Area 57 - Flying Objects and Other Fun

Everyone wants to know more about drones and robots these days! If you count yourself among the curious, check out Area 57 on April 25, 2026. Area 57 is a FREE event hosted by Warren Technical School, located at 1500 Route 57, Washington, New Jersey. Event highlights include combat robots, drone demonstrations with WarrenUAS (Warren Community College's Unmanned Aerial Systems program), FRC robot teams, and fun STEM games and activities. The event will be action-packed with areas to: Build! Crash! Fly! Play! Learn! Watch! and even Race!

WarrenUAS
Each year, Area 57 showcases the College's nationally acclaimed Unmanned Systems Program, WarrenUAS, and highlights their new additions. The program teaches piloting, design and development, maintenance and repair of drones, as well as AI and robotics.

Unmanned systems technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in today's career market, with much of the industry currently understaffed in qualified professionals. WarrenUAS is continually building and adding new programs to meet today's job needs.

Check out WarrenUAS at Area 57, where you can meet SPOT the robot "dog" and some of the WarrenUAS staff. Learn about the new C-UAS (counter-drone) program, with classes set to launch in the fall. See the future of precision agriculture in flight. Join WarrenUAS for a live agricultural spray drone demonstration and experience how unmanned systems are transforming crop management and efficiency.

April Annihilation Combat Robots
Garden State Combat Robot League (GSCRL.org) invites you to watch or participate in the April Annihilation combat robot competition, featuring Fairyweights, 1- and 3-lb. Beetleweights, Plastic Ants, and Antweights. The competition begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 5 p.m. Feel free to stop in early, before the event kicks off. Check out the competitors' robots and feel free to ask them questions about how to get involved.

More Robots
Several FRC (First Robotics Competition) robots will be on display along with their teams. Learn all about participating from Bound Brook Team 56, Dover CyberTigers, and the Easton RoboRovers.

Warren Tech students will also show off some robots, one of which was entered in SkillsUAS. They also competed with Tello drones and will be letting visitors test drive and fly, completing various tasks.

Some of your favorite robot movies will play in the theatre throughout the day.

STEM Games and More
Stop by Fascination Place children's activity areas for some free STEM-related puzzles, fun, and games. You can even decorate your very own kite and fly it if weather allows. Visit the new Build! area where kids can get creative and competitive. Think planes, trains and automobiles.

The Da Vinci Science Center Mobile Fab Lab is coming to us! Soar into the principles of flight! In this hands-on workshop, participants will use Inkscape to create laser-cut foam gliders while exploring the science behind aerodynamics. With every launch, youth collaborate and piece together the best gliders while discovering how digital design and physics come together for high-flying fun. Ages 10-14. This is a free workshop, however pre-registration is highly recommended as space is limited. Sessions are 90 minutes, but the time will fly! To reserve your spot visit www.balloonfestnj.com or text 908-283-0721.
All learning will be disguised as fun.

Activities run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Feel free to stop in early for the start of the Combat Robots.) Warren Tech has ample parking, and visitors should park in the main parking lot and make their way to the John LaPorta Theatre, where you can pick up a map. This free event is rain or shine, and in case of inclement weather, all possible outdoor activities will be moved inside.

To keep up to date on the full schedule of events, visit www.balloonfestnj.com. For more information on the event, call or text organizer Giulia Grotenhuis at 908-283-0721, or email info@balloonfestnj.com.

Date and Time: On Sat, 25 Apr 2026 11:00 - 17:00

Venue details: Warren County Technical School, 1500 New Jersey 57, Washington, New Jersey, 07882, United States

Category: Kids / Family