Orlando, Fla – During a media preview, Orlando Science Center science programming specialist Zachary summed up the event like this: “our annual messy event learning all about physics here at the Orlando Science Center.”
When it is (and what it costs)
Mess Fest runs Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10, with activities happening 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (all day). The Science Center is promoting the weekend as “It’s Slime Time! Mess Fest is May 9 & 10.”
And the best part for families: Zachary says “it’s included with general admission.” He adds, “If you’re a member, you get in for free.”
Expect physics… and a whole lot of paint
At its core, Mess Fest is about learning science through action—especially physics.
Zachary told us visitors can expect “physics based experiments” throughout the building, including demonstrations and challenges built around impact, motion, and materials.
He previewed several big crowd-pleasers:
- “will it shatter”
- “freezing liquid nitrogen down to -321 degrees, smashing it with a giant Gallagher style hammer.”
- “a large film split in a mushroom cloud of soap and suds.”
- A splatter-focused activity built around “elasticity, angles, momentum.”
Zachary even admitted his personal favorite is the one where he gets to break things: “My favorite activity is will it shatter? Mainly because I like smashing things with the giant hammer.”
“No permanent messes” — the paint is washable
If you’re thinking, this sounds fun but my car seats disagree, Orlando Science Center says the mess is designed to be manageable.
Zachary noted: “all of the paint that we’re going to be using throughout mess is tempera washable paint. So no permanent messes.” He also emphasized guests can clean up before leaving: “we’ll leave the mess here at the science, and you’ll be able to wash up before you head home.”
That said, don’t expect to stay spotless: “If a kid isn’t covered in paint by the end of the day, I have failed my job.”
Plan ahead (it’s a busy weekend)
Mess Fest is one of the Science Center’s biggest weekends.
Zachary said attendance can be intense: “we get about 2000 guests each day, both Saturday and Sunday.”
Tips for your visit
- Arrive early if you want to maximize hands-on time.
- Bring a spare shirt for kids (even with washable paint).
- Expect outdoor components (during the media preview, we were shown multiple experiments outside), so dress for Central Florida heat.