Spooky Mad Science Expo

Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo

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10 Years of Curiosity, Chaos & Creativity!

October 18, 2025 3pm – 7pm

Patrick Henry Recreation Center 4653 Taney Ave Alexandria, VA 22304

Science • Games • Prizes • Live DJ • Food Trucks

Welcome to the most electrifying STEM celebration in the region, where science gets spooky, experiments glow, and imagination runs wild.

Now in its 10th year, the Spooky Mad Science Expo brings together hundreds of curious minds for an afternoon of hands-on discovery, eerie tech, and Halloween-inspired science. Past expos have featured incredible partners like NASA, NSF, USPTO, Boeing, and Titan Robotics, and while this year’s lineup is still bubbling in the lab, we’re cooking up a full-scale spectacle you won’t want to miss.

Whether you’re a future scientist, a STEM-loving teen, or just here for the slime and surprises, this is your invitation to explore, experiment, and get inspired.

Register Now!

Exhibitor Registration

Volunteer Registration

Sponsorship

What to Expect

Spooky Mad Science Expo 2025
10th Anniversary
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 2:00–6:00 PM Rain Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 Location: Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave, Alexandria, VA
Expo Opens Explore over 100 interactive tables offering hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and activities led by national and local organizations, teen teams, universities, and community partners.

This high energy, Halloween themed science festival is include:

STEAM Costume Parade – 2:00 PM The day begins with a STEAM-themed costume parade, inviting families to dress as eco-creatures, space explorers, mad inventors, and more. The 0.6-mile loop winds through the neighborhood with music, movement, and special appearances by Star War volunteer squads with the support of Alexandria Sheriff’s Department.

Expo Highlights – 3:00–7:00 PM

Over 100 STEAM stations led by national and local organizations including NASA, Boeing, Virginia Tech, University of Maryland, George Mason University, and Alfred University, plus robotics teams and nonprofits
Arlington Sky Dome Planetarium offering immersive space experiences
Teen Science Café featuring meeting with top pilots, AI experts, and tech innovators and learning about career pathways – Live music, food trucks, giveaways, and community booth
Teen-led podcast hosted by Angela N. Livas of ALIVE Podcast Network
STEAM Fashion Walk and Costume Contest – 6:00 PM The evening concludes with a runway-style costume contest.

STEM Street Costume Parade

Parade and Costume Celebration 2:00 PM – STEM Costume Parade Kick off the Expo with a street parade of STEM-inspired costumes, featuring Star Wars volunteer squads and creative designs by students, teens, and families. Costumes may include lights, motors, or inventive designs demonstrating scientific ideas. March in your STEM-inspired outfit, with Star Wars volunteer squads and creative designs. Lights, motors, or fun scientific ideas are welcome!

Podcasting 101 Workshop Finale

Exclusively at Spooky Mad Science Expo

In celebration of Chrysalis Development Group’s 10 Year Anniversary of the Spooky Mad Science Expo, join us for the final session of the Podcasting Training Course, facilitated by award-winning producer and podcaster Angela N. Livas, founder of & ALIVE Podcast Network. Register for this 4-week workshop by September 15th, and participate in the finale held at the Spooky Mad Science Expo. Limited Spots Available!

Register Now!

Sponsorship

We are excited to invite your organization to partner with Chrysalis Development Group for our milestone 10th Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo on October 18, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Patrick Henry Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Our sponsorship deck is attached. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Chrysalis Development Group is committed to providing affordable, stimulating STEAM programming to elementary, middle, and high school students throughout Northern Virginia. Our annual Spooky Mad Science Expo has grown from a small community gathering into the region’s premier family science event, expecting over 2,500 attendees this year and serving families across northern Virginia.

By partnering with us, you join an elite network of organizations investing in the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Your support helps create lasting memories for hundreds of families while contributing to the critical goal of inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers. We would be thrilled to present our sponsorship to you in person, at your convince to discuss how your organization can become part of this transformative community celebration. Thank you for considering a partnership with Chrysalis Development Group.

For more sponsorship information, contact info @chrysalisdg.org