Families FAQ

Your questions, answered.

Familia Fest is free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. Here’s everything you need to know about attending, from schedules and parking to accessibility.

Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM University Village at the Indiana Convention Center Free — advance registration required

At a glance

Attending is easy.

Free — registration required

Admission is free, but every family must register in advance, before the event. Registration will not be available on site. No SHPE membership needed.

Event safety

Learn more about the health and safety measures in place for STEM Familia Fest. Learn more about our event safety.

Open to all families

All backgrounds and family structures are welcome.

All ages welcome

Activities are designed for K–12 students and their grown-ups.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access, sensory-friendly spaces, and accommodations. Add accessibility needs when you register, or email Events@shpe.org.

Parking & transit

To help make STEM Familia Fest as accessible as possible, we are exploring options for parking and transportation support. Availability will depend on funding and partner participation. For updates and additional details, please contact familiafest@shpe.org. For parking options and directions, see our travel & parking page.

Common Questions

What families ask us most.

How do I attend? Is there a cost?

Admission is completely free, but advance registration is required for every attendee. Registration will not be available on site the day of the event — you must sign up ahead of time to guarantee your spot. Registration details will be posted here as the event gets closer. (We may open door registration in future years depending on demand.)

Do I need a SHPE National Convention registration?

No. STEM Familia Fest is open to the public and does not require convention registration. However, you will only have access to STEM Familia Fest, not the general convention programming.

I'm registered for the SHPE National Convention. Can I bring my family to STEM Familia Fest?

Absolutely! Use the family registration link to add your family members to STEM Familia Fest. Please note that this registration is for STEM Familia Fest only and does not provide access to convention sessions, the expo, or other SHPE National Convention activities.

Who is the event for?

Familia Fest is for K–12 students, parents, guardians, educators, and the broader Indianapolis community. While the programming is rooted in the traditions of the families we serve, every family is welcome regardless of background.

What ages is this event for?

Programming is designed primarily for K–12 students and their families.

How long should we plan to stay?

Families may spend anywhere from one to four hours exploring the event.

When and where is Familia Fest?

Familia Fest takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at University Village, located inside the Indiana Convention Center (100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN). It is a family-friendly walk-through festival within the convention center.

What should families expect?

A high-energy, walk-through festival with hands-on STEM zones, a college fair, the Familia Plaza stage, community resource partners, kid-friendly activities, and giveaways. Most activities are drop-in, so you can explore at your own pace.

How do I support my student's STEM education?

Join us at the main stage for a live Equipando Padres session! Bilingual sessions will be happening at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. SHPE Equipando Padres provides parents and caregivers of first-generation-to-college students from underrepresented communities with the knowledge and tools to better support their children in pursuing engineering degrees.

How can I connect with SHPE Members about their STEM and college experience?

Join us at the main stage at 1:00 PM for a panel with SHPE Members as they answer questions and share their stories from STEM education into college and career!

Are activities safe for young children?

Yes. Activities are designed for a range of ages, from early childhood through high school. There will be volunteer staff, a family rest area, and clear signage for age-appropriate experiences.

Is the event accessible?

We are committed to accessibility. The venue will have wheelchair access, sensory-friendly spaces, and accommodations for families with different needs. If you need a specific accommodation, please add it when you register or email us at Events@shpe.org before the event and we will do our best to help.

Can I bring a stroller?

Absolutely. Strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices are welcome. The event space is designed for families with young children.

What about food and restrooms?

Restrooms are available throughout the venue, including family-friendly facilities. General concessions at the Indiana Convention Center will be open during the event for a fee, and we are exploring additional light refreshment options to share as plans are finalized.

Will food be available?

Yes. The Indiana Convention Center food hall will be open during the event.

Is food assistance available for attendees?

Yes. Thanks to support from our sponsors, a limited number of food vouchers are available for STEM Familia Fest attendees.

If you would like to request a food voucher, please email familiafest@shpe.org no later than 11:59 PM ET on October 29, 2026. Requests received after this deadline may not be accommodated. Food vouchers are available while supplies last.

Where can I park and how do I get there?

The Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium parking lots are operated by Denison Parking. Downtown Indianapolis also offers more than 70,000 parking spaces near the venue. You can view the downtown parking map and reserve a spot in advance through ParkWhiz at the Indiana Convention Center.

For public transit, IndyGo is the local bus service, and Open Door offers ADA paratransit service. We are also working to underwrite transportation support for families who need it. If you need help getting to the event, please email us at Events@shpe.org.

Your Know Before You Go email (sent after you register) will include more details on parking, transit, and getting to the venue.

Can teachers or youth groups attend?

Yes. Schools, teachers, counselors, and youth groups are encouraged to attend. All attendees, including group members, must register in advance — registration will not be available on site. For group bookings and logistics, please email registration@shpe.org. Let us know if you need any special accommodations.

How can I support STEM Familia Fest?

STEM Familia Fest is free and open to the public thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community partners. If you would like to help support SHPE’s efforts to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders and make events like STEM Familia Fest possible, we welcome donations of any size.

Support SHPE

Getting there

Indiana Convention Center

100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Open in Google Maps

Still have a question?

Reach out to the Familia Fest team and we’ll get back to you quickly.

Contact the team