Two cars will be completely disassembled, 3D printers will hum, rockets will launch, drones will fly, locks will be picked and much more during Science Museum Oklahoma’s third annual free Tinkerfest set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28.

Admission to the museum and all Tinkerfest activities are free thanks to presenting sponsor Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR, the National Science Foundation Oklahoma Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. In addition to Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR, Tinkerfest is sponsored by Allied Arts, Boeing and Express Employment International.

“Tinkerfest gets to the very core of our mission — to reveal the wonder and relevance of science — and celebrates the creator, innovator and explorer in us all. Now in our third year, we know our Tinkerfest is unique — it’s an all-in, full-day experience like no other, and that’s due in large part to our incredible community of partner museums, organizations, businesses and artists that join us for this special day,” said Sherry Marshall, president and CEO of SMO.

“Tinkerfest would not be possible if it were not for the involvement and support of our presenting sponsor, Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR, who joins us in inspiring and strengthening our state’s next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and math.”

The daylong celebration of curiosity and creativity will encompass the entire museum and grounds, stretching from the museum’s parking lot to its gardens. Tinkerfest will include more than 65 special activities presented by over 45 guest tinkerers including Carter Chevrolet, deadCenter Film, FIRST Robotics, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma State University’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems research and education program, The College of Lockpicking and many more.

“Tinkerfest has become Oklahoma's don't-miss STEM event of the year for kids and the adults who support them. Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR is proud to again be the presenting sponsor for the event, so families can experience the museum and Tinkerfest free of charge,” said Ray Huhnke, Ph.D., Oklahoma NSF EPSCoR project director and principal investigator.

All of the museum’s permanent exhibits, as well as Science Live and the Kirkpatrick Planetarium, will be available during Tinkerfest.

Advance registration is not required, however guests must check-in at the museum’s box office upon arrival to receive a wristband which will grant access to the museum and all Tinkerfest activities. Tinkerfest activities will conclude at 4 p.m. and the museum will remain open until 6 p.m.

All Tinkerfest activities will take place at the museum located at 2020 Remington Place in Oklahoma City. Parking is free at the museum, and additional free parking will be available at Remington Park. Free shuttles to and from Remington Park will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information about Science Museum Oklahoma’s Tinkerfest, visit www.sciencemuseumok.org/tinkerfest.