Scienceworks After Dark: Science in the Shadows

Science of the Seance  

7:30PM and 9PM | AMPHITHEATRE SHOW   

Join paranormal researcher and comedian Lawrence Leung and scam expert Nicholas J. Johnson as they explore the strange intersection of belief, deception, and psychology. Blending mentalism, comedy, and research, the show unpacks the neuroscience behind why we believe in the supernatural, and the psychological techniques that make séances feel real – even when they're not. 

The Apocalypse List 

6:30PM, 7:15PM, 8PM | PLANETARIUM SHOW    

You think Earth is a scary place? Just wait until you hear about all the ways the Universe is trying to wipe us from existence. In this special presenter-led show, we'll explore some of the unstoppable dangers lurking in the vastness of the Universe, from our very own planet to the furthest edges of space and time. In space no one can hear you scream – but in this 30-minute show, we might.

Tinkertown  

6 TO 10PM | SPECIAL EXHIBITION GALLERY | EXHIBITION  

Be a big kid in the new Tinkertown exhibition. Explore the engineering design process by building cubby houses and other imaginative structures. Solve challenges, send secret messages and invent wacky contraptions.​ Curious objects from the State Collection inspire visitors by demonstrating real-world examples of ambitious and innovative engineering design.

Creepy Keyrings   

6 TO 9:30PM | STEM LAB | ACTIVITY  

Create your own one-of-a-kind keyring using heat fused beads! Take a trip back to your childhood as you design a ghost, pumpkin, black cat or something of your own creation to hang from your keys as a memento (mori) of this special evening 

Museum of the Moon  

6 TO 10PM | PLANETARIUM FOYER | EXHIBITION  

Take your spooky snacks and picnic under our stunning four-meter-wide indoor moon with your ghoul-friends. While you are there, stop by and hear some Moon Myths... whenever our ghostly host decides to appear.

Sportsworks  

6 TO 10PM | EXHIBITION 

Sportsworks is a place to leap, run, throw and row. You can race against Cathy Freeman, try out for soccer goalkeeper, and zoom down the slopes in our snowboarding simulator. You'll also find out why sports have their own specialised footwear, balls and other gear.

DJ Dub Darko

6 TO 10PM | Live Music

Enjoy the Sportworks Gallery while listening to Dub Darko spin lofi and house tunes, with a few spooky tracks mixed in, all night. While everyone else is racing Cathy Freeman, why not start a dancefloor? We double dare you.

Think Ahead  

6 TO 10PM | EXHIBITION 

Explore the Think Ahead gallery under a new light, as you search for the fifteen freaky facts hidden within. Explore our collection items to discover some chilling new information as you investigate all this space has to offer.

Phantom Photo Booth

6 TO 10PM | PHOTO BOOTH

You’ve gone to all the trouble of dressing up and coming out tonight, why not take a photo to remember this special occasion? The photo booth has props to accentuate your ~lewks~ and you can opt for print or digital prints. Would be rude not to!

Frightening Fable

6:30, 7:30 & 8:30pm | Tinkertown

Science does incredible things, but there are also some weird things going on. Join our host by the campfire as they recount some tales from “the poisoners corridor”, a region on the periodic table inhabited by toxic scoundrels and radioactive miscreants. Hear more here.

Spooky Snacks

Stop by our pop up food stall to find some freaky food and creepy cocktails to enjoy! Highlights include Frankenstein Fries, Vampire Bites, Pumpkin Pizza (don’t tell Jack O’Lantern) and the Blood red Negroni cocktails. Yum!