Grab your friends and immerse yourselves in a night of science and nostalgia.
By: Amanda Musto
When the children have all gone home and the DJ starts playing the hits, experience Liberty Science Center like never before. Get ready for an adults only field trip.
Since August 2016, except for a short hiatus during the pandemic, Liberty Science Center has been hosting their LSC After Dark events for guests 18 and up to come party and play. The concept of these events came about as a way to invite the kids who grew up going to LSC back as adults with a trip down memory lane. They combine science, music, and fun for people to let loose and forget adulthood for a night. On average, about 600-700 guests attend each event, proving that many people are still kids at heart.
“My favorite part of hosting these events is how the building transforms from day to night. It changes so drastically from our daytime guests to adult nightlife in a couple of hours,” said Christina Ferrari, senior manager of marketing events. “Also, how excited adults get to relive their childhood memories.”
After Dark events feature a DJ with a dance floor, a full bar for guests 21 and up, a menu of delicious food options, and different planetarium and laser light shows. Along with that lineup, the regular exhibits are also open, meaning you can test your smarts at the Brain Games, feel your way through the Touch Tunnel, and conquer heights in the Infinity Climber. Until September there is also Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition which is open during the events and can be added onto admission tickets for $10.
The events are always themed, with their most recent event this past Thursday being Psychedelic Solstice, which featured both flower crown and tie dye making stations along with two live shows in the planetarium by Strangers Stopping Strangers. The themes are changed for each event, except for some that get brought back depending on guest engagement. Other themes, such as Wine-O-Saurs are held annually. Occasionally, polls are held on LSC’s social media accounts for guests to help pick event themes.
LSC After Dark is held on Thursdays, usually twice a month, from 6pm-10pm, with tickets costing $25 at the door or $22 online in advance. Tickets are on sale now for the two upcoming After Dark events in July. On July 10th get your ogre roar ready and join the fun of the Swamp Soiree. Then on July 24th, dig for fossils while you enjoy an array of wines at Wine-O-Saurs.
“This was my first time at one of the After Dark events. The last time I was at Liberty Science Center was in third grade, so I didn’t know what to expect,” said guest Andrew Doerer. “The vibes were awesome and there was so much to do at the event!”
