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Michigan Science Center Returns to the 80s with Family Late Night on July 30

Event Relaunches Late Night Programming with Two More Events Taking Place This Fall

Detroit, Mich., July 19, 2022 – On Friday, July 30, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) will travel back to the eighties for a gnarly night of fun, science, nostalgia, music and more. The event is all-ages with reduced ticket prices of $10 for members and $15 for non-members and kicks off a series of late-night events that will continue in the fall for families and adults alike.

“These days, everyone wants a more flexible schedule. So, we decided to give busy families that opportunity at MiSci,” said Dr. Christian Greer, president and CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “Our new Late-Nite events offer evenings of fun and engagement for families and adults alike.”
MiSci “Late Nite: Back to the 80s”

This family-friendly event is perfect for anyone who loves signature eighties pop culture and fandoms. Patrons will be able to create their own ectoplasm, build a hologram projector and even show off their cosplay skills.
Guests will have access to the entirety of MiSci’s museum galleries, and the Toyota 4D Engineering Theater will be transformed into the ultimate NES gaming space, where patrons can compete against one another on the biggest screen in town.

Additionally, there will be a food truck for refreshments and an eighties-themed music Laser Show in the newly reopened IMAX® Theatre (purchased as separate admission), not to mention an opportunity to see a DeLorean in MiSci’s POPnology exhibit.

Lineup of activities:

  • Ghostbusters Slime – A hands-on experiment plus take-home activity – Try your hand at making one of three types of slime inspired by the Ghostbusters franchise. Will you take home a vat of Sewer Ooze, a chunk of Stay Puft or some free-floating Ectoplasm?
  • Holodeck Holograms – A hands-on experiment plus take-home activity – Hop aboard the USS Enterprise to assist Scientist Kirk in rebuilding the Holodeck. Harness the power of two-dimensional images and refraction to create your very own hologram projector.
  • The Science of Lightsabers – Stage Demos at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. – A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… a chemist invented glowsticks. Watch and learn as one of our MiSci Scientists uses chemical reactions to create a glow stick as large as a life-size Lightsaber.
  • Mini Lightsabers – a hands-on plus take home activity, Lightsabers demo immediately following – You’ll feel like Baby Yoda after creating your own mini reusable Lightsaber glowstick! One secret ingredient (and an ultraviolet light) is all it takes to feel like you’re harnessing the power of The Force right here at the Michigan Science Center.

Fall Events – Coming Soon

“MiSci Late Nite: Back to the 80s” is just the start of late-night programming at MiSci. On October 22, MiSci will relaunch its “After Dark” series for adults 21-and-over, featuring libations and refreshments. Also, on October 27, MiSci will host a Halloween-themed, family-friendly late night with a special outdoor “Trunk or Treat” for kids. Details on both these events will be announced in the coming weeks.

About The Michigan Science Center

The Michigan Science Center (MiSci) is a Smithsonian affiliate that inspires nearly 250,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across Michigan. As a STEM hub, MiSci focuses on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives to empower and enrich our children and community. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, ECHO, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With the Toyota Engineering 4D Theater, live science demonstrations, lab activities and 220+ interactive exhibits, there are dozens of ways to customize your MiSci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive funding from Detroit or the state of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.