The countdown is on for Massachusetts Space Week 2026, a statewide celebration of science, exploration, and innovation set for April 20–26, with Dorchester’s own John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum serving as one of its hubs.
The weeklong festival will feature more than 100 events across the Commonwealth, bringing together research institutions, museums, libraries, educators, and industry leaders. Organizers say the goal is to make space science accessible and engaging for all ages through hands-on activities, panel discussions, film screenings, and community programming.
At the JFK Library on Columbia Point, visitors can take advantage of free admission throughout the week by using the buzzword “SPACE” at the door or as a code when reserving tickets online. Youths 17 and under are always admitted free.
Programming at the Dorchester-based museum will include pop-up artifact displays, interactive exhibits, live music, and conversations with experts from around the world. All activities are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
A highlight of the week will be Massachusetts Space Day on April 21, billed as the official launch of the festival.
The one-day conference will feature panel discussions on topics ranging from advances in aerospace engineering to the ethics of space exploration and the growing space economy in Massachusetts. NASA astronaut Al Sacco Jr. is scheduled to deliver a keynote address.
On April 23, the JFK Library will host “JFK Space Fest 2026,” a free, family-friendly celebration honoring President Kennedy’s legacy in advancing the U.S. space program. The event will explore the historical significance of the moon landing and its continued relevance today.
That same day, the library will screen the animated film The Iron Giant as part of its Space Film Festival lineup, offering a nostalgic, all-ages look at friendship and discovery set against a Cold War backdrop.
The week wraps up with a “Triple Feature” event on April 25, combining live performance, discussion, and stargazing. The evening will include a performance by Earth Music Theater Live, followed by a panel on accessibility and representation in the space sector. Attendees can then look to the skies with the UMass Boston Astronomy Club or explore a virtual reality tour of orbiting space debris.
Massachusetts Space Week is coordinated by the Space Consortium, which partners with local organizations to deliver programming across the state. Organizers hope the festival will inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers while fostering broader public interest in space exploration.
