HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Mid-America Science Museum will host Tesla Fest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 11. The annual event celebrates the life and scientific legacy of Nikola Tesla, whose innovations in electricity and engineering continue to influence modern technology.
Tesla Fest is held on the Saturday closest to Tesla’s birthday, July 10. This year marks the 170th birthday of the inventor, who is best known for developing alternating current electrical systems and the Tesla coil.
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a full day of hands-on activities and demonstrations inspired by Tesla’s discoveries and inventions, including:
- Electric Pickle: Participants will use the museum’s Big Wheel generator to pass electricity through a pickle, causing its electrolytes to illuminate, a demonstration of electrical conductivity.
- Dashbot: Explore Tesla’s pioneering work with remote-controlled watercraft and its connection to today’s drone and remote-control technology.
- Snap Circuits and Homemade Switches/Circuit Blocks: Hands-on circuit-building activities for visitors.
- Live Tesla Shows: Ticketed live demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the Dorothy Van Lue & Albert F.W. Habeeb Tesla Theater, home to the World’s Most Powerful Conical Tesla Coil, recognized by Guinness World Records.
“Tesla Fest is one of our favorite days of the year because it gives us the opportunity to connect visitors–especially young people–directly to the science behind the technologies they use every day,” said Diane LaFollette, CEO of Mid-America Science Museum. “Nikola Tesla’s work was nothing short of revolutionary, and we think celebrating his 170th birthday is a meaningful way to inspire the next generation of scientists and inventors right here in Hot Springs.”
Visitors attending Tesla Fest will also have the opportunity to experience Expedition: Dinosaur, the museum’s newest traveling exhibition presented by Stage 9 Exhibits. On display through Aug. 16, the exhibit features animatronic dinosaurs and hands-on activities including fossil excavation, specimen examination, dinosaur egg scanning, and Pangea map building.
Tesla Fest is included with general museum admission. Mid-America Science Museum is located at 500 Mid America Blvd. in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Tickets are available at midamericamuseum.org or by calling (501) 767-3461.
