May 16 through 18, Smithsonian magazine boldly goes where it went once before with its second annual The Future Is Here Festival, exploring and celebrating innovations in science and technology. Billed as the area where “science meets science fiction,” the festival features presentations from Star Trek/Star Trek: The Next Generation stars and national treasures George Takei and Patrick Stewart; NASA’s Adam Steltzner, who helped design the Curiosity rover; and theoretical physicist Brian Greene; as well as self-proclaimed “D-list YouTuber” Shyaporn Theerakulstit, Nerd Nite founder Chris Balakrishnan, and president of the New York State Distillers Guild Nicole Austin, so you’re in for an eclectic mix of topics.
More into the science fiction part? The festival will offer an advance screening of X-Men: Days of Future Past on Saturday the 17th, along with a Q&A with Stewart.
May 16 through 18 on the Mall. For tickets ($250 to $350) and more information, visit Smithsonian magazine’s website.
