Upcoming Fernbank After Dark Events to Delve into Engineering and Technology, Botanicals
Featured Demonstrations Hosted by Local Distillers, Brewers and iOS Developers
Fernbank Museum of Natural History invites guests 21+ to discover unique science activities at the popular new adults-only series, Fernbank After Dark. On Friday, April 14, Fernbank will highlight Engineering and Technology with a variety of activities from Big Nerd Ranch, Mass Collective, GamesThatWork and more. On Friday, May 12, the Botanicals in Alcohol theme will consider various botanicals and their uses in gin and other spirits with activities led by Cathead Vodka, Old Fourth Distillery, Orpheus Brewing and more. Each adults-only Museum experience will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and feature craft beverages, small plates, live music, giant screen films and access to Fernbank’s exhibits, including the all-new outdoor experience, WildWoods (weather-permitting.)
On April 14, Fernbank After Dark: Engineering and Technology will offer activities from iOS developer Big Nerd Ranch, educational laboratory Mass Collective, and software company GamesThatWork. Big Nerd Ranch will host a demonstration on how the Internet of things (the interconnection of computing devices embedded in everyday objects) and chatbots (computer programs that conduct conversations via auditory or textual methods) work together. Mass Collective will be onsite with a vortex cannon capable of creating and shooting smoke rings up to 100 feet, as well as an LED panel that offers a visualization of EEG readings – a test that records electrical patterns in the brain – as it reacts to visitors’ thought patterns. In celebration of the giant screen film, Dream Big: Engineering Our World, Museum-led activities will highlight innovations in engineering, including a competitive playing card building game and a weight tolerance test using pasta. Beginning at 9:45 p.m., the evening will be set to the tunes of Ellie Lawrence. Known for her appearance on NBC’s The Voice, Lawrence brings an outstanding stage presence as well as poignant lyrics and soulful vocals. She will take the stage until 11 p.m.
On May 12, Fernbank After Dark: Botanicals in Alcohol will highlight local spirits and ways that chemists utilize various botanicals during distillation. Cathead Vodka will head up a demonstration on how different botanicals affect gin, and Red Brick Brewing will discuss their seasonal brew, Hibiscuwit, and what a hibiscus flower brings to a traditional witbier. Other event partners include Orpheus Brewing, Old Fourth Distillery, Altos Tequila and 1821 Bitters. The band for the evening will be Indee Killed the Popstar – an indie-folk band from the deep South known for breathing new life into the Atlanta music scene. Museum-led activities will be announced soon.
Cocktails at Fernbank After Dark rotate seasonally and currently include an updated take on the Old Fashioned, featuring Virgil Kaine Rye Whiskey, Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur and bitters; the effervescent Fossil Fizz, combining botanical gin and blackberry jam; and the refreshing Rosemary Bumble with Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit and fresh rosemary. Fernbank has also partnered with craft breweries to offer beer selections from Atlanta favorites such as Eventide, Wild Heaven, Orpheus and more. Guests are invited to grab their drink of choice at Fernbank’s new Mesozoic Bar as they discover the fascinating science topic of the evening. Additionally, small plates will be offered in the Fernbank Café from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sample offerings include a hummus trio plate featuring roasted red pepper and feta, cumin and black bean, and roasted garlic hummus; chorizo and manchego empanadas; and fried artichokes with lemon-Parmesan aioli. Food and drinks are offered a la carte.
Films are shown at Fernbank After Dark in the Giant Screen Theater at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. Films showing on April 12 and May 14 are Extreme Weather 3D and Dream Big: Engineering Our World. Extreme Weather 3D takes moviegoers on a dramatic 3D journey with storm-chaser and filmmaker Sean Casey to destinations with extreme weather conditions. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big takes viewers from the tallest buildings to the depths of the sea to reveal the creativity and ingenuity that drives engineers to create a more sustainable future for us all.
HOURS AND TICKETS: Fernbank After Dark: Engineering and Technology will be held on Friday, April 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Fernbank After Dark: Botanicals in Alcohol will be held on Friday, May 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Activities and demonstrations will be held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Live music will be featured from 9:45 p.m. to 11 p.m. Fernbank’s Café will serve small plates from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Mesozoic Bar will serve drinks from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Films will be shown in the Giant Screen Theater at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
General Admission for Fernbank After Dark is $15 ($10 for Museum members). General Admission and a Giant Screen Film ticket is $20 ($15 for Museum members). Tickets to Fernbank After Dark can be purchased online in advance at fernbankmuseum.org. Visitors must be 21+ to attend Fernbank After Dark. No one under 21 years of age will be admitted.
