You are never too old to learn something new and what could be better than learning while sipping some adult beverages? Denver Museum of Nature and Science has just the program.

The Science Lounge, which the museum holds once a month, features interesting and thought-provoking topics, professional speakers and a chance to see the museum in a different light, without the kids. Adding to the fun, The Science Lounge offers guests a unique, event-specific cocktail.

For May, the topic at The Science Lounge was Laugh It Off featuring discussions on humor in our society and a chance to participate in improv skits. The monthly event is held on all three levels of the museum and the speakers hold presentations several times during the evening so everyone has a chance to see all the presentations.

For Laugh It Off, guest speakers were Pete McGraw, Chip Colwell, and more. Pete McGraw is the head of the Humor Research Lab at the University of Colorado Boulder (didn’t know there was such a thing, did you?) and co-author of the book The Humor Code. During his presentation in the Rickerson Auditorium the audience learned what Benign Violation Theory is. We’re not giving it away either; you’ll have to look it up. Chip Colwell, Curator of Anthropology, held a presentation on The History of the Fart Joke on the second level, and on the third level in Botswana Hall two comedians, with a little help from the audience, held an improv class.

Guests were also able to see an exhibit on Clowns from the Pueblo Tribes of the Southwest in the Birds of the Americas Hall, check out some comical props like whoopee cushions and rubber chickens and search for the museum’s famous hidden elves, kind of like a Where’s Waldo hunt, which is especially fun after a drink or two.

While enjoying all of these activities, guests were able to purchase some excellent Colorado Craft including Odell’s, Great Divide and New Belgium beers, wines from Canyon Wind and the cocktail of the evening was the LOL made with Pomegranate Vodka and Lemonade. Food for purchase is also available and several bars are set up throughout the exhibits so a drink is never too far away. Food and drink can be taken around the exhibits, but are not allowed in Rickerson Auditorium. No worries, however. A drink holding table with a place to write your name next to your drink is available at the auditorium’s entrance so you don’t have to chug it before entering.

The Science Lounge will be held all summer long. For those who missed this one, here are upcoming Lounges to enjoy:

Thursday, June 18, is Explorers Unite. Guests will get to participate in the 6th Annual Geek Cup Challenge where teams will navigate and explore the darkest depths of the museum using equipment that is both ancient and modern. Find the clues or cheer on the competitors with the special event cocktail.

On Thursday, July 16, go to the an out-of-this-world Pluto Party. Guests can take a journey through the solar system to the most polarizing planet in our cosmic neighborhood. Get ready to debate whether or not Pluto is a planet and raise a glass to the sunset on the Museum’s Sky Terrace overlooking downtown Denver. Peek into telescopes and learn about the New Horizons mission that will be studying Pluto.

On Thursday, August 20, get into some Toxic Fun and learn about the Power of Poison. The event will have discussions on toxins and dangerous concoctions from chemicals to stings to bites. To alieve your pain, a special small-batch beer by Great Divide Brewing Company will be available at the bar. The brew was created just for this exhibit.

All Science Lounge events are held from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at the museum at 2001 Colorado Blvd. Cost is only $12 per person and DMNS members get discounted tickets for $10. Both are available on the DMNS website. Tickets to the April and May events sold out, so get tickets for these upcoming events now before they are gone. Ages 21 and up.

Photos by Carrie Dow