART

THE DOORS

What does a door mean to you? Does it evoke feelings of opportunity or anxiety? How did a door become such a metaphor for success, failure, opportunity, family, home, change, transition, and so many other moments of emotional connection? This project explores the greater meaning of a door, and its ability to change our path in life when we have the courage to open it. After all, it’s just a door.

  • TELUS SPARK

LIVE SCIENCE DEMONSTRATIONS

Here, science isn’t just a subject to be studied, but a living, breathing adventure, waiting to be explored by all who dare to dance. Join Spark’s Live Science Connections team as they create a Science Party like no other! Play with Artificial Intelligence in Steven’s Lab, take garbage and create art while having conversations about climate conservation with the team from GenAction. Plus, catch live science demonstrations happening all over the science centre!

  • CIRQUE DE LA NUIT

ROAMING ENTERTAINERS

Step right up into the hidden world of Cirque de la Nuit at Beakerhead 2024! Western Canada’s Premier Circus Troupe brings their unique performances to the science centre all weekend long for a wild and twisted adventure beyond the big top!

FAQ

    • Parking

      Parking not included in ticket price for General Admission guests. $10.00 flat rate at Spark on a first come, first serve basis. Limited space with overflow parking at the Calgary Zoo for a cost of $14.00. 

      Parking included with Spark Membership, first come, first serve, limited space with overflow parking at the Calgary Zoo for a cost of $14.00. 

    • What's Included in Ticket Price?

      ***Tickets do NOT include food, beverages, market purchases, parking or Ro5iE rides. No discounts or group tickets available. Children under three are FREE. A large portion of the events are outside, please plan accordingly.  

    • Why is Beakerhead at Spark only this year?  

      Spark has a beautiful space of over 15 acres and of course it's the only science centre in Southern Alberta. We can’t wait to celebrate STEAM together! 

    • Why is Beakerhead ticketed this year?  

      Long-term sustainability of Beakerhead is very important, let’s celebrate another 10 years.  

    • Are the two premium evening events nights family friendly?  

      Yes.

Year Round

  • AGES
  • 14-21

Hack The House

An exciting and engaging event specifically designed for young teams of individuals aged 14 - 21 from across Alberta. Participants are challenged to put their engineering, creativity and collaborative skills to the test and ‘hack’ a piece of used household furniture by transforming it into a rideable machine that runs on sustainable power sources.

Beakerhead is grateful to Imperial Oil for their generous support of the Hack the House program.

Learn More

Be a Beakerhead Sponsor

Give us a call at 403-817-6800 or hit the button below to get more information.

Inquire Now

Contacts

Pamela Todd

VP Brand, Marketing and Communications

Marketing, Media, PR and Brand Inquiries

Phone: 403-651-4043
Email

Eirin Bernie

Manager Marketing

Media and PR Inquiries

Phone: 403-763-7797
Email

General Inquiries

Connect with us here.

In April 2022, TELUS Spark merged with Beakerhead and joined forces to engage and inspire more people and communities with science, engineering, art and technology (STEAM). With Beakerhead and Spark working together, the future of science in communities across Calgary looks brighter than ever before! Beakerhead has brought STEAM to life for 542,000 people through art and entertainment. This magic has been made possible with 665 local partners, 35,000 volunteer hours, and 1,442 collaborating presenters, and reached over 605 million people online. That’s a lot of numbers. But they all add up to awesome.

Help Inspire a Love for STEAM

By donating to Beakerhead, you directly support and sustain the community of creators, disruptors, educators, artists and science lovers that bring wonder and Whoa to the community!

Donate Now