Away From SA: Moon 2 Mars Festival Returns to Space Center Houston

HOUSTON — Space Center Houston’s Moon 2 Mars Festival, presented by Wellby Financial, is set to return for its fifth year this Spring Break, bringing four days of space exploration, hands-on STEM activities and live music to the Bayou City.

The festival runs March 11 through March 14, 2026, with headlining concerts from The Wallflowers on Friday, March 13, and 311 on Saturday, March 14.

Held at the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, Moon 2 Mars blends science, technology and entertainment into an immersive spring break experience for families, space enthusiasts and music fans alike.

“The Moon to Mars Festival… is a spring break destination that offers a unique experience for families, space enthusiasts, food lovers and music fans,” said William Harris, president and CEO of Space Center Houston. “As the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, this signature event captures our shared purpose: to bring people and space closer together.”

By day, guests can take NASA tram tours to the Astronaut Training Facility, Rocket Park and the Johnson Space Center campus. Festival grounds will feature interactive STEM programming, robotics demonstrations, rocket builds and other hands-on activities designed to inspire the next generation of explorers.

The event also includes a wide range of activations such as the Innovation Tent supported by the United States Space Force, exhibits from Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines and Lunar Outpost, VR experiences, educational programming and access to the Space Center Houston Planetarium.

Guests 21 and older can visit the Starbase Beer Garden to sample space-themed brews, including “Go for Launch,” a new collaboration with Starbase Brewing created specifically for Space Center Houston. Festive foods by Wolfgang Puck will also be available for purchase, including turkey legs, brisket sandwiches and other crowd favorites.

Concert nights on March 13 and 14 extend festival hours, with live music beginning at 7 p.m. each evening. A ticketed VIP area will be available for sponsors and select ticket holders, offering complimentary food and beverages starting at 5 p.m.

Wellby Financial, the Official Credit Union of Space Center Houston, returns as presenting sponsor.

“We’re thrilled to be the Official Credit Union of Space Center Houston and sponsor the Moon 2 Mars Festival at such a pivotal moment in human space exploration,” said Marty Pell, president and CEO of Wellby Financial. “This signature event reflects the same spirit of curiosity and forward thinking that drives our commitment to serving the NASA Johnson Space Center community and Houstonians.”

Beyond the festival, visitors can explore more than 400 space artifacts and immersive experiences at Space Center Houston, including The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks and hands-on exhibits like Mission: Sketch.

Event Details:
What: Moon 2 Mars Festival presented by Wellby Financial
When: March 11–14, 2026
• March 11–12: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• March 13–14: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Concerts begin at 7 p.m.)
Where: Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

Tickets are available now at the Moon 2 Mars Festival website.