Free Imaginology educational event set for April 15-16 at the OC Fairgrounds

Costa Mesa – The OC Fairgrounds will transform into Imaginology on April 15 and 16, providing students and families with free hands-on fun and a look at careers in STEAM fields.

Imaginology will be held Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free and most activities are included; food options will be available for purchase. Parking is $12.

OC Fair’s Imaginology debuted in 1989 as Youth Expo and was renamed Imaginology in 2014, shifting its focus to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and agriculture education.

This year, the family festival returns with a packed schedule of take-home crafts, science learning, live performances by local entertainers, youth competitions and more.

Activities include:

• Science exploration: Use a “blubber glove” to see how marine animals survive in cold water. Experience a world of butterflies, interact with reptiles from around the globe at The Reptile Zoo and try a little physical science with activities like hula hoops, Recess Revolution’s free-play area or Heroes Hall Museum’s Fort Blisters Boot Camp.

• Tech lessons and play: The Coder School will demonstrate how to write code using computer software and techATTACK will show Imaginology attendees how robotics work. Plus, Pretend City will bring kinetic sand play and the Rigamajig.

• Engineering exploration: From circuitry to scroll saws, there will be plenty to build and discover at Imaginology. Harbor Soaring Society will host aerospace adventures, Brain Builders will show off robots and LEGOs and Imaginology’s cardboard engineering competition will be on display.

• Arts, entertainment, displays and more: Local entertainers such as dance troupes, youth bands and musical ensembles will provide live entertainment on the Main Stage. There will be plenty of of hands-on crafting and many options include a take-home project. Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display. Dia Del Nino returns, bringing a fun mix of cultural arts, crafts and entertainment.

• Math and strategy: We can find math in just about everything (like having students count out the cash for a burger or a brat!). But logic and mathematical reasoning is the way to win at chess, and the local Academic Chess chapter will host their annual Tournament of Champions on Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is $30 at strategickids.com. Imaginology visitors can also solve puzzles and Rubik’s Cubes for prizes.

• Agriculture education: Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. Plus, OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish-seed planting, chick petting – and don’t miss a peek at the farm babies! There will also be blacksmithing and goat-milking demonstrations and visitors can check out Imaginology’s Pet Vet in the Millennium Barn.

• Explore: Students and families can participate in the Imaginology Scavenger Hunt and earn prizes while exploring all the fun of the free event. Pick up scavenger hunt sheets near the entrance gate.