What do you get when you mix hundreds of astronomers and scientists together with zombies, barbots, and chefs? An experiment in fun, that’s what!  As the second annualBay Area Science Festival returns October 25 – November 3, people of all ages can connect with their inner scientist with more than 50 events showcasing the multi-faceted magic of science–most of them free of charge.

With events occurring from Santa Rosa to San Jose, the 10-day festival offers a mélange of entertaining, educational and out-of-this world experiences to foodies, cyclists, and aspiring scientists alike. Here are some events you simply don’t want to miss:

Alton Brown brings science out of the laboratory and into the kitchen for foodie enthusiasts on October 27 at 7 p.m. at San Francisco’s Castro Theater.  The famed Food Network chef and TV personality will entertain guests with his unique food/science variety show, discussing the science of food and performing a few "don't try this at home" demos.  Alton will take you on a rollercoaster ride of laughs while showcasing the laboratory that exists inside our own kitchens, with a question and answer session after the show.  Tickets are available for $35/person. Click here to purchase.

Bay Area master distillers will indulge your inner mad scientist, as you geek out over interactive beverage creation stations, and enjoy a drink from cocktail slinging robots. Explore how alcohol makes its way from the ground to your gullet and become a true bar star at the Science of Distilling presented by the Commonwealth Club’s INFORUM at 111 Minna Gallery Tuesday, October 30 from 6:30 - 9 p.m. Bay Area mixologists will share the chemistry of the cocktail with tastings from the Bay’s best distilleries including St. George Spirits, Anchor Distilling, Charbay Distillery, 1512 Spirits, Distillery 209, and more.Tickets are $40 or $25 for Commonwealth Club members.

Zombies take over Cal Academy's NightLife on October 25th from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Explore the Human Organ Lab, where you can see (and yes, touch) human brains. Zombie makeup artists will be on the prowl for their next victims of vanity, hear about the zombie brain from neuroscientist/zombie expert Brad Voytek of UCSF. And don’t miss the Zombie Drag Show presented by hostess of horror and local legend Peaches Christ. It's going to be a night to dismember! For tickets, click here.

The festival culminates with FREE Discovery Days at AT&T Park on Saturday, November 3rd from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., when AT&T Park transforms into a science wonderland with more than 150 interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and electrifying performances. Last year, more than 21,000 people from across the Bay Area enjoyed the non-stop program. With more than 150 exhibits, everyone can unleash their inner scientist.

Presented by Chevron and organized by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) the second annual Bay Area Science Festival seeks to entertain, educate and delight inner scientists of all ages. For more information, or to plan your scientific excursion, click here.