OMSI still courts adult summer ‘date nights’

Discover why the ‘After Dark’ evenings are attracting record numbers of folks this summer …

A sold-out crowd awaits the official door opening, as an “OMSI After Dark” adult party is about to begin.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Although the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is primarily known as an exciting kids’ destination, many grown-ups are taking to the monthly evening activities geared exclusively for adults.

Before the doors opened for the June 24 festivities, a line of people awaiting entry wrapped around the building.

Taking a break from the finishing touches for this After Hours event is OMSI Director of Events Andrea Edgecombe.

“We’ve been holding ‘OMSI After Dark’ for seven years now, but many people are still only just learning about this monthly event,” said OMSI Director of Events Andrea Edgecombe on June 24th.

“Our monthly ‘After Dark’ evenings are becoming more popular than ever,” Edgecombe told East Portland News. “But this is perhaps the first time we’ve sold out in advance; there are no tickets available at the door. It’s an awesomely good problem; and it makes for a crazy fun evening.”

During these “adults-only” evenings, OMSI Educators put on science-themed activities. They also feature vendors and organizations associated with the month’s theme.

Taking a whirl at the Orbit Table are Doug Philips and Kim Allen.

Pouring samples of his adults-only beverage is Kolin Leishman of Apple Outlaw Cider.

Each evening features a different topic, Edgecombe observed. At this particular After Dark, it was “Seeds and Cider”. “We have 19 cideries here this evening, providing samples of their hard ciders.”

Regardless of the theme, because their After Dark events are for people over 21 years of age, many adults enjoy it as a “date night” opportunity. “Kids are great, but during our After Dark evenings, you’re not being elbowed out of the way by seven-year-olds who, in their youthful enthusiasm, are pushing past you.”

Adults check out OMSI’s exhibits in a casual atmosphere.

Arturo Lagos and Maria Lagos look at the Silver Ghost automotive model made of many, many matchsticks; it’s part of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!^® collection.

And, all of their exhibit halls are open. Many guests enjoyed exploring OMSI’s current featured exhibition, artifacts from Ripley’s Believe It or Not!^® collection; it’s a 6,000 square foot highly-interactive exposition.

Enjoy OMSI After Dark on July 29
The theme of their July adults-only evening is “Science in the Fast Lane”. Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations, watch aerialists fly overhead, and enjoy a pint of beer – while learning about the science behind cars, explosions, and cider.

It’s from 7:00 until 11:00 p.m. Remember, this is for those age 21+ only, ID’s are required. Cost: $13 non-members, $6.50 OMSI members. For more information and advance tickets (recommended), CLICK HERE.

“Science is fun!” say Edward Saito and Karen Heisler as they see the world a new way through OMSI’s phenakistiscope.

> On our FRONT PAGE: Eudora Blair and Binh Lu look as if they might get eaten by the “Titanoboa” snake, in the entrance of the Ripley’s Believe It or Not!^® exhibition.

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