After Dark: Past Programs

After Dark: You Are What You Eat

Thursday, June 13, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Literally and metaphorically, we are what we eat. Explore how historical and current conditions shape our relationship to food and the ways in which we use food to express identity, community, values, status, and creativity.

After Dark: #SELFIE

Thursday, June 6, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How do we represent ourselves through the literal—and metaphorical—filters of popular culture? Ponder the ways popular culture shapes us as individuals, then consider the spaces where we take back control.

After Dark: Mirror, Mirror

Thursday, May 30, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Mirrors, arguably the first “virtual reality” technology, lie at the intersection of nature, culture, and self-recognition. Reflect on the science of mirrors and reflection through a rich collection of exhibits and experiences at After Dark: Mirror, Mirror.

After Dark: Self, Made

Thursday, May 23, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Question your assumptions, weigh your psychic baggage, and dare yourself to try on a new persona as you explore both self and society. Come as you are—and let’s take a look in the mirror.

After Dark: The MAX Festival

Thursday, May 16, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Kick off MAX 2019: A Space Festival at the Exploratorium and celebrate humanity’s modern frontier: space. Illuminating scientific exploration through artistic expression and shared experiences, the festival features artists exploring the new space age.

After Dark: Designed by Data

Thursday, May 9, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Data has never been more beautiful. Join visualization creators and experts as they share their work and findings. Then immerse yourself in the data with works from artists forging new visualization pathways in the art space.

After Dark: Let's Ride Bikes

Thursday, May 2, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Jump on your saddle and ride down the waterfront to celebrate cycles and promote pedal power! Watch cycling demos, marvel at unusual bike builds, and get hands-on experience with basic safety and maintenance for your ride.

After Dark: Tune In

Thursday, April 25, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Tune into what’s playing all around you with curated experiences about sound, the ways we use it to communicate, and the mechanisms that get it to us.

After Dark: Cannabis

Thursday, April 18, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Cannabis is legal for recreational use in California—yet it remains a federally controlled substance. Investigate the impacts of legalization, find out how the landscape is changing, and get up close with the plant itself.

After Dark: Best Coast

Thursday, April 11, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Roam the Best Coast—explore the work of California artists, learn about our coastline, see some marine inhabitants up close, and taste sustainably caught seafood in our Pairings program.

After Dark: Throwback Thursday

Thursday, April 4, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

In celebration of the Exploratorium’s 50th birthday, throw it back to 1969, musing on the cultural environment from which the museum rose—the landmark events, inventions, and cultural shifts that remain essential to this day.

After Dark: Outer Space

Thursday, March 28, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

From exoplanets to space biology, what exists outside of planet Earth has long exerted a pull on the human imagination. Come catch a glimpse into what lies ahead in the future of space exploration.

Past Events