POLI SpaceFest 2026 brings the universe closer to Bucharest between May 7 and 9, when the POLITEHNICA Bucharest campus becomes a meeting point for astronauts, researchers, students, families and everyone curious about space exploration.
The event is dedicated to the future of space science, aerospace engineering, technology, education and the way space research already influences life on Earth. For visitors, it is one of the most accessible science events in Bucharest, combining exhibitions, workshops, interactive experiences, and meetings with people who have made space exploration a real career.
POLI SpaceFest 2026 takes place on the campus of the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, on Splaiul Independenței 313. Visitors need a free nominal ticket generated through the event platform. Children under 14 may enter without a separate ticket if they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.
What Is POLI SpaceFest 2026?
POLI SpaceFest is a festival dedicated to space exploration and the role of space technologies in everyday life. The event shows visitors how satellites, aerospace research, engineering, data, communications, and scientific innovation are connected to how modern society works.
The 2026 edition is designed for several types of visitors. Children can discover space through contests, workshops, VR and AR experiences and flight simulators. Students and teachers can explore aerospace engineering projects and future career paths. Companies and industry representatives can connect around new technologies, products and opportunities. The general public can take part in family activities, technology exhibitions, demonstrations and immersive experiences.
The event is also a strong educational platform. Its mission is to inspire future generations of explorers and to show that a career in the space industry is not an abstract dream, but a possible path for those with curiosity, discipline and ambition.
Astronauts at POLI SpaceFest 2026
One of the most important attractions of POLI SpaceFest 2026 is the presence of internationally known astronauts.
The 2026 edition welcomes Charles Duke, Apollo 16 astronaut and the 10th person to walk on the Moon. His presence in Bucharest gives visitors a rare opportunity to meet one of the astronauts directly connected to the history of lunar exploration.
Nicole Stott, a veteran NASA astronaut, also joins the event. She is known not only for her spaceflight experience, but also for her artistic work connected to space, including painting in orbit.
Through Q&A sessions and Meet & Greet events, visitors can hear first-hand stories about space missions, astronaut training, life beyond Earth and the physical and psychological realities of space travel. Access to the opening ceremony and astronaut Q&A sessions requires a seat reservation for all participants, including children.
What Visitors Can Experience at SpaceFest
POLI SpaceFest 2026 combines science, technology, education and public engagement in a format that works for both adults and children.
Visitors can expect exhibitions of aerospace technologies, interactive activities for families, AR and VR experiences, holograms, astronomy workshops, satellite-related workshops, rocket launches, space-themed art and educational demonstrations.
The event also includes activities related to aviation and engineering, such as drone demonstrations, helicopter exhibitions, practical communication workshops, and solar observations, coordinated by the team of the “Amiral Vasile Urseanu” Astronomical Observatory.
For children, the festival includes experiments, creative activities and a drawing and painting contest with the theme “Outer Space”. The contest is open to students from preparatory through eighth grade, and the submitted works are exhibited during SpaceFest 2026 at the POLITEHNICA Bucharest campus.
POLI SpaceFest 2026 Programme
The event takes place over three days, from Thursday, May 7, to Saturday, May 9, 2026.
The programme includes SpaceFEST Summit panels, lectures, poster sessions, the Young CubeSat Cup competition, technology exhibitions, a planetarium experience, workshops and activities for children. Many of the public activities take place between 10:00 and 16:00 in the Rectorate area, halls, parking area and outdoor spaces of the campus.
On May 7, the programme includes activities such as SpaceFEST Summit panels, lectures on aviation and aerospace careers, ESERO poster sessions, the Young CubeSat Cup, technology exhibitions, planetarium activities, workshops, and rocket launches.
The programme may change, so visitors should check the latest schedule before arriving at the campus, especially if they plan to attend a specific panel, Q&A session, workshop or demonstration.
Practical Information for Visitors
Event: POLI SpaceFest 2026
Dates: May 7-9, 2026
Location: Campus POLITEHNICA Bucharest
Address: Splaiul Independenței 313, Bucharest
Access: Free nominal ticket required
Children under 14: May enter without a separate ticket if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket
Group requests: For school groups of at least 10 people, requests are handled through the event contact address
Special access: Opening ceremony and astronaut Q&A sessions require a seat reservation for all participants
The event is suitable for families with children, students, teachers, science enthusiasts, technology professionals and visitors who want to discover a more educational side of Bucharest.
How to Get to POLITEHNICA Bucharest
POLITEHNICA Bucharest is located in the western part of the city, close to several public transport connections.
The easiest option for many visitors is the metro. The campus is served by the Politehnica metro station on the M3 line, which connects the area with central Bucharest and other important districts.
Visitors can also arrive by bus, taxi or ride-sharing services. If you are coming with children or attending a specific session, allow extra time for campus access and ticket checks, especially during peak hours.
