Annual Open House
Friday, July 10, 2026 10AM – 2PM

Bigelow Laboratory scientists explore environments all over the world, and they bring all they learn back to our state-of-the-art campus at 60 Bigelow Drive in East Boothbay, Maine.

Each July, we invite the public to visit our laboratory and hear first-hand from the researchers conducting our bold ocean science. Our staff lead a wide range of scientific demonstrations and activities for visitors of all ages. Visitors can meet some of the ocean’s most important organisms, see autonomous gliders that travel across the Atlantic Ocean, and learn how scientists are working to improve the future for the planet and all of us that call it home.

On Friday, July 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., we invite you to visit our laboratory to hear first-hand from the researchers conducting our bold ocean science and engage with our staff in a range of scientific demonstrations and activities for visitors of all ages. Meet some of the ocean’s most important organisms in our new Education and Innovation wing, see autonomous gliders that travel across the Atlantic Ocean, and learn how scientists are working to improve the future for the planet and all of us that call it home.

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Bring science and art together with activities including designing your own plankton, ocean life coloring, kelp pressing, and sidewalk chalk.

Conduct hands-on experiments exploring ocean acidification, strawberry DNA, and plankton migration.

Practice using oceanographic research equipment, such as a Secchi disk and a Niskin bottle.

View plankton from the Damariscotta River under a microscope in our new Harold Alfond Center for Ocean Education and Innovation.

More information on events will be available soon!