Mario the Maker Magician to headline 2026 Science Festival

Mario the Maker Magician—who David Blaine has called the best kids’ magician in the world—will give the keynote performance during Randolph College’s 2026 Science Festival.

The free, annual festival, which generally draws thousands from the area, will be held in late March, with the keynote scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. 

A self-taught performer and robot maker, Mario Marchese incorporates DIY electronics and robotics into his shows, which were described by Broadway World as a “magnetic mixture of mad scientist shenanigans, big-kid showmanship, and superb sleight of hand.” 

As seen on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Sesame Street, his vaudeville-inspired show is family-friendly and designed for all ages—like SciFest itself. 

“Mario the Maker Magician illustrates the excitement of science, showing that it is approachable and joyful” said Peter Sheldon, Randolph’s Charles A. Dana Professor and Chair of Physics & Engineering and director of SciFest. “He blends engineering, creativity, and performance in a way that sparks curiosity in all ages, and we’re thrilled to have him as our keynote performer. He is a perfect fit for SciFest.” 

SciFest began in 2005 with just Science Day before expanding into a full festival in 2009. The event is presented by BWXT and also receives support from numerous local businesses, including Framatome and Genworth. 

“SciFest has always belonged to the whole community,” Sheldon said. “It is run entirely by volunteers, and is supported entirely by community donations. What started as a single Science Day is now a week-long celebration that brings together hands-on learning, creativity, and fun for all ages, while highlighting the incredible science happening at Randolph and beyond.”

This year, SciFest begins on Sunday, March 22, with Maker Faire Lynchburg, an esports tournament, and the FIRST LEGO League Explore Build Challenge Expo. 

Activities continue with the keynote and Science Teaching Award from Randolph (STAR) presentation on March 26, followed on March 27 with Randolph’s Women in Science Panel, an open house in the Center for Student Research, and the Poetry Jam Reading and Awards Ceremony. 

The evening ends with the popular A Scientist Goes to the Movies, featuring a faculty member offering commentary on the science featured in a film; this year, computer science professor Brad Spendlove will lead a discussion about The Wild Robot. 

Science Day will be held on Saturday, March 28, with registration options for two different age groups: 3rd-6th graders and children ages 3 to 7. 

Science Day activities do require advance registration and have limited spots. 

The festival ends later that night with a Glowstick Star Party in Winfree Observatory.

Visit https://randolphscience.org/scifest/ for the full schedule and more information.