The Northern Nevada Science and Technology Festival, a partnership between the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (The Discovery) and Desert Research Institute, kicks off this weekend with a series of free science- and technology-related events for people of all ages.

The festival begins April 23 at the University of Nevada, Reno with “Explore the Sun-day” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and continues at the University on April 24 with “Monday Moon-Day” from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center. “Explore the Sun-day” and “Monday Moon-Day” both include hands-on activities at the three museums within the College of Science, including the Museum of Natural History, the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum, and the Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center.

Research Associate Professor and National Geographic Explorer Zeb Hogan’s work will be featured heavily throughout the week at events like “An Evening with Dr. Zeb Hogan” on Tuesday night, where he will give a presentation and his new book will be sold, and on Wednesday’s “The Future of Reno” event at The Discovery, which features the “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” exhibit based on Hogan’s explorations.

Other activities throughout the week include “Art and Science Explored” at the Nevada Museum of Art, “Science of the Silver State” at the Nevada State Museum, and “Science is Everywhere” at a variety of participating locations, including the University’s College of Engineering and Innevation Center.

For more information about the Northern Nevada Science and Technology Festival, including information about parking, visit the festival’s website.