PAST SESSIONS

Play On 9/14/2023
We’re teaming up with the MIT Game Lab to explore the potential of play. Sit down with a beverage and a board game, remix some music, simulate a world, and learn about MIT’s history of game design. Once the sun sets, head to the nearby Open Space for a performance by MIT’s Spinning Arts Club. Local brews from Aeronaut and authentic Chinese homestyle fare from Dumpling Daughter available for purchase.

Food for Thought 8/10/23
Dig into August with a savory look at the science of food. Explore molecular gastronomy with a bubbly mocktail party, paint a watercolor with food-based pigments, and take a close look at the role of microbes in food production through demonstrations and delicious tastings. Deli classics from Mamaleh's and brews from Remnant available for purchase.

Heat 7/13/23
This month, we’re turning up the heat at After Dark. Paint with thermochromic pigments, play with infrared cameras, and learn what makes hot sauce HOT through tastings and demos by Craic Sauce. Beat the heat with Winter Hill Brewing Company, and slow cooked BBQ courtesy of Scott Brothers, available for purchase.

Puzzles 6/8/23
Join us for a night of strategy, dexterity, and logic. Try your hand at a mechanical puzzle or grab a friend and work together on a giant-sized game. Explore the galleries while decoding a puzzle from the MIT Puzzle Club. Plus, meet MIT’s master palindromist, Barry Duncan. As always, we'll have a guest DJ spinning music, offer hands-on activities, and local eats and drinks available for purchase.

Space 5/11/23
This month's After Dark promises to be out of this world! Learn about the record of voices being sent to the International Space Station by a team of MIT graduate students. Unravel the mysteries of new exoplanets through hands-on activities, and take a close look at objects from our collection including those related to the Apollo missions. Join us as we investigate the question, what does space mean to you?

The Science of Comedy 4/13/23
April Fool’s Day may give you a chuckle, but April’s After Dark will release more endorphins than you knew you had! Laugh at local comedians who take the stage at Open Mic Night and be amused by daring pranks pulled by MIT’s most creative hackers. Quit clowning around and come learn about the science behind laughter.

Chemistry of Cocktails 3/9/23
Join us for a night full of science, spirits and surprise as leading scientists and mixologists reveal the secrets behind your favorite cocktails. Learn how to carbonate your beverage with dry ice, light up your party with fluorescent mixers, and layer on the fun with density drinks. Expect demonstrations, tastings, conversation and interactive play, and leave with a better understanding of what you’re drinking, while meeting like-minded cocktail enthusiasts.

See what's coming up and book your tickets before it sells out!