Kentucky Geological Survey to host annual earth science open house
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 19, 2026) — The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kentucky will host its 26th annual open house 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, in and around the Mining and Mineral Resources Building on the UK campus, 310 Columbia Ave.
In collaboration with other UK departments, student organizations and external geoscience partners, KGS will bring together researchers, hobbyists, students and educators to share their work and interest in earth sciences. The free, family-friendly event will feature interactive exhibits, demonstrations and displays related to Kentucky’s geology, including rocks and minerals, fossils, water resources, earthquakes, landslides and other natural hazards.
This year’s open house will include a volcano demonstration and a stream table that shows sediment transport, erosion and deposition in action, both provided by the UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. UK’s Department of Mining Engineering in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering will set up its augmented reality sandbox where guests can build tall mountains or deep valleys and explore hands-on topography and geomorphology. New this year, Pokémon will be matched with the exhibits based on their type, so visitors can catch the different characters.
The event provides an opportunity for K-12 students, families, teachers and community members to engage with KGS scientists, ask questions and learn about Kentucky’s geology.
Learn more about the open house, including parking information, at kygs.uky.edu/news/open-house-2026.
KGS is a publicly supported research center that serves Kentucky by conducting research and providing unbiased information about geologic resources, environmental issues and natural hazards affecting the Commonwealth.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and healthcare. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.