ULTIMO SCIENCE FESTIVAL

“Interesting things with a scientific bent,” is how curator Derek Williamson describes the upcoming Ultimo Science Festival at the Powerhouse Museum. From crochet coral reefs to climate change, the science festival has something for everyone. That’s what it’s all about, “giving people access to science in a way that best suits them,” says Derek. Whether that be bringing the kids along to one of the open days at ABC, Tafe, UTS or Ultimo Library, catching one of the talks, conducting an experiment of your own or testing your limits by being shut inside a coffin, the Science Fair is sure to have something to release the inner-squint. ‘Dark Science’, the adults-only events over two nights, explore the themes of Flesh and Psyche, giving over-18s the chance to stretch their imagination through watching suspension artists, tattooists, body piercers and a huge range of performers. For the more gung-ho, you can let spiders crawl all over you, lock yourself in a coffin, or perhaps even be pierced yourself.

Aug 21-30, Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo, prices vary, 9217 0111 or powerhousemuseum.com