Spacefort 2026 Was Out of This World!
If you were anywhere near Flagstaff on June 26, you probably heard the excitement. Families from across Arizona gathered for one unforgettable afternoon as the Meteor Crater Education Alliance transformed Flagstaff into SpaceFort: Asteroid Day Flagstaff—a four-hour celebration of science, space exploration, creativity, and hands-on STEM adventure.
And what a day it was.
From the moment the doors opened, SpaceFort buzzed with energy. Hundreds of children, parents, grandparents, educators, and space enthusiasts explored a world where curiosity had no limits. Whether launching into a rocket activity, peering through a solar telescope, creating space-inspired artwork, or stepping into a simulated mission using Kerbal Space Program, there was something around every corner to inspire the next generation of explorers.
One of the biggest highlights was the incredible opportunity to meet real space pioneers. Astronauts Steve Smith, Ed Lu, Nicole Stott, and Rusty Schweickart spent the day sharing stories from space, answering questions, signing autographs, and encouraging young dreamers to reach for the stars. Astrophysicist and popular science communicator Scott Manley captivated visitors with interactive gaming experiences and engaging conversations that made complex science exciting and accessible.
SpaceFort also showcased an amazing lineup of community partners who helped bring STEM to life. Interactive exhibits from USGS, Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Willow Bend Educational Center, Coconuts Robotics Team, Northern Arizona University, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Lowell Observatory, Loven Contracting, Kinney Construction, and the Boy Scouts of America demonstrated that science, engineering, technology, and exploration come in many forms. From geology and planetary science to engineering, construction, astronomy, and outdoor leadership, every exhibit encouraged visitors to learn by doing.
Families enjoyed planetarium shows, solar observing, hands-on STEM stations, exciting raffles, delicious food trucks, and a science store filled with space-themed toys, gifts, and educational treasures for aspiring astronauts—and even a few furry companions.
More than just a fun family event, SpaceFort was a celebration of imagination and possibility. Children left inspired to become astronauts, engineers, scientists, artists, inventors, and explorers. Parents watched their kids ask questions, solve problems, and discover new passions. Throughout the day, countless moments reminded us why STEM education matters and how powerful it can be when learning is wrapped in excitement and discovery.
For the Meteor Crater Education Alliance, the event exceeded every expectation. The tremendous turnout and overwhelmingly positive response from attendees demonstrated just how much Northern Arizona values opportunities for families to experience science together. Every ticket purchased also helped support the Alliance's ongoing STEM outreach programs for students throughout the Flagstaff community, extending the impact of the day far beyond the event itself.
To everyone who attended, volunteered, exhibited, sponsored, and shared their passion for science—thank you for helping make SpaceFort 2026 such an incredible success. You helped create memories that will inspire future scientists, engineers, artists, and explorers for years to come.
If you missed this year's event, don't make the same mistake twice.
SpaceFort is quickly becoming one of Arizona's premier family STEM celebrations, combining world-class astronauts, hands-on learning, amazing community partners, and unforgettable experiences into one incredible afternoon. Whether you're five or ninety-five, there's something magical about standing next to someone who's walked in space, launching a rocket, discovering an asteroid, or seeing the Sun through a telescope for the very first time.
We can't wait to welcome you back next year.
The countdown to SpaceFort 2027 has officially begun.
