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During the Philadelphia Science Festival, explore the fascinating chemistry behind wine, cheese, beer, baking and much more.
(Photos by J. Fusco for GPTMC)

The Philadelphia Science Festival returns for a second year, running April 20-29 with more than 105 participating institutions and more than 100 events at locations all around the city.

A portion of the programming will center around the science of food and drink, enabling you to explore the magic of your taste buds.

Check out what’s on the schedule:

• Mix It! Science Fest Opening Night Party: Friday, April 20, 7-10 p.m., Frankford Hall, $5. Celebrate the official kick-off of the Science Fest with the Opening Night Party this Friday, April 20, which includes the tapping of the exclusive Science Festival Beer by Yards Brewery, and delicious Weizenbock and German fare courtesy of the Fishtown beer hall.

• Grow it, Cook it, Eat it: Sunday, April 22, noon, Bartram’s Garden, $10. Have you ever tried to grow your own mushrooms or spinach? Join agricultural experts and culinary students as you experience a variety of demonstrations and activities throughout Bartram’s Garden. Discover the science behind raising meats and learn how to grow veggies — or how to choose and enjoy the wares at the farmers markets popping up all over the city.

• Science of Nutrition — The Gluten and Dairy Free Fad: Monday, April 23, 8 p.m., Pure Fare, $10. Allergies and intolerance to gluten and dairy are becoming increasingly common — but are they health risks or a diet fad? Enjoy gluten- and dairy-free desserts while learning about these common food allergies and sensitivities.

• Extraction: Food and Flavor: Tuesday, April 24, 6 p.m., World Café Live, $25. The chem lab meets the kitchen as local chef Shola Olunloyo demonstrates his passion for creating incredible food through the use of modern technology. Watch as he bakes bread without yeast in seven minutes and ages whiskey in less than three. Explore how we perceive taste and the role that memory plays in our feelings about food all while experiencing some of Chef’s tasty demos.

Read on, below.

• Wine Chemistry — Worst and Best Pairings: Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m., DiBruno Bros., $35. Learn about the chemical harmony of perfect food and wine pairings. Sample various wine and food pairings and experience the difference made by a perfect match.

• From Farm to Fork — Dangerous Foods Facts, Fears and Foibles: Wednesday, April 25, 6 p.m., Rembrandt’s, Free. Does the five-second rule really count? How strict is the expiration date on milk? Look at food safety from the scientific perspective, and learn about risk aversion that can become irrationality about food.

• All About Ales — The Science of Beer: Friday, April 27, 7 p.m., Yards Brewing Company, $35. What makes a porter a porter? And why do oysters taste so good with stout? Discover the answers during a night of sensory experiences at Yards. Interact with the brewers as they explain the science of the brewing process and the chemistry behind some of their favorite brews. In the tasting room, explore some great beer and food pairings and find out from taste experts the chemistry that makes them go together.

• All Things Fermented — The Science of Beer and Cheese: Saturday, April 28, 3:30 p.m., Triumph Brewing Company, $50. Philly’s beer scene is hopping; here’s your chance to learn about the fascinating science behind how these brews are made. This two-hour tasting adventure in Old City will introduce seven stellar drafts brewed on-site at Triumph Brewing Company, and four sumptuous farmstead cheeses.

• The Magic and Science of Baking: Sunday, April 29, 2 p.m., Cook, $115. Baking a good recipe can seem almost magical, but chemistry is what really makes the perfect dessert. How do simple ingredients like flour, sugar and eggs really turn into delicious treats? Watch and taste as Whipped Bakeshop owner Zoe Lukas demonstrates some of the science behind baking with her delicious cupcakes.

To see our previous coverage of the Philadelphia Science Festival, click here.

BONUS: The Philadelphia Science Festival is offering another round of discount tickets for Visit Philly and uwishunu fans and followers, today through the end of the fest. Get $2 off any ticket purchased through TicketLeap using discount code “visitphilly.”

Philadelphia Science Festival
When: April 20-29
Where: Locations throughout the city
Cost: Varies
More info: www.philasciencefestival.org