Frequently Asked Questions

What is the March For Science?

The March for Science is an International event being held in more than 500 cities on April 22, 2017. Science supporters around the world will come together to show their support for science.

What are the goals of the March For Science - San Francisco?

Communication: Publicly-funded scientists must be free to communicate openly their research, data sets, and interpretations of their work. Public outreach, education, and accessibility of scientific knowledge should be encouraged.
Funding: Investment in science and research is essential to drive innovation and deliver solutions to the complex challenges society faces. A long term strategic approach to funding science is needed, with policy stability and a commitment to increased investment that will ensure future growth and prosperity.
Policy: Public policy should be guided by evidence-based scientific research, local scientific knowledge, and mainstream scientific consensus.
Literacy: A well-informed citizenry is essential to a free and successful society. We support initiatives to promote broad public knowledge and discussion of scientific work.
Diversity: We consider all human beings equal. This should be reflected by diversity in scientific opportunities and leadership, open access to scientific results, and fair distribution of the benefits of scientific discoveries. We oppose the manipulation of science to marginalize groups of people, and instead support the right to pursue and enjoy the fruits of science regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or lack thereof, political affiliation, or socioeconomic status.

When/What/Where is the March For Science - San Francisco?

The March For Science - San Francisco consists of 3 parts: The Rally, the March and the Science Fair. The Rally: invited speakers will start the event at 11:00AM in Justin Herman Plaza. At approximately 12:30pm we will March down Market Street towards Civic Center Plaza. The Science Fair will take place in Civic Center Plaza immediately following the March and last until 6pm. This will include: food, drinks, music, invited speakers, science-related panels, interactive science booths, a photobooth and more!

Who can participate?

Everyone and anyone! This is a family friendly event. If you need special considerations or accessibility, please contact us at [email protected].

Where can I sign up?

Please register ahead of time on our Eventbrite or Facebook Event pages to provide us with an estimated headcount for organizing the event.

What should I wear?

Feel free to wear what you want. Have fun planning ways to connect visually with your friends, groups and family members. Check the weather and make sure you wear what is appropriate for the day. We offer commemorative apparel in our store if you want to support the cause. The next shipment however, will not be available until after the march.

What do I need to know about signs?

Please bring/make any type of sign, banner or flags except those with metal, plastic or wooden poles or metal posts. You can use a cardboard post. When thinking about the content for your sign, themes around our goals will create unity. Our goals are Communication, Funding, Policy, Literacy, and Diversity. Please remember this is a nonpartisan, family friendly event.

I'm not a scientist! Am I invited?

Yes, the March For Science - San Francisco is for any person that believes in and is passionate about science. The March For Science - San Francisco celebrates public discovery, understanding, and distribution of scientific knowledge as crucial to the freedom, success, health, and safety of life on this planet. We are a nonpartisan group, marching in support of the following goals: Communication, Funding, Policy, Literacy, and Diversity.

Will cell phones be usable?

We cannot promise cell service availability for calls or texting on the day of the march. In the event that cell service does not work, please be sure to make a plan for the day of the march with your friends, family, and group ahead of time. It may be worth bringing extra chargers or battery packs!

What is the best way to stay connected to the March For Science San Francisco?

Check out the March For Science - San Francisco website for up to date changes. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Tweet us @ScienceMarchSF!

How can I support the March?

Please join us on April 22! You can also by merchandise here, or directly donate to the march here. For more details on how to support the March, feel free to email us at: [email protected].

Where can I get posters?

We have freely available posters for download at: https://marchforsciencesf.com/posters.

I would like to volunteer on the day of the March, how can I do that?

Please fill out the form at: https://marchforsciencesf.com/volunteer. Do you still have questions or have a special skill or training that is relevant to the march? Let us know: [email protected]

How Can I get to the March?

San Francisco public transit including BART, SF Ferries, MUNI and Caltrain will all be running and have access to Justin Herman Plaza and/or Civic Center Plaza. For more information see: https://www.sfmta.com/justin-herman-plaza.

Are there bathrooms along the course of the march?

We will have portable restrooms in both Justin Herman Plaza and at Civic Center Plaza, including ADA accessible facilities.

Is photography/videography allowed?

Yes! Photography and videography are allowed. If you are a member of a media outlet and would like a Press Pass, please go to https://marchforsciencesf.com/press. If you have photos are videos that you think are particularly memorable, please consider sending them to us at [email protected]

Can we bring strollers and baby carriers?

Yes! This is a family-friendly event. However, you should be aware that we expect large crowds at the Rally. We are planning to host a special segment at the front of the march for kids that want to be a part of the event and lead us down Market Street. For more information, please contact [email protected].

Can I bring my dog to the march?

Since the event will be held in public spaces of San Francisco, dogs are allowed. However, we encourage you to keep your animals at home for their safety and comfort. If you do decide to bring your dog, you should be aware that we are expecting large crowds. Please consider how your animal may react in these conditions. We ask that you do not bring dogs to the Science Fair at Civic Center Plaza due to safety issues with the crowd and to protect the grass. Service dogs are allowed.

Can I bring my backpack to the march?

At the March For Science - San Francisco we will be adopting the policy used for the Women's March. It is copied here: All backpacks and bags may be subject to search at the March, and those not conforming to the standards set here may be confiscated or asked to be left behind. Backpacks are not permitted unless they are clear and no larger than 17"x12"x6" (colored transparent bags are not permitted).

  • Bags/totes/purses for small personal items should be no larger than 8"x6"x4".
  • Specifically for people who would like to bring meals, each marcher is permitted one additional 12"x12"x6" plastic or gallon bag.
  • For marchers who have medical needs or for mothers who need baby bags or breast pumps, please ensure that your supplies fit into the above clear backpack. You can have one backpack per individual in your group, as long as they abide by the above guidelines.
  • Canes, walking sticks, walkers, and portable seats are allowed for individuals who require them for mobility and accessibility on a regular basis.
  • Do not bring anything that can be construed as a weapon, including signage with any kind of handle (e.g. a sharpened wooden stick). We recommend also checking with your bus company if your bus will be secured during the march and if you can leave larger belongings in the bus, rather than carrying them all day.

  • This is the policy of the March For Science - San Francisco team of organizers, security, and logistics. We ask all marchers to please cooperate with these policies and guidelines in order to ensure that this event is safe and comfortable for all attendees. We understand the environmental implications of using plastic bags and backpacks, but in this case, we believe the safety and security of marchers supersedes other concerns.

    In accordance with the above, the following items will not be permitted:
  • Aerosols
  • Ammunition
  • Backpacks
  • Bags exceeding size restrictions (8"x 6"x 4")
  • Bicycles (restricted in the rally and march areas)
  • Balloons
  • Coolers
  • Explosives
  • Firearms
  • Glass or thermal containers
  • Laser pointers
  • Mace / Pepper spray
  • Packages
  • Structures (tents, chairs other than wheelchairs or mobility supports, etc.)
  • Wooden supports for signs and placards
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Any other items determined to be potential safety hazards


  • Thanks for your understanding and your assistance to make the March For Science - San Francisco an amazing event! See you on April 22nd!

    Contact Us

    Need help? Got a question? Reach out!

    [email protected]