New After-Hours Series “Fernbank After Dark” debuts

The Fernbank Museum of Natural History has ended its long-running Martinis & Imax series and has started new, adults-only, interactive science events.

Coined, “Fernbank After Dark” launched earlier this year and will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The next one is April 14.

“Fernbank After Dark” will feature different science experiments every month such as making Alka-Seltzer rockets or producing dry ice bubbles. The new evening series will also feature live music and films on the new giant screen theater. Small bites and a rotating menu of craft cocktails and beers will also be served.

The April 14th evening will have an Engineering and Technology theme, inspired by the film "Dream Big" currently playing on the giant screen. Engineering activities will include creating a building out of playing cards and a bridge out of dry pasta. Exhibits at the museum will also be open during the events. From May to September, Fernbank After Dark visitors will also have access to Fernbank's new outdoor experience, "WildWoods."

“Guests will experience something different and exciting each time they attend Fernbank After Dark,” said Sara Brumfield, Fernbank’s Event and Beverage Manager said in a press release. “We are excited to offer the Museum in an adults-only environment and are thrilled to work with a wide array of partners so that each event will spark an interest in something new for our visitors.”

Credit: Jonathan Phillips

At the March event, representatives from Orpheus Brewing, American Spirit Works and others delved into the science behind how brewing, fermenting, distilling and developing their products in what was called the “Science of Spirits Series.” A second installment of this series will be held on May 12 when Cathead Vodka, partnering with Fernbank, will look into botanicals and their uses in gin and other spirits.

Fernbank After Dark's beverage menu will rotate seasonally and highlight local spirits and beers. Cocktails kicking off the series include an updated take on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring Virgil Kaine Rye Whiskey, Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur and bitters; the effervescent Fossil Fizz combining botanical gin and blackberry jam; and the Mad Hatter with Earl Gray-infused vodka, citrus and sugar. Fernbank has also partnered with craft breweries to offer beer selections from Atlanta favorites such as Creature Comforts, Wild Heaven, Second Self and more.

Films will be shown at Fernbank After Dark in the Giant Screen Theater at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Fernbank After Dark

Held the second Friday of each month 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. Food and drinks are offered a la carte. $15 general admission. $20 for general admission and ticket to see a film. Members $10 for general admission; $15 for general admission and film. Tickets to Fernbank After Dark can be purchased online in advance at fernbankmuseum.org or at the box office. Visitors must be at least 21 to attend Fernbank After Dark. Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/

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