Events and Activities

Poster thumbnail image for Free Days and Free Nights

Satisfy your science curiosity in a safe environment during our SCFD Free Days and Free Nights. Explore exhibitions, catch a Planetarium show or see a special performance or activity.

Read Full Description
Modal link image for OUT! At the Museum

OUT! At the Museum

Museum Admission is free Sunday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join us for a day of science fun and inclusivity at OUT! at the Museum. As one of our SCFD Free Days, we invite the community to take part in shared discovery, learning and celebration designed for the LGBTQ+ community, allies and all science enthusiasts. Come as you are, ready to enjoy exciting performances by local artists, family-friendly activities and full access to our incredible exhibits. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore, learn and be inspired in this festive, inclusive atmosphere that embraces our entire community. 


The Scientific & Cultural Facilities District is a voter-approved special district in the seven-county metro area that provides a stable source of supplemental funding to more than 300 scientific and cultural organizations inside the district's boundaries. The SCFD collects a one-tenth of 1 percent sales-and-use tax (or one penny on every $10 spent), providing approximately $40 million each year to area cultural attractions both small and large. 

Read Full Description
Designed For
Everyone
Poster thumbnail image for Noches en Español

Viernes 16 de agosto
Viernes 20 de septiembre

5-9 p.m.

Gratis con la entrada al Museo

¡Atención a todos los hablantes de español! Prepárate para “Noches en Español" en el Museo en donde puedes explorar los misterios de los agujeros negros en el Planetario Gates, mirar asombrosos documentales en la pantalla gigante del Teatro Infinity y conocer los secretos de las antiguas momias egipcias en un recorrido autoguiado. Y no solo eso, también tendremos anfitriones, guías de orientación y presentaciones especiales para mostrar objetos fascinantes de nuestras colecciones, ¡todo disponible en español! Reúne a tus amigos y familiares para una noche de descubrimiento y diversión en un entorno inmersivo en español que no querrás perderte. 

Compra tus boletos en línea o en la taquilla el mismo día.  También tenemos descuentos a través de tu biblioteca o presentando tu tarjeta SNAP, identificación de estudiante, educador o militar. 


Friday, Aug. 16
Friday, Sept. 20

5-9 p.m.

Free with Museum general admission

Join us for "Noches en Español" at the Museum! In addition to our everyday offerings in English, you will have a chance to embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of black holes in the state-of-the-art Gates Planetarium, marvel at awe-inspiring documentaries on the giant screen Infinity Theater and uncover the secrets of ancient Egyptian mummies through a self-directed guide — all presented in Spanish. Not only that, but we’ll also have Spanish-speaking staff and a showcase of fascinating objects from our collections. Round up your Spanish-speaking friends and family and come to the Museum for an action-packed adventure you do not want to miss.

You can acquire your tickets online or at the Museum on the day of the event. Remember that we have discounts available through your library or presenting your SNAP card, student, educator or military id.

Read Full Description
Designed For
Everyone
Families
Alternate Language Availability
Contenido disponible en español (Spanish Content Available)
Poster thumbnail image for Friday Evening Hours

Museum open until 9 on most Fridays

Can't make it to the Museum during the day? Come for an evening visit during Friday Evening Hours! The Museum is open until 9 p.m. and admission prices remain the same. As always, admission is free for our members. We look forward to kicking off the weekend with you.

 

Read Full Description
Designed For
Everyone
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Member Preview Day: Animals of the Rainforest

Thursday, Oct. 10
9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Free for Members

Members experience it first!

Step into the rainforest and meet fascinating live animals who call this magical place home. "Animals of the Rainforest" invites you to explore the wonders of ecology and conservation through expert animal care demonstrations and stunning displays. This exhibition features live animal species, including a sloth, reptiles, amphibians, tortoises and more, bringing you face-to-face with these extraordinary creatures. You'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of these ecological marvels. For those with energy to burn, enjoy clambering around fun animal replicas and tree sculptures throughout the exhibition — perfect for photos! Don’t miss Denver’s unique chance to experience the rainforest’s unmatched biodiversity and have a blast while doing it.

Little Ray’s Exhibitions and FARE - Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education.

Please note that your Preview Day ticket also serves as your Museum admission ticket for the day. You do not need to register for a separate admission time slot.

Read Full Description
Admission
Special Ticket Required
Designed For
Everyone
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Alternate Language Availability
Contenido disponible en español (Spanish Content Available)
Poster thumbnail image for 18+ Members-Only Evening Hours: Animals of the Rainforest

18+ Members-Only Evening Hours: Animals of the Rainforest

Wednesday, Oct. 16
6 - 9 p.m.

Free for Adult Members | Senior Members

Looking to experience “Animals of the Rainforest” in a quieter setting? Explore the Museum’s newest temporary exhibition during our 18+ members-only evening hours. You’ll meet face-to-face with live “Animals of the Rainforest” and leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation for ecology and conservation. 

Only “Animals of the Rainforest” will be open; the rest of the Museum will be closed. A timed ticket is required.

Little Ray’s Exhibitions and FARE - Foundation for Animal Rescue and Education.

Read Full Description
Admission
Special Ticket Required
Designed For
Adults
Seniors
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Alternate Language Availability
Contenido disponible en español (Spanish Content Available)
Poster thumbnail image for Bones, Bats, Boo! Halloween Family Overnight (Ages 5-Grade 8 with adult)
Friday - Saturday
October 25 - 26, 2024
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
 

Spend an enchanting night experiencing the magic of the Museum with your whole family! Wear your costumes while participating in Halloween hands-on science, crafts and more. Snuggle up for Storytime and enjoy a show in the Gates Planetarium. After a night of fun, sleep among the animals in our world-famous diorama halls. Ticket includes a pizza and salad dinner, evening snack and hot breakfast the next morning. It will be a ghostly good time for little monsters and mummies! Please contact Guest Services by October 10th at 303-370-6000 or [email protected] to request any needs with dietary restrictions at the time of ticket purchase.

Read Full Description
Designed For
Families
Poster thumbnail image for Tiny Tots: Diverse Colorado 10:45 a.m.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
 
In this fun, engaging program, we will use orchestra music to celebrate Colorado’s rich and colorful landscape of cultural diversity. These concerts will feature special guest collaborations and include music from Mariachi, Indigenous American, Classical, Popular, and African traditions, to name just a few! Tiny Tots programs, brought to the Museum by Inside the Orchestra, are 45-minute immersive, interactive concerts for kids seven and under (and their adults) to get truly “inside the orchestra.” Attendees are seated on the floor and encircled by the 30+ piece orchestra. The orchestral performance is followed by a meet and greet opportunity with the musicians and performers.  
 
General Admission or membership is required in addition to ticket price. Children 12 months of age and younger: Free, no ticket needed 
Read Full Description
Designed For
Families
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Tiny Tots: Diverse Colorado 9:30 a.m.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.
 
In this fun, engaging program, we will use orchestra music to celebrate Colorado’s rich and colorful landscape of cultural diversity. These concerts will feature special guest collaborations and include music from Mariachi, Indigenous American, Classical, Popular, and African traditions, to name just a few! Tiny Tots programs, brought to the Museum by Inside the Orchestra, are 45-minute immersive, interactive concerts for kids seven and under (and their adults) to get truly “inside the orchestra.” Attendees are seated on the floor and encircled by the 30+ piece orchestra. The orchestral performance is followed by a meet and greet opportunity with the musicians and performers.  
 
General Admission or membership is required in addition to ticket price. Children 12 months of age and younger: Free, no ticket needed 
Read Full Description
Designed For
Families
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for 60 Minutes in Space

Wednesday, October 30

7 p.m.

Ricketson Auditorium

FREE 

 

No reservations required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Explore breaking space news with space scientists and hear the latest updates on missions exploring the solar system, rocket launches, cutting edge astronomy, and more. 

This evening's presentation is by Curator of Space Sciences Dr. Ka Chun Yu.

Please use the West Entrance of the Museum. 

Read Full Description
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Indigenous Women Authors Event

The Connection Between The Arts and Science: A Woman's Experience

Denver Art Museum | Grand Sturm Pavilion

Tuesday, October 8
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Connection Between The Arts and Science: A Woman's Experience
Join us for an inspiring event celebrating the powerful voices of Indigenous women authors Robin Kimmerer, Angeline Boulley, Matika Wilbur, and Kinsale Drake. Through their unique experiences and personal stories, this dynamic panel of authors will explore the powerful connection of Indigenous traditional knowledge, the arts, and science.

This event is a must-attend for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge and the bridge between art and science.

* This event is hosted at the Denver Art Museum in the Grand Sturm Pavillion
** We would like to recognize and thank the following supporters of this program -  American Indian Education programs at Cherry Creek, Adams 12, Jeffco, Denver Public Schools; Native Student Support Initiatives and The Denver Project for Humanistic Inquiry at MSU Denver; CU Denver; Eaglecrest High School; the City & County of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency; Rose Community Foundation;  Colorado Trust; Native American Bank; the Denver Art Museum; the Denver Museum of Nature & Science; and Inyan Consulting  **
Read Full Description
Designed For
Adults
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Moche Textiles: Their Value and Role in North Coast Communities

Avenir - Conservation In Action

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Come and join us in our next Conservation in Action installment with Guest Speaker, Dr. Arabel Fernandez Lopez! Dr. Fernandez Lopez's current research on Moche textiles has opened a series of new perspectives on their historical developments, their influence on other ceramics and mural art, and the integration of attributes corresponding to different styles. As in other traditions, Moche textiles—through their distinctive technical-stylistic attributes—gave rise to textile systems as transmitters of diverse messages.

Read Full Description
Designed For
Adults
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Wendy Shattil – A Journey of Conservation and Wildlife Imagery

This event is a collaboration between Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Bird Conservancy of the Rockies.

Monday, October 28, 2024
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate with us as we welcome North American Nature Photography Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner Wendy Shattil to the Infinity Theater for this inspiring evening! Throughout the past four decades, the photographic team of Wendy Shattil and Bob Rozinski documented numerous nature and wildlife conservation subjects that have significant scientific and historic value. The Archives Department of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science have just acquired over 100,000 slides and digital images created by Shattil and Rozinski for the Museum’s internal research library – broadening educational access that will also benefit students and scholars across the globe. Wendy Shattil will revisit compelling stories and photos of memorable Colorado events - including the healing of Rocky Mountain Arsenal to become a wildlife oasis, how peregrine falcons were welcomed to downtown Denver and began a surge of urban wildlife interest, and unique photo stories of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, uncovering the biological diversity in our state. We can’t wait to see you at the Museum!

 

Read Full Description
Designed For
Adults
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Science Lounge: Pick Your Poison- Halloween Bash!
Thursday, October 31, 2024
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
$25 Member / $35 Nonmember
Ages 21+
  
Spooky Season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing --- time to Pick Your Poison at the Science Lounge Halloween Bash! We’ve scoured the collections for the creepiest, the crawliest, and the spookiest specimens for you to peruse – so gather your “boo” crew, bring your best “ghoul”, and dress to impress at our Halloween Bash!
 
What is Science Lounge?
 
Science Lounge transcends the everyday Museum experience and gives you a chance to wander our hallowed halls after dark, learning with libations in hand! If you’re looking to spice up your science learning, Science Lounge gives you a chance to be a kid at the Museum again (without the kids around)! We're the perfect pick for a sober Halloween experience as well - we'll have mocktails and non-alcoholic options available for all!
 
Here’s what we’ve got on tap for Halloween Night:
 
· The Power of Poison – Our incredible temporary exhibit focusing on poisons, venoms, and toxins will be open all night to explore!
· “Dastardly” Dr. Erin Baxter Presents - Fatal Feasting - Mini-Lectures on Cannibalism, Poisoning, and the Science of Death
· Legendary Spooky Scavenger Hunt throughout the Museum... spooky prizes await!
· “Mad” Science Demonstrations throughout the evening! · Shake your bones with the Silent Disco – we’re taking over the whole Museum with spooky tunes!
· Delicious drinks (cocktails AND mocktails) that will delight your senses – the perfect “antidote” to an ordinary Halloween!
· Dress to impress in your Halloween best (no full-face masks, please!) - we can’t wait to see you in your spooky threads!
 
Get your tickets now – we can’t wait to see you at the Museum!
Read Full Description
Designed For
Adults
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Poster thumbnail image for Cell & Tell: Discovering the Truth About Cell & Gene Therapy

A Night of Trivia with Dr. Terry Fry, The Cells Guy

Tuesday, November 12, 2024
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Ready to challenge what you think you know about cell and gene therapy? Join us for a lively, laughter-filled event hosted by the one and only trivia quizmaster, Jill Schladweiler, as she teams up with Gates Institute Executive Director, Dr. Terry Fry – The Cells Guy! They’ll tackle the biggest myths in this groundbreaking field—because who said cutting-edge science can’t be fun? First, we’ll kick things off with a Cell-and-Gene Therapy Quiz that’ll separate the science geeks from the merely curious. Think you can spot a chimera from a chameleon? Or know which CAR T-cell therapy hit the FDA first? Let’s find out! (No pressure, but bragging rights are on the line.) Next, Dr. Fry will share his expertise with an eye-opening session that clears up misconceptions like: - Can cell and gene therapies give you superpowers? - Are they only good for cancer treatments, or is there more to the story? - Will they turn your baby into the next superhero? Get ready to learn, laugh, and leave with your brain buzzing!

*Drinks will be available for purchase at this event. *

Read Full Description
Designed For
Adults
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Back To Top