Stirling Science Festival Returns with Focus on Sport and Wellbeing
The popular four-day event will explore the science behind movement, health, and an active lifestyle across various venues.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
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Generic image of a science festival with sports and wellbeing themes.
The Stirling Science Festival is set to return from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 October, offering a diverse programme centred around the theme of ‘the Science of Sport and Wellbeing’.
The festival, now in its eighth year, will feature a range of free and ticketed events across various local venues, catering to all ages. This year’s programme will delve into the science of the human body’s movement and the importance of staying active.
Highlights include aerial acrobatics workshops delivered at the Dunblane Centre by All Or Nothing, and an exploration of the history of sports at Stirling Castle. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum will showcase the World’s Oldest Football and Curling Stone.
For adults, The Tolbooth will host the Stirling Science Festival Lates, an evening of talks, workshops, live performances, and hands-on experiences. Topics will include artificial intelligence in sports coaching, wellbeing, music, and creativity.
The family day returns to The Albert Halls, featuring activities from partners such as Glasgow Science Centre and the University of Stirling, covering themes of energy, sport science, play, health, and climate action.
The official launch event took place at The Peak sports and leisure facility, celebrating with participants from Bikes without Barriers, an inclusive cycling scheme. A 'come and try' session for this initiative is also included in the festival programme.
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"The Stirling Science Festival continues to be a popular fixture in our packed events calendar with opportunities to enjoy new experiences, explore new ideas and develop new skills."
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"This year's festival focuses on the fascinating connections between science, sport and wellbeing, with a wide range of free family-friendly and engaging, interactive events, workshops and activities for all ages in venues across Stirling."
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"You will see science brought to life, how it shapes our health and sporting performance, and get an insight into the benefits of movements and an active lifestyle."
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"Whether you're fascinated by the science behind sport, curious about the world around you or simply looking for a great day out, there's something for everyone in this year’s bumper programme."
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"So get out of the starting blocks and discover what happens when science and sport come together by joining us in Stirling during the October break."
Stirling Council, in partnership with the University of Stirling and with funding from the Scottish Government, delivers the festival. Participating venues include The Tolbooth, The Albert Halls, The Peak, The Thistles, Codebase, The Golden Lion Hotel, The Smith Museum & Art Gallery, Creative Stirling, McLaren Leisure, Dunblane Centre, the National Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle, the Stirling Reuse Hub, and several Stirling Council libraries.
The full programme and attendance information can be found at www.stirlingsciencefestival.org.
Based on information from the official source: Stirling Council (13/10/2026)
