By engaging non-technical audiences in discussions about scientific discoveries, public science events have the potential to gradually increase community scientific literacy. Mark Savary is assessing the effect of Ithaca’s Science Cabaret on community science literacy over its more than 12 years of offering free, informal talks by graduate students and faculty. In collaboration with undergraduate students and Kitty Gifford, the program director and lead curator of the Science Cabaret, Savary is surveying the program’s effect on individuals, the community and local decision-making on science-related issues. In addition, Savary is developing how-to guides to assist other communities in starting and sustaining effective public science events.