STEAM-tastic Activities @ the Spooky Mad Science Expo (All Ages; Drop-in)

Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 3-7pm
Cost: FREE
(Drop-in; these are self-paced activities)

Don’t miss the 10th year of the Spooky Mad Science Expo! This fantastic event brings together hundreds of curious minds for an afternoon of hands-on discovery, eerie tech, and Halloween-inspired science. Arrive at 2pm for the costume parade; the activities run from 3-7pm. The Expo is at Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave, Alexandria VA 22304).

Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic program is hosting two (!!) activities at the Expo:

Databending / Glitch Art – Del Ray Artisans introduces databending, also known as glitch art! Older students will use a computer to edit an image file by corrupting its data through a technique known as .bmp image editing, and then see their artwork projected on the wall. Younger students will personalize glitch art on paper. This hands-on activity is led by Steve Botts of Steve’s Art and Cacti.

Spooky Automata Art Meets Engineering – Come make a fabulously spooky wing-flapping automata mechanical art toy at Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic tinker booth! Learn how cranks and cams work as you construct a mixed-media work of kinetic art that explores the wonder of things in motion, up, down and around! This hands-on activity is led by Victoria Walchak.

STEAM-tastic Program – Come join Del Ray Artisans for interactive classes about Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), taught by professionals from each field! Geared toward youth, each lesson has a short talk or demonstration and a hands-on project. Del Ray Artisans’ STEAM-tastic workshops and activities are made possible with support from the City of Alexandria through the FY2026 Annual Arts Program Grant.