Day 1 – HELLO SPACE | Bulgaria Calling
26.06.26
The first day of HELLO SPACE | Bulgaria Calling is a youth science festival open to people of all ages. It is dedicated to inspiration, curiosity, and the first encounter with the world of Space, science, and STEAM. Through meetings with leading scientists, astronauts, and innovators, as well as interactive activities and demonstrations, the festival makes science accessible, understandable, and exciting for children, young people, and their families.
The event will feature a main stage and additional activities for children in the form of workshops, demonstrations, and interactive booths.
Simultaneous translation will be provided (Bulgarian–English; English–Bulgarian).
Stage
On the Main Stage at the Innovation Forum “John Atanasoff”, inspiring talks and presentations will be delivered by experts from various scientific fields, covering topics such as the search for life on Mars, the future home of astronauts in space, lunar missions, and other fascinating subjects. The opening and closing ceremonies will also take place on this stage, along with the award ceremonies for the children’s competitions.
Activities
| Workshops
The festival workshops are open to participants aged 4 to 18. They will have the opportunity to explore diverse topics such as space exploration, astronomy, biology, physics, and technology through innovative and educational activities. These workshops offer exciting experiences that enhance understanding of the world and stimulate curiosity and initiative.
| Demonstrations
The festival demonstrations introduce scientific principles and technologies in action — from the Gutenberg printing press and Eratosthenes’ experiment to adrenaline-filled demonstrations by the Bulgarian Army Special Forces. Participants will observe science, technology, and exceptional physical preparation presented in an accessible and engaging way, inspiring curiosity and admiration.
| Booths
The festival booths showcase the diverse ecosystem of science, technology, and education in Bulgaria and around the world.
Visitors will meet representatives of leading companies, educational institutions, and scientific organizations presenting their latest achievements and initiatives. From space technologies to bookstores, from university faculties to children’s robotics academies, the booths create a unique learning and inspirational environment that stimulates curiosity and creativity.
For more information about the event, please visit the homepage and the program.
Food and Drinks
During the festival, one free lunch portion will be provided for each visitor, with priority given to children. Free bottled water will also be available for everyone.
| How do we receive the food?
Upon arrival, each participant / group leader must go to registration, where they will receive a wristband. The wristband can be exchanged for one free meal portion from the available options. Each participant is entitled to only one portion.
Directions, Address and Map
| Address
Sofia Tech Park 111G Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria
Innovation Forum “John Atanasoff”
| Getting to Sofia Tech Park by Public Transport
Access to the territory of Sofia Tech Park is provided via the outbound local lane from Asen Yordanov Blvd. and a newly constructed connection to Ambassador James Pardew St., Gen. Yordan Venedikov St., and the adjacent entrances/exits of Sofia Tech Park – “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”. The park is also accessible via the local lane from Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. – entrance/exit “E”.
Pedestrian access is provided from Aviation Square, as well as via a pedestrian bridge over Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd.
| Public transport:
- Stop 0579 “Sofia Tech Park” (on the local lane of Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. → Mladost residential district): Bus lines 184, 84, N1 and trolleybus lines 3 and 5.
- Stop 0576 “Sofia Tech Park” (on the local lane of Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. → city center): Bus lines 184, 84, N1 and trolleybus lines 3 and 5.
- Stop 2795 “Sofia Tech Park” (on the local lane of Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd. → Aviation Square): Bus lines 1, 3, 5, 6.
- Stop 1196 “UMHAT St. Anna” (→ city center): Bus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 76, 204, 213, 305, 604.
- Stop 1194 “UMHAT St. Anna” (→ Mladost residential district): Bus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 76, 204, 213, 305, 604.
- Stop 1260 “Aviation Square” (→ Druzhba 1 residential district): Bus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 123 and trolleybus lines 4 and 11.
- Stop 2616 “Arena Armeec Sports Hall” (→ city center): Bus lines 1, 3, 5, 6, 123 and trolleybus lines 4 and 11.
- Stop 1258 “Aviation Square”: Bus lines 73, 280, 305 and trolleybus lines 84, 184, 3, 5.
| By Car
The main vehicle entrance to the Science and Technology Park is from Aviation Square (“4th kilometer”), Asen Yordanov Blvd. The park is also accessible through four additional entrances from James Pardew St. and Gen. Yordan Venedikov St.
Within the park, there is a multi-level parking facility with a capacity of 500 spaces. Parking is paid – 1 BGN per hour (VAT included), with the first 30 minutes free. A monthly subscription costs 120 BGN (excluding VAT).
The parking facility is equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the event?
To encourage young people’s interest in Space and STEAM sciences and to support the development of their thinking and imagination.
Where and when will the event take place?
Day 1 – “HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling” will take place on 26.06.2026, Friday, in Sofia, Sofia Tech Park, Innovation Forum “John Atanasoff”.
Day 2 – “HELLO, SPACE | STEAM Careers” will take place on 27.06.2026, Saturday, in Sofia, Sofia Tech Park, Innovation Forum “John Atanasoff”.
What is the difference between Day 1 and Day 2?
Day 1 – “HELLO, SPACE | Bulgaria Calling” is a youth science festival for children and young people of all ages, presenting the opportunity for visitors to get up close with space and science through our lectures, booths, workshops, and demonstrations.
Day 2 – “HELLO, SPACE | STEAM Careers” is a career orientation day for high school students and university students, aimed at introducing young people to the various career paths in the STEAM field through motivational lectures, an exhibition of companies, organizations, and universities from STEAM fields, and specialized career zones.
How can I purchase tickets or register for the event?
Day 1 – Access to the festival is completely free for all visitors. However, prior registration is required. To confirm your attendance, visit https://www.hello-space.eu, and click the “Register” button (top right corner).
To register a participant for the workshops or demonstrations for children, select one of the other available options. (Registration for workshops and other activities opens at the beginning of June.)
Attention: the free festival ticket does not automatically grant access to additional activities.
What are the event hours and schedule?
The festival doors open at 10:00, the official opening is at 13:30, and the closing ceremony is expected to end at 18:00.
Will there be an English translation?
Yes, there will be simultaneous translation.
Is there an age restriction for participating in the event?
No, the event is designed for children and young people, but people of all ages are welcome!
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Additionally, we will provide free lunch for every visitor; however, as quantities run low, children will be given priority.
Will there be parking available?
Yes. The Sofia Tech Park parking offers paid parking at 1 BGN per hour. The parking has a capacity of 500 cars.
Is the event accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. If assistance is needed, please call: (0887254221)
What security measures are in place?
There will be police, an ambulance, a fire brigade, and security on site.
Will there be medical services or first aid on site?
Yes.
Can I volunteer or participate as a vendor at the event?
If you would like to volunteer, please call +359 878 22 9695 or email: gro.bulc-citnalta@averbod.anele. If you would like to participate with a booth, please contact gb.ecnaillalatigid@aras for potential collaboration.
Are there any restrictions on photography or video recording during the event?
No, but when sharing on social media, please tag the event with #HelloSpace6. In exceptional cases, follow the moderators’ instructions.
Are there designated smoking areas?
Smoking is prohibited indoors, but it is allowed on the terrace and outdoors. Please dispose of cigarette butts in the bins and be mindful of children nearby!
Can I bring my pets?
No. Pets are not allowed on the premises of Sofia Tech Park.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The event is planned for both sunny and rainy conditions. Outdoor activities will be held under tents.
How can I get to the event location? Are there public transport options?
Yes, please refer to the “Useful Information” section on the event website.
Is there a designated area for luggage drop-off and pick-up?
No, but there will be a lost and found area – INFO POINT on the terrace in front of the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum entrance.
Will there be ATMs available at the event?
No.
Will there be toilets at the event location? Are they accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, toilets will be available on site and accessible for people with disabilities.
Can I leave the event and re-enter later in the day?
Yes.
Is there a seating arrangement or is it first come, first served?
There is no designated seating arrangement. You may sit wherever there is availability.
Are there designated areas where people can rest or take a break?
Yes. Sofia Tech Park is a good place for relaxation.
Are there alternative transport options such as bicycle racks?
Yes.
Is there a lost and found area at the event location?
Yes, there will be a designated place where lost items will be stored – INFO POINT.
Are there official hashtags or social media accounts I should follow?
Yes, our official hashtag is #HelloSpace6.
Can children bring their own toys or equipment to the event?
Yes.
What are the procedures if a child gets lost?
You can receive assistance at the INFO POINT.
Are there prizes for participants in the festival?
There will be prizes for the winners of the pre-event competitions, as well as for participants who win in our raffles.
Can children attend without a guardian?
No.
Is there a limit to the number of activities a participant or family can join?
No, but please avoid registering for two or more activities that take place at the same time.
Will there be items or educational materials available for purchase before or during the festival?
Yes, at some booths you will be able to purchase books, educational games, STEAM kits, and more.
What happens if we are late and miss an activity we have registered for?
It is not possible to track all children, but if they are only slightly late, it should not be a problem. If they will not attend a given activity, they should notify the registration desk so that the spot can be freed for another child.
What happens if we are late and miss an activity we have registered for?
It is not possible to track all children, but if they are only slightly late, it should not be a problem. If they will not attend a given activity, they should notify the registration desk so that the spot can be freed for another child.
How can we find out if our child has won one of the competitions?
The ranked participants will be announced on the website.
How can I provide feedback about the festival?
We would be happy to receive your feedback at ue.ecaps-olleh@ofni