Carnegie Festival
Carnegie Elementary School
Carnegie students only
Math Festivals
Get Started at a Math Festival
A Math Festival is a joyful community celebration of problem-solving, curiosity, and discovery. Students and their families explore math together through hands-on puzzles, games, and challenges that are as fun as they are educational. Activities are play-based, standards-aligned, and designed to spark excitement for math in learners of all ages.
Hosted in schools, libraries, and community centers across Chicago, Math Festivals showcase the wonder of mathematics—and introduce families to the engaging style of our regular Math Circles programs.
Students in grades 3-8
Events throughout the year
What are Math Festivals?
Choice x Variety = Fun
A math festival is a large group event that typically allows children to try out up to 20 different fun math activities in one to two hours. MC2 holds a citywide festival each fall and spring that is open to all students; we also hold more than 40 festivals each year at individual schools.
Schools that are interested in hosting a festival supported by MC2 should complete an inquiry form. MC2 brings the activities, helps with set up and clean up, and gives support to the school provided 'Table Leads' (typically classroom teachers and math interested parents).
want to host a festival?
How to Host a Math Festival
Want to bring the magic of a Math Festival to your school or community? MC2 makes it easy! All you need to do is spread the word and welcome your community. See this Fee Schedule for information about costs.
Supplies Provided
We bring everything you need for engaging, interactive activities.
Volunteer Training
We prepare your helpers so they can guide participants and keep the fun flowing.
Setup Support
We’ll help arrange your space for a smooth and inviting experience.
Upcoming Festivals
Festivals
Nov 13, 2025
4:30-6:00PM
our team
Meet our Festival Coordinators
Michelle Harton
Festival and Symposium Manager
Angelica Ledezma
Operations Assistant
FAQS
Math Festival FAQs
Is there an overview document that I can share with my Administrative team that explains the basic details of a festival?
Yes, there is. Here is the link.
How much does it cost to have a festival at my school? How does our school pay?
MC2 provides our festival services on a sliding scale. See this Fee Schedule for information about costs.
We accept three forms of payment. CPS Purchase Order, Zelle and Checks. MC2 is a CPS Vendor.
Can we have a festival during the school day?
Most festivals are held after the school day. However, we can accommodate a festival during the day. However, as additional planning and staff are required the price for these festivals is higher than an after school festival.
Where are Festivals usually held? How does planning for the festival work?
Large spaces tend to work well for festivals, i.e., Gyms, Cafeterias or libraries.
Every step of way, we have designated staff that work with the school festival coordinator to ensure all aspects of the festival are covered.
What is the difference between a full support festival and a kits only festival?
Full support festivals include planning support and staff support on the day of the festival. Kits only festivals are for schools that have successfully hosted a festival previously. There is no planning or day of staff support for these festivals.
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