The festival is located in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington D.C. The Convention Center is located at 801 Mount Vernon Place (between 9th and 7th Streets NW on L Street NW). See map of location.

The Green and Yellow line Mt. Vernon Square/7th St Convention Center Metro Stop exits into the Convention Center. (See Metro Map.)

The Festival is free for college students and individuals 18 years of age and under. Adults age 19 and older pay $15.00 in advance, or $20.00 at the door for single day tickets. Two-day passes for all adults are $25.00.  All attendees (paid and free) must have a ticket to enter the event. Festival Expo Tickets are available now at the USASEF website.

As you enter the exhibit hall of the convention center, look up to the rafters for the large NIH Ring circling above the NIH Pavilion area. Check back here for updates on our exact location, once the event map is created. 

There are a variety of interactive activities and stage shows, that people of all ages may find something of interest. There is also a Kids Pavilion for children 7 years of age and younger.

In addition to the Health and Medical topics at the NIH Pavilion, other pavilions will cover topics such as Natural Sciences (includes biology, chemistry, physics); Earth Science (includes earth, sea, sky, weather); Astronomy/Space Exploration; Engineering (includes robotics); Social Sciences (includes psychology and sociology); Math/Computer Science; High Technology (includes nanotechnology and green technology).

We are looking for NIH staff to work at the NIH Pavilion.  USASEF is an officially sanctioned activity for all NIH federal goverment employees. All employees who work at the event, as a part of their official duties, are entitled to compensation for their hours of service or overtime. NIH contractors, depending on your position and contract, are welcome to support the event.  To learn how you can work at the event, visit the staff resources page.

Only NIH staff may work in the NIH Pavilion. However, the USA Science and Engineering Festival is always looking for volunteers to support the festival planning as well as on-site efforts.  You can volunteer directly at the USA Science and Engineering Festival Volunteer website.

There will be a variety of food options available at concession carts in the Expo halls and a food court in the convention center. They will be open during the show hours.

For more frequently asked questions, visit the USA Science & Engineering Festival FAQs.