Black Community Science Night at OMSI: Tickets Start at $8

Photo courtesy of OMSI

Celebrate Black culture, community and curiosity at Black Community Science Night at OMSI. This family-friendly event combines hands-on science demonstrations, cultural performances, planetarium shows and after-hours museum exploration, with tickets starting at $8.

The fifth annual event takes place Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. Here’s what to expect.

Black Community Science Night at OMSI

Visitors can explore OMSI’s interactive exhibits, watch live science demonstrations and connect with local Black-owned businesses and community organizations.

This year’s science activities include Elephant’s Toothpaste, a foamy chemical reaction; Lycopodium Flares, a demonstration featuring fiery flashes; LEGO building challenges; and microscope activities.

Families with young children can visit the Science Playground from 6 to 8 p.m., while teens ages 13-18 can explore creative technology projects at The Mezz throughout the evening.

Local bookstore Sunrise Books hosts story times at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Planetarium Shows

Four shows are included with admission at the Kendall Planetarium:

• 6:30 p.m.: Starry Nights Live
• 7:05 p.m.: Infinity Express
• 7:40 p.m.: Laser Michael Jackson
• 8:15 p.m.: Laser Bob Marley

Cultural Performances and Vendors

Throughout the evening, visitors can enjoy cultural performances and browse tables from local businesses and organizations, including Sunrise Books, Third Eye Books, The Black Parent Initiative and World Stage Theatre.

Food trucks will be onsite selling meals, and OMSI’s Empirical Cafe will be open for snacks and drinks.

Black Community Science Night Tickets

General admission is $10 for adults and $8 for youth and seniors. Tickets include access to permanent exhibits, science demonstrations, performances, planetarium shows and event activities.

For an additional $7, visitors can explore TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition, featuring more than 100 authentic artifacts recovered from the shipwreck. Combined tickets cost $17 for adults and $15 for youth and seniors.

OMSI members receive a 15% discount, and parking is free.

OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Ave. in Portland.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit OMSI’s event page.

Looking for more affordable museum experiences? Check out OMSI Discount Day and OMSI Science Pubs.

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