DOWNEY – Rocket Fever, Southern California’s only rocket festival, returns to the Columbia Memorial Space Center on Saturday, Aug. 13, with a full schedule of STEM and rocket-related activities. 

Admission is free and includes hands-on STEM activities, on-site exhibitions, and rocket launches. Children will receive a free model rocket (while supplies last). 

Visitors can also interact with professionals in STEM fields from Aerospace Corporation, ISS Above, Southern California Rocketry Association, and more.  

To guarantee a rocket launch, participants must register for a build and launch time slot. The registration fee is $5. Pre-registration opens Aug. 1 at 8 am at columbiaspacescience.org. 

A limited number of on-site registrations will be available on the day of the event. Launches are limited to 200 registrants. 

Registered participants will receive a free model rocket they can build on-site and launch during one of four designated launch times: 10 am, 11:30 am, 1:30 pm and 3 pm. 

“I’m thrilled about Rocket Fever, especially at a time when there’s so much buzz about space travel and exploration,” said Ben Dickow, president and executive director of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. “The day should be both fun and educational for all.” 

Nader Moghaddam, president and CEO of Financial Partners Credit Union and chairman of the Columbia Memorial Space Center Foundation, praised Rocket Fever for “encouraging curiosity and creative imagination.” 

“Financial Partners is proud to have sponsored this valuable Southern California tradition since it began as a nod to our pioneering aerospace roots and dedication to STEM learning as a way of creating stronger communities,” Moghaddam said. “I’m excited to see the kids at the Space Center launching rockets and their wonderful ambitions again this year.” 

For more information about Rocket Fever, visit columbiaspacescience.org.