Day 1: Hello Space | NASA Downlink & STEM Events

26 June 2026
Sofia Tech Park

Previous editions:

Day 2 - Hello, Space • STEAM Careers - Click Here •

About the Festival

HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling

HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling is Bulgaria’s leading Space and STEAM festival – a place where science comes alive, imagination unfolds, and the future begins today.Created to spark curiosity, inspire innovation, and make science and technology accessible to everyone, the festival has become a crosspoint between knowledge, experience, and dreams.

Each year, HELLO, SPACE! brings together global and Bulgarian leaders in space exploration, engineering, digital technologies, and the arts, who share their expertise and inspire the next generation of explorers and innovators. During the festival, visitors get the chance to not just listen but to participate – to meet leading scientists and visionaries, discover innovative companies, watch exciting demonstrations, join interactive experiments and workshops, and even ask their own questions to a real astronaut.

HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling is more than a festival – it is an experience that inspires, opens horizons, and shows that the path to science, Space, and great discoveries begins with one simple but brave curiosity.

Mission

To inspire children and young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and Space through accessible and inspiring experiences.

Vision

A generation that looks boldly toward Space and takes Bulgaria back among the stars.

Values

We believe in the power of education, experiential learning, and hands-on practice, guided by imagination and curiosity.

Experiences

Live encounter with a guest from Space

Have you ever met someone who has literally left the boundaries of Earth? Now is your chance. On the stage of HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling, a real astronaut will “land” to share their journey to Space, life in orbit, and what our planet looks like from above.

Inspiring Talks

Embark on a journey into scientific discovery – from space travel and the mysteries of black holes to the Moon, Mars, and the latest space technologies shaping our future. Meet scientists, researchers, and visionaries who transform complex ideas into inspiring stories and answer the questions that make us look beyond the horizon.

Interactive Booths

Explore dozens of interactive festival booths and dive into the world of cutting-edge technology. Experience VR adventures, take part in exciting experiments, and meet leading companies and organizations in education, science, and technology.

Science Workshops

Immerse yourself in creative experiments and discover the wonders of Space through hands-on learning and play. Code in Minecraft, build LEGO robots, and join a space mission that turns learning into a real adventure.

Exciting Demonstrations

Witness spectacular demonstrations and science shows that transform knowledge into experience. Throughout the day, the festival invites you to be surprised, have fun, and discover science in an inspiring new way.

Competitions & Prizes

Questions to an astronaut contest If you had the chance to ask an astronaut one question, what would it be? Take part in the contest and give your question the opportunity to be presented live on stage, where the guest astronaut will personally answer the most interesting and bold questions. Drawing Contest – “Our Wonderful Universe” What does Space look like through your eyes? Unleash your imagination through art by creating a drawing on the theme “Our Wonderful Universe” and share your vision of infinity.

Chess Tournament

Join an unforgettable chess adventure filled with exciting matches and intriguing challenges. Test your skills, think several moves ahead, and face a Bulgarian champion – because in chess, just like in science, strategy and imagination go hand in hand.

Games & Giveaways

Participate in various games and giveaways during the festival and win amazing prizes. Test your Space knowledge in our quizzes, join first aid demonstrations, or try your luck at the HELLO, SPACE! booth giveaway for surprise rewards.

Health Corner

Discover the connection between health, movement, and science in a specially designed festival space dedicated to caring for the body. Explore topics related to healthy living, the human body, and medical innovation, presented in an accessible and interactive way. Join movement and sports activities for different age groups and discover how an active lifestyle is key to every successful mission – both on Earth and in Space.