Museum Nights
Connect, unwind, and experience the museum after hours. Millennial Museum Nights brings together curious adults for themed evenings featuring activities, conversation, light refreshments, and unique museum experiences in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
When: Third Friday of the month
Where: Burpee Museum, Rockford Illinois
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Burpee Clubs: Communities of Curiosity
Pricing:
Drop In Admission – $25 (Best for First-time visitors, occasional participants, friends joining for a session)
Class pricing includes museum admission for the participant
Burpee Museum Member – $5 (Best for regular attendees who want the best value)
Museum Nights
September 18, 2026 at 6:30pm
This is the first night in an ongoing series of after-hours science experiences designed for curious adults. Forget grades and textbooks this is science just for the fun of it. Join us after hours for a casual night of curiosity, conversation, and hands-on exploration. Meet fellow science lovers, connect with local experts, discover fascinating topics and learn something new. Whether you’re a lifelong science nerd or simply endlessly curious, this is your chance to geek out, ask questions, and have fun without the pressure of a classroom.
Dinos After Dark
October 16, 2026 at 6:30pm
Think dinosaurs are just for kids? Think again! Step into the fossil labs after hours for a hands-on night of paleontology, where you’ll get up close with real fossils, explore the tools scientists use to uncover the past, and discover what it takes to piece together the story of prehistoric life. From massive dinosaurs to tiny fossil clues, dive into the fascinating and sometimes messy world of paleontology while connecting with fellow dinosaur enthusiasts and science lovers.
Bird Brains!
November 20, 2026 at 6:30pm
Explore the fascinating world of birds after hours! Discover how birds use their unique adaptations to survive, communicate, migrate, and thrive in a changing world. Get up close with real specimens, examine feathers, skulls, eggs, and nests, and put your observation skills to the test in a hands-on Bird Detective Challenge. Along the way, hear from a local bird expert and connect with fellow nature lovers while learning about the behavior, intelligence, and conservation of some of the most incredible animals around us.
90’s Science Night
December 18, 2026 at 6:30pm
Take a trip back to the 1990s for a night of science, nostalgia, and discovery! Explore the experiments, technology, toys, gadgets, and scientific discoveries that defined the decade. From early computers and futuristic technology to iconic toys and hands-on experiments, discover the science behind the things that made the 90s unforgettable. Test your knowledge, revisit some classic favorites, and see just how much science has changed since then!
Toxicology: Nature’s Poisons
January 15 2027 at 6:30pm
An after-hours science club diving into the fascinating world of natural poisons! Explore venomous animals, toxic plants, and the surprising chemicals found throughout nature. Discover how organisms use toxins and venom to defend themselves, capture prey, compete with others, and survive—and learn why some of nature’s most dangerous substances can also be incredibly useful.
Love is Wild
February 19, 2027 at 6:30pm
Love is in the wild! Discover how animals find mates, compete for partners, and communicate through colorful displays, songs, dances, elaborate behaviors, and surprising courtship rituals. Explore the fascinating science behind why animals choose certain mates and the incredible lengths they go to stand out from the crowd.

