Carnegie Science Center & Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
February 6 & February 12
6 to 10 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh are not just for kids anymore. The Northside destinations invite the young at heart 21 and up crowd to experience a night out at two unique February-themed events.
If you’re a wannabe storm chaser who gets a rush of adrenaline every time you get a WeatherBug alert, then StormFest at the Science Center is for you.
Discover the science behind weather as you make rocks and maps, discover the effects of El Niño and updrafts, watch a tornado in a jar and experiment with raindrops. Experience geography, geology and meteorology in new ways at hands-on activity stations run by students from Cal U and Ohio University.
Witness a million-volt lightning strike from a giant Tesla coil, groove to live music by JD Eicher and the Goodnights and enjoy on-site cash bars. Experience four floors of hands-on exhibits including SpacePlace, roboworld and the Miniature Railroad & Village. Along the way, try and collect 14 stamps to win a free StormFest t-shirt.
Cost: $10 in advance; $15 at the door (10% discount for members). For a few dollars more, visitors can watch an Omnimax movie or catch a laser show in the Buhl Planetarium. Purchase tickets to StormFest.
Looking for a creative way to celebrate the February holiday we all love to hate?
Head to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh—without the kids in tow—to enjoy the next installment of its 21+ MAKEnight series. Dubbed My Snarky Valentine, the lively event is a great way to experience the bustling museum in a low-key way with nighttime vibes.
MAKEnight provides the supplies and you bring your creativity, wit and desire to have fun. Whether you attend solo, with that special someone or a crew of friends, follow your heart to this unique evening of food, drink and amore.
Will your valentine be snarky, scandalous or sentimental? Laser cut a wooden heart featuring your favorite pillow talk phrase and create molded chocolates in the shape of body parts. Channel your inner Eros as you construct a bow and arrow with a personal touch and then test your matchmaking skills using a MaKey MaKey invention kit. Need something more potent? Sew a voodoo doll and stitch up your heart.
Don’t snooze on getting tickets in advance, as MAKEnights are known to sell out. Cost: $15 ($12 for members) or $17 at the door. Tickets include light fare, alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations and all activities and supplies.