Science Museum’s ‘After Dark’ is again entertaining adults

INCLUDES EXPERIMENTAL VIDEO | See why adults from all over outer East Portland are heading to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry every month to this special program for grownups …

During an OMSI After Dark event, a major attraction in their Turbine Hall is beer, wine and spirits beverage sampling at this all-adult event.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After being shuttered by the COVID-19 pandemic for some time, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) brought back its monthly “OMSI After Dark” series recently.

These are is 21+ events that gather local vendors, artisans, and themed science content for adults to enjoy.

In the chemistry lab, at this OMSI After Dark event, Museum Educator Dylann Nakaji-Conley helps participants with hands-on scientific experimentation.

Not long ago, the theme of the evening was entitled “Bees & Botanicals”, in which guests were able to meet local beekeepers, learn how to grow a garden in any available space, and explore the science behind sustaining the planet.

In the lobby, both commercial partners and OHSU Extension Service Master Gardeners were featured. There were many additional exhibitors in the Natural Sciences Hall, the Featured Hall Alcove, the Turbine Hall, and in the OMSI Auditorium.

On these evenings, adults get to experience all of the exhibits, but without contending with frenzied kids.

Some of the exhibits constituted teaching demonstrations, others were commercial exhibitors displaying and selling goods and services related to the theme of the evening. In the “Empirical Theater” there were four lectures on the featured topic.

Attendees dined on wood-fired pizza and specialty burritos in OMSI’s newly-revamped restaurant, “Theory”; and many visitors were taking advantage of the nice-weather full-service bar set up outside, on the patio.

Many attendees dress to match the theme, like Henry, Florabunda, and Flower Lady with the troop Risk of Change.

It being an adult event, visitors eagerly lined up to sample libations of cider, beer, and liquor from local companies.

Even though the evening was “sold out”, with so many exhibits that activities had to spread throughout the sprawling building, the party seemed active and lively without being crowded.

Special guest exhibitors come in for these special evenings, providing information and entertainment befitting the event’s theme.

The theme of the Wednesday, August 30, evening is “PetPalooza” – You’ll learn how to read your pets’ body language, you’ll meet animal experts and pet professionals, and you’ll get to know Portland’s amazing animal adoption agencies.

Now, maybe you’d like to join the 21+ crowd at “OMSI After Dark” – see what it’s like at an event:

All of these “OMSI After Dark” evening take place from 6 until 10 p.m., at the museum just north of the Ross Island Bridge on S.E. Water Avenue, under the Marquam Bridge. Since these special evenings are for age 21+ only, a valid government issued ID is required for entry for all attendees.

Tickets are $25 per person. Obtain your tickets online – that’s also where you can also get more information – so CLICK HERE to visit the webpage

©2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™

 

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