About

Launched in 2015, The Festival of Bright Ideas (FOBI) is a festival with a difference, where you can experience a range of activities and exhibits that whiz, bang, fly, crawl, swim, and maybe even explode! FOBI is supported by 30+ local science, tech, engineering, and maths (STEM) affiliated organisations and caters to thousands of curious Tasmanians each year.

Meet robots, solve a crime scene investigation, build giant structures, explore marine life, uncover fossils, generate renewable energy and challenge yourself with Bytewise, a Questacon exhibition packed with coding challenges, puzzles and brain-bending games.

Whether your child loves building, making, creating, exploring or asking "why?", there's something to spark their curiosity. Join Tasmania's scientists, engineers, researchers and innovators for a day of hands-on fun and unexpected discoveries.

Our mission

• To celebrate the important role that STEM disciplines play in our everyday lives
• To acknowledge the value and strengths of the Tasmanian STEM sector
• To inspire Tasmanian youth, igniting the aspirations of students to pursue an interest in STEM
• To cultivate the curiosity of life-long learners of all ages
• To encourage and partner with STEM organisations to share this vision of an engaged and informed community

STEM disciplines will be the bridge that carries us towards a bright, solutions focussed and innovative future. Through collaboration with leading Tasmanian STEM professionals, academics, education providers, and community leaders, we seek to make that future accessible to everyone.

The festival is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

FOBI facts

• Friday 14 August - There is a day just for schools!
• Saturday 15 August – Open to the public, tickets essential!
• Princes Wharf 1 (PW1) in Hobart, Tasmania – right next to Salamanca Markets.
• Audience = EVERYONE! Whether you are a family, couple, individual, or group.
• We entertain over 5,000 visitors over the 2 days!
• The Saturday open day will run in three ticketed sessions of 2.5 hours’ duration.
• You can book for more than one session to extend your time at the festival.
• The venue is disability friendly.

You’ll have a great time at FOBI.