+ LINKS

Texas Star Party

June 1–8, Fort Davis, Texas At one of the top events on the amateur astronomer's calendar, star enthusiasts gaze heavenward under the dark skies of rural West Texas to observe and photograph the stars and planets.

2008 Summer Explosives Camps

June 8–28, Rolla, Mo. The Missouri University of Science and Technology provides high school students with a week-long opportunity to work with detonators, high explosives, blasting agents, display fireworks, and more.

Minnesota Inventors Congress

June 13–14, Redwood Falls, Minn.
"The world’s oldest annual inventors convention" showcases ideas coming from the frenzied minds of noncorporate inventors.

RoboGames

June 12–15, San Francisco, Calif.
One of the world's largest robot competitions features events ranging from robotic combat to cybernetic bartending.

Fire Arts Festival

July 9-12, Oakland, Calif.
Makers with a burning desire celebrate at this annual event in the Bay Area with classes, artworks, performances, and more.

All-American Soap Box Derby

July 26, Akron, Ohio
Since 1934, this is the championship competition for young people and their handcrafted, gravity-powered coaster race cars.

EAA AirVenture

July 28-Aug. 3, Oshkosh, Wisc.
The biggest event on the aviation calendar takes place when more than 750,000 people attend the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual rally.

International Kite Festival

Aug. 18-24, Long Beach, Wash.
This is one of the largest and best-known gatherings of kite makers and flyers. More than 10,000 attendees revel in all things kite-related.

Bonneville Speed Week

Aug. 18–24, Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
Gearheads and speed enthusiasts show their need for speed as they streak across the Great Salt Flats in a variety of fast-moving, high-powered vehicles.