Make a date with discovery as Exeter Phoenix hosts the free Futures festival – a weekend of wonder for curious minds of all ages. Dive into hands-on science, explore cutting-edge research, and discover the extraordinary work happening at the University of Exeter. From tiny viruses that fight superbugs to climate-fighting technology, there’s something to spark every imagination.

PROGRAMME & INFO >

Saturday highlights:
Join expert-led walking tours tracking invasive Asian hornets using AI, monitor air quality while spotting street art of birds, and explore nature through a queer lens. Try your hand at creative writing inspired by Ukrainian wartime poetry, or workshops on social justice and sustainability, and seed-saving secrets. Enjoy a performance where composer Chris Hoban turns historic wills research into music.

Sunday highlights:
The Pop-Up Curiosity Shop features over 20 interactive stalls. Watch bacteria-munching viruses in action, extract DNA from strawberries, learn to spot fake news, discover how light fights disease, explore virtual reality bird flight, and test teamwork skills in an animal adventure game. Free to attend and no need to book.

Don’t miss renowned climate scientist James Dyke’s documentary screening with Q&A – ‘System Update: Reboot Our Future’ explores how to transform society to meet the climate challenge.

Download the programme >

This event is an external hire.

Venue: Exeter Phoenix

*This event is free.