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.
OUT! At the Museum
Museum Admission is free Sunday, Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us for SCFD Free Day “OUT! at the Museum” on Sunday, Oct. 20 for a fun and welcoming atmosphere with LGBTQ+ community partners and performers. In addition to FREE admission to the Museum, this event will include performances and activities for the whole family.
Performances Schedule
- 10:00 a.m. Dixie Krystals: Drag Storytime
- 11:00 a.m. Dixie Krystals: Drag Storytime
- 11:45 a.m. Mile High Freedom Bands: Pep Band Ensemble.
- 12:30 p.m. Denver Feminist Chorus Ensemble
- 1:30 p.m. Denver Gay Men’s Chorus Ensemble
Additional activities from
- Transgender Center of the Rockies
- Rocky Mountain Equality
- Youth Pride Coalition
- Butterfly Pavilion
- Youth on Record
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.
- Designed For
- Everyone
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.
- Designed For
- Everyone
- Families
- Alternate Language Availability
- Contenido disponible en español (Spanish Content Available)
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.
- Designed For
- Everyone
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Halloween Member Movie & Lecture Night: “Arachnophobia" (21+)
Wednesday, Oct. 30
6 p.m.
Members, are you ready for a night of cinema, scares and science?
Join us for a Halloween Member Movie Night and lecture at the Boo-seum! We’ll be hosting a screening of 90’s thriller “Arachnophobia” in our giant screen Infinity Theater! The film will be preceded by a happy hour and short lecture with Dr. Paula Cushing, Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology:
An arachnophiliac discusses Arachnophobia. What is wrong with this picture? You decide. Senior Curator of Invertebrate Zoology and arachnologist, Dr. Paula Cushing, will give you enough good information about spider biology to make the comedy/horror movie Arachnophobia funnier and more horrible for all the wrong reasons.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for happy hour and the program will begin at 7 p.m.. Come before the film to enjoy a spooky treat and drinks from our cash bar! Please bring your membership card or eCard when you visit the Museum for the film screening.
Giving Club and Young Professional Members receive a complimentary drink ticket and access to an exclusive social hour in the ‘Edge of the Wild’ Diorama Hall from 6-7pm. Collect your drink tickets in front of the diorama featuring the mascot of Colorado State University!
Please note that this event is 21+.
Tickets required: $12 adult member, $10 senior member
- Please enter through the main entrance on the north side of the building.
- Doors will open at 6 p.m.
- Happy hour from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.; lecture and film begin at 7 p.m.
- Please bring your member card for Museum entrance and your ticket to the Infinity Theater film.
- Concessions will be available for purchase.
- All sales are final unless the Museum cancels the event.
No walk-up tickets available; event subject to selling out. Only the Infinity Theater will be open during the event; the rest of the Museum will be closed.
- Admission
- Special Ticket Required
- Designed For
- Adults
- Seniors
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Halloween Member Movie Night: “Coco” (Family-Friendly)
Tuesday, Oct. 29
6:30 p.m.
Museum members are in for a (Trick or) Treat! We’re celebrating Halloween with a members-only movie screening of “Coco” in our giant screen Infinity Theater. We’ll also be scaring up sweet treat bags for members to enjoy with the film!
“Coco” follows aspiring musician Miguel, who, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer.
Tickets required: $8 adult member, $6 senior member, $6 youth (ages 3–18)
- Please enter through the main entrance on the north side of the building.
- Doors will open at 6 p.m.; the film begins at 6:30 p.m.
- Please bring your member card for Museum entrance and your ticket to the Infinity Theater film.
- Concessions will be available for purchase.
- All sales are final unless the Museum cancels the event.
No walk-up tickets available; event subject to selling out. Only the Infinity Theater will be open during the event; the rest of the Museum will be closed.
- Admission
- Special Ticket Required
- Designed For
- Adults
- Teens
- Juniors (3-8)
- Children
- Seniors
- Everyone
- Families
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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.
- Admission
- Special Ticket Required
- Designed For
- Adults
- Seniors
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Alternate Language Availability
- Contenido disponible en español (Spanish Content Available)
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.
- Designed For
- Families
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
- Designed For
- Families
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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
- Designed For
- Families
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Spring Science Camp
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., daily
Grades K–1, Grades 2–3, & Grades 4–5
5-day Camps
March 24th to 28th
Looking for something amazing for your kids to do during school breaks? At the Museum, your child will experience fun and wonder, see Infinity Theater and planetarium shows, and explore the marvels of our temporary exhibitions. Each day will be something new as we bring together our favorite camp themes and activities for 2025 Spring Science Camp! Camps offered for grades K – 1, 2 – 3, and 4 – 5.
Online enrollment for Spring Science Camps opens in October! Scholarship registration is by phone only, call Guest Services at 303.370.6000, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Admission
- Special Ticket Required
- Designed For
- Children
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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!
- Designed For
- Adults
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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!
- Designed For
- Adults
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
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. *
- Designed For
- Adults
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
Tuesday, October 22th
Ricketson Theater
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
February Sixteenth Nineteen Forty-Seven, director Jessica ᒦᖒᐊᖅᑏ Miinguuaqtii (Inuk). Inuk Elder Levinia Brown shares the oral history of how she was born on February 16, 1947 while her family was travelling by dog team across the open tundra. Her story is illustrated by cutout stop motion animation of hand sewn Inuit wall hanging designs in the style of her own artwork. (Jessica ᒦᖒᐊᖅᑏ Miinguuaqtii, 2024, 4 min.).
At Roanhorse Camp, director Keli Mashburn (Osage). Muffled voices and ethereal landscapes take the viewer to a place of mystery and memory: Roanhorse Camp, an isolated location deep in the Osage Reservation that was one extended family’s ceremonial center and heart. The film presents a personal meditation on twilight, both dusk and dawn, and evokes the sights and sounds of ceremony, exploring the liminal space between dreams, memory and reality. Shot on location at Roanhorse Camp, the original allotment of Keli’s great, great, great grandfather, some of the few remaining native grasslands at Osage. (Keli Mashburn, 2022, 3 min.).
Our Father, director Clément Lagourde (Natchitoches). A brother and sister pay tribute to their father, all three expatriates living in France, reconnecting with their indigenous roots through ceremony. The film reflects Clément’s own family history; his great-grandfather left Natchitoches to serve in World War I and remained in France, where Clément was born and currently resides. (Clément Lagourde, 2024, 4 min.).
The Bull of Cold, director Alexander Moruo. In this delightful animation, a little boy named Ayaal cajoles his grumpy neighbor, Old Buokke who is an expert ice carver, to teach him the art of ice sculpture. A charming lesson on persistence, forgiveness, and the passing of knowledge from one generation to the next. (TUNDRA Animation, 2023, 8 min.). Image courtesy of TUNDRA Animation.
Additional titles to be announced.
- Designed For
- Adults
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible