After Dark

See for Yourself

Every Thursday Night • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

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Adults Only (18+)

Note: The Tactile Dome and some programs have limited capacity and are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Things look different after dark. Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a pitch-black dome to a fog bridge, a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more. Or savor adults-only programming featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, and one-of-a-kind activities. It'll change how you think about the world around you. But don't take our word for it—see for yourself.

Upcoming Events

Apr
26

After Dark: SOFIA—Reflections on the Universe from 40,000 Feet and Mirrors

Thursday, April 26, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications. And join SOFIA scientists to learn about mirrors used in telescopes, especially the 100-inch mirror on board SOFIA.

May
3

After Dark: Boundaries

Thursday, May 3, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How close is too close? Whether a cell membrane or a line in the sand, boundaries help define where one ends and others begin. Test the influence of dividing lines on everything from bubbles to public bathrooms.

May
10

After Dark: Five-Second Rule

Thursday, May 10, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

The kitchen can be a haven—for you and, if you’re not careful, for microbes that are hazardous to your health. Get the truth about food safety from Chef Loretta Keller and Exploratorium Senior Scientist Julie Yu at Pairings.

May
17

After Dark: Maker Faire Edition and Copper

Thursday, May 17, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join us for Maker Faire activities and demonstrations. Malleable, conductive copper enabled the Bronze Age and is an essential element for life. Explore its significance with host Ron Hipschman and environmental scientist Seira Ashley Adams, who’ll share its chemical role in spiders.

May
24

After Dark: Sound

Thursday, May 24, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.

May
31

After Dark: Tactile Dome and Explainer Demonstrations

Thursday, May 31, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science at our adults-only After Dark. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in mind-bending experiences and unique, thought-provoking programs.

Jun
7

After Dark: Today's World of Tomorrow

Thursday, June 7, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Explore emergent ideas and future artifacts at tonight’s After Dark, such as space travel, robots, future foods, and San Francisco’s evolving cityscape.

Jun
14

After Dark: Caffeine

Thursday, June 14, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Caffeine may keep you up at night, but it also helps premature babies breathe and boosts performance on some mental tests. Get a deeper understanding of how caffeine affects the human nervous system and shapes behavior at Pairings.

Jun
21

After Dark: Zinc

Thursday, June 21, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come be in your elements with Exploratorium host and scientific raconteur Ron Hipschman at Everything Matters: Zinc. Discover zinc’s history and explore its influence on our metabolism with Dr. Janet King, Executive Director of the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI).

Jun
28

After Dark: Fireworks

Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.

Jul
5