The inaugural STEAM Carnival – an entertainment showcase that reimagines the classic midway with lasers, fire, and robots – will take place at Los Angeles’ CRAFTED port-side warehouse from 25 to 26 October 2014, organisers have announced.

The brainchild of LA-based Two Bit Circus, a high-tech amusement company, the event will combine hands-on social games with project-based learning to inspire kids of all ages to pursue STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art, and maths.

The weekend will include live performances, interactive experiences, workshops, contests, and artisanal carnival food. There are also plans to take the carnival to San Francisco.

As part of the STEAM focus, student participants will have the opportunity to showcase projects through a variety of exhibitions including a wearable electronics fashion show and a junior arcade.

“Two Bit Circus aims to inspire kids, young and old, about the superpowers you can unlock through engineering skills,” said Brent Bushnell, co-founder and CEO of Two Bit Circus.

“STEAM Carnival connects attendees to the skills our country has in short supply, while CRAFTED's focus on art and creativity makes it the perfect venue for our launch event.”

The project gained major momentum last June after a campaign on crowdfunding website Kickstarter raised $102,699 through user donations.
Support has continued to swell since and the project now counts top LA officials among its supporters.

“We have to innovate and inspire if our kids are going to compete and win in the 21st century economy, and that's why I'm so excited to partner with the STEAM Carnival,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti.

“I'm proud that our Port is hosting this event, proving that we can repurpose our historic infrastructure to support our future economy.”

The Carnival – which is being held and produced in conjunction with Jemie Sae Koo Productions – will preview with the STEAM Gala on October 22, where community leaders, officials, innovators and business professionals will gather to raise funds for STEAM initiatives.

To view the preview video for STEAM, click here.