After Dark: Past Programs

Photo collage of a man on a bicycle with a background of colorful, patterned circles

After Dark: Flights of Fancy

Thursday, January 23, 2020 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

From bewitching bicycles to astounding aviation to crazy cars, take a look at the art, science, and storytelling behind bewildering and transcendent modes of transport.

After Dark: Tactile

Thursday, January 16, 2020 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

In celebration of the anniversary of the opening of the Tactile Dome, feel your way through the darkened labyrinth, sharpen your tactile perception, and learn about the system that connects the outer world to your inner reality.

After Dark: The Water We Eat

Thursday, January 9, 2020 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

You are what you eat—and that includes the 60% of your body that’s made of water. Find out how your success in the kitchen often boils down to simply understanding how water works.

After Dark: Happy Place

Thursday, January 2, 2020 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Where’s your happy place? Bring it a little closer with the science and practice of unlocking joy and finding euphoria.

After Dark: Full-Spectrum

Thursday, December 26, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come see our winter exhibitions before the year is over! Explore Glow and Curious Contraptions and close out the year with our staff scientist Ron Hipschman and Full-Spectrum Science.

After Dark: All Is Bright

Thursday, December 19, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Discover a once-missing element at Everything Matters: Technetium; excite your atoms at Glow; experience a landscape of astonishing visual effects at Kaleidoscope; and bring flying, sailing, and cycling automata to life at Curious Contraptions.

After Dark: Life Out of Balance

Thursday, December 12, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How can we reverse the course of our ecological impact and move toward a more sustainable future? Hear from leading scientists about the latest in resilience, sustainability, and environmental science education.

After Dark: Glow

Thursday, December 5, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Keep the early dark of this winter’s night at bay with light, color, and warmth. Excite your atoms at Glow, our annual festival of ebullient lights and subtle glows celebrating the close of the year.

After Dark: Nonsense Machines

Thursday, November 21, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Leave your common sense at the door and indulge in a night of nonsense in celebration of the opening of Curious Contraptions—including two performances by Maywa Denki, foremost purveyors of nonsense machines.

After Dark: From the Farm

Thursday, November 14, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

From livestock to grapes, come learn some of the science involved in growing the world’s food. And don’t forget to taste the bounty at our science-of-food program, Pairings.

After Dark: Matters of Fact

Thursday, November 7, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How can we know the truth? Do facts matter? Learn about the anchors of scrupulous science and diligent data, how they can be exploited, and tools to find the facts for yourself.

After Dark: Hallowe'en

Thursday, October 31, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

It’s no trick—just a refreshingly nerdy Halloween treat. Join us for a night filled with fun and spooky Bay Area favorites including Nerd Nite, Awesome Orchestra, and Odd Salon. Costumes highly encouraged.

Past Events