Festival blends live performances, science activities and sustainability education at the Manhasset preserve

TheScience Museum of Long Islandwill once again combine science, music and environmental education during its annualSciencestockfestival on Sunday, May 31, inviting families to spend an afternoon exploring the museum’s 36-acre preserve through hands-on activities and live performances.

The event, inspired by the spirit of Woodstock, will run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the museum on Leeds Pond Preserve in Manhasset. Families can expect live music, science demonstrations, interactive nature experiences and community organizations focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.

Caitlin Orellana, the museum’s interim executive director, said the event grew out of “Live at Five,” a summer concert series launched in 2020 as families began returning to public events following the pandemic.

“What started as a way to reconnect with the community evolved into something much bigger,” Orellana said. “We wanted to keep the spirit of those evenings alive, but reshape it into a larger one-day celebration.”

According to Orellana, Sciencestock reflects the museum’s mission by combining science education with the natural setting of the preserve.

“One half of the museum is the science programming we do year-round, and the other half is this incredible property,” she said. “Sciencestock blends those two together while giving families a chance to experience science together.”

This year’s event will feature performances by JAHSTIX,Street Beat Brass Band, and storyteller and naturalistJohnny Cuomo. Organizers are especially excited to welcome back Street Beat Brass Band after last year’s crowd-led musical procession through the preserve trails became a festival highlight.

Community organizations will also host activity tables and demonstrations throughout the day. Returning partners include an amateur astronomy group that will provide telescopes and stargazing opportunities, while new participants such as Fillfolk will promote refillable household products and waste reduction.

Sustainability efforts will remain a major focus of the festival. Organizers plan to provide hydration stations, encourage reusable water bottles, cutlery and compost food scraps while reducing disposable plastics and paper waste.

Source: LI Press