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Science Museum Revives 21+ Evening Event to Give Adults Exclusive Access to Steampunk-Themed Fun

March 15, 2024

What: The Science Museum of Virginia is restarting its adults-only Science on Tap series. The evening events allow grownups to have the exhibitions, labs, demos, makerspace and The Dome all to themselves. The wildly popular themed events were on hiatus during the pandemic.

Because the audience is 21+, programming covers more mature themes and involves adult humor. In addition, the event includes alcohol.

When: Science on Tap: STEMpunk takes place Thursday, March 21, from 6–10 p.m.

Why: The Science Museum is kicking off the return of the in-person events with a night of retrofuturistic science fun themed around the new touring exhibition “Discover Steampunk.” The event gets its name because you can’t spell steampunk without STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)!

Costumes are highly encouraged. Science activities include:

  • Digging into electricity with a Van de Graaff generator, snap circuits and conductive playdough.
  • Creating steampunk-inspired fashion accessories in “The Forge.”
  • Decoding secret messages using Morse code.
  • Pretending to be a Victorian-era surgeon by playing a giant Operation game.
  • Blasting off into space with a stellar live astronomy show in The Dome.
  • Enjoying a presentation about body snatching, Victorian debauchery and innovation.
  • Participating in a facial hair or steampunk costume contest.
  • Taking a shareable selfie or group picture in the themed photo op area.

Who: Anyone 21+ who wants to have an awesome time, get hands-on with science, explore the Science Museum in a kids-free environment and isn’t afraid of ravens, plague doctors or corsets can attend Science on Tap: STEMpunk. Even guests who intend to enjoy the evening sans adult beverage must be 21 and must bring an ID.

River City Wood Fire Pizza and Sammich RVA will be onsite so guests can grab some dinner to fuel the fun.

How: Regular admission tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for Science Museum members. Tickets include all activities plus access to The Dome and Science Museum exhibitions, including “Discover Steampunk.”

Tickets for Science on Tap are available only on the Science Museum’s website. Tickets are capped to ensure a superior guest experience, and will only be available at the door if the event is not sold out. Tickets are not transferable, refundable and cannot be resold.

Where: Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220