Drink like a grown-up. Wonder like a kid. No children, no judgment, just dinosaurs.
Ah, dinosaurs. We never outgrow them. They’re the original fascination and the gateway drug into the natural world. When we were kids, they were terrifying and magical. Now? They’re still magical. Just with better science and slightly more plausible theories about feathers. The first Jurassic Park movie ignited that curiosity into overdrive in the ’90s, and with the latest entry pulling in over a gazillion dollars (give or take), it’s clear the dino obsession is still very real. Now, we’re the ones sharing that world with our kids or sneaking off to enjoy it ourselves.
The Science Museum of Virginia gets it. That’s why they’re bringing back Science on Tap, their adults-only after-hours series. And this time, it’s going prehistoric with Dino Night happening 6-10pm Thursday, July 24, and it’s your chance to explore the museum’s Ultimate Dinosaurs exhibit, giants from the Southern Hemisphere that most of us never learned about in school. These aren’t your usual T. Rex and Triceratops. These are wild-looking beasts from South America, Africa, and even Antarctica. Spines, claws, weird bone structures. It’s like the evolutionary B-sides, and they’re incredible.
You’ll wander the halls of the museum with a drink in hand, bump into actual scientists who are happy to talk your ear off, and maybe learn why your backyard chicken is basically a tiny, judgmental velociraptor.
“These aren’t your childhood dinosaurs,” said Timshal Purdum, the museum’s Deputy Director of Education and, frankly, someone who lights up the second you mention fossils. “Science has evolved. What we know now is lightyears beyond what we thought even a decade ago. Dinosaurs weren’t slow and gray. They were fast, brightly colored, and many of them had feathers. Hell, birds are dinosaurs. When you eat chicken or turkey, you’re literally eating a dinosaur.”
That’s the kind of revelation you can chew on while sipping a drink and exploring the museum without a single child in sight. The museum will be open late, drinks will be flowing, and food trucks will be on hand to keep your inner carnivore or herbivore satisfied.
Also on the bill:
- Live dissections of birds (yep) to demonstrate the anatomical link between your backyard hen and a velociraptor.
- Live animal encounters courtesy of the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Some feathered, some scaly—all with ties to the deep past.
- Jurassic Motor Pool rolling up with Jeeps made to look like the ones from the Jurassic Park films.
- Costumes encouraged—whether you want to go full dino or channel your inner Dr. Ian Malcolm.
And now, a word on costumes: Wear one. Whether it’s your best T. Rex impression, a chaotician in all black, or a DIY group costume built from thrift store bones, go big! Just don’t wear a full-face covering or one of those inflatable suits per museum policy. Otherwise, let your inner dino (or Jeff Goldblum) out to play.
Let’s Talk Food and Drink. Fuel your fossil fun with a strong local lineup:
- River City Wood Fire Pizza
- Parallel Stix (Asian-inspired skewers)
- Gelati Celesti for that essential end-of-the-night ice cream
Bars will serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and the museum’s concessions stand will have popcorn, candy, and soft drinks for the sober and sweet-toothed.
Purdum, who will be on hand during the event, sees these nights as a chance to break down the walls between science and everyday life. “Everything we do touches science,” she said. “You don’t stop being curious just because you got older. And sometimes it’s nice to be in a space without kids, where you can ask questions, geek out, and maybe get a little silly. That’s what this night is about.”
She’s right. And if you’re going to stare up at a 30-foot skeleton and contemplate extinction, you might as well do it with a cold drink in your hand and good company beside you.
Science on Tap: Dino Night
Science Museum of Virginia – 2500 W. Broad St.
Thursday, July 24 | Timed entry at 6, 6:30, or 7 p.m. | Runs till 10 p.m.
$18 for members | $25 for non-members | Tickets available now at smv.org
Costumes encouraged—seriously, get weird with it. Just skip the face masks and inflatable suits.
Support RVA Magazine. Support independent media in Richmond.
In a world where corporations and wealthy individuals now shape much of our media landscape, RVA Magazine remains fiercely independent, amplifying the voices of Richmond’s artists, musicians, and community. Since 2005, we’ve been dedicated to authentic, grassroots storytelling that highlights the people and culture shaping our city.
But we can’t do this without you. A small donation, even as little as $2 – one-time or recurring – helps us continue to produce honest, local coverage free from outside interference. Every dollar makes a difference. Your support keeps us going and keeps RVA’s creative spirit alive. Thank you for standing with independent media. DONATE HERE.
Also, you can show your support by purchasing our merch HERE.
Past Science on Tap! Photos courtesy of the Science Museum of Virginia
