nightLAB: Weird Science

Dark Universe
Shows at 7:15 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 8:45 p.m.
Frost Planetarium
Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, “Dark Universe” takes you on a journey through the pivotal discoveries that have led to greater knowledge of the universe and our place within it (with reservation).

Expert on Call
8:15 p.m.
Vista, Level 4
Join Florida International University’s ecologist Professor Hong Liu, Ph.D., for The Sex Lives of Cheating Orchids, an intriguing look at the surprising strategies orchids use to attract pollinators and reproduce.

::BLUE::
Shows at 9:30 p.m., 10:15 p.m., 11:00 p.m.
Frost Planetarium
Special audiovisual experience created by Danny Daze from his album ::BLUE::, in the Frost Planetarium (with reservation).

Costume Contest Signups
Open until 9:00 p.m.
Level 1, Atrium
Sign up to be eligible for the costume contest. For more details, review the costume guidelines.

Costume Contest Winners Announced
10:00 p.m.
Level 1, Power of Science Stage
All contestants must have registered by 9:00 p.m. and be present when winners are announced to claim their prize.

Ongoing Activities

IKEA Miami
Level 1, Atrium
Get creative with IKEA’s new KUSTFYR Halloween collection! Decorate a FRAKTA bag, craft bat & spider charms, and learn how these animals play vital roles in ecosystems.

Free Photo booth
Level 1, Power of Science
Dressed to thrill? Show off your Halloween look, grab your friends and strike a pose in the nightLAB photobooth.

MAGIC – Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex
Level 2, Terrace
Question reality with MDC MAGIC’s VR experiences.

Superblue Miami
Level 2, The Deep
Participate in Flowers Bombing, a worldwide interactive and participatory artwork where your design gets uploaded to a worldwide livestream. Then, use ultraviolet light and a photoreactive canvas to express your creativity at Temporary Graffiti.

National Aplysia (Sea Slug) Resource
Level 3, Terrace
Learn about some of the oceans’ weirdest creatures: sea slugs! Interact with a display of the central nervous system of Aplysia californica and view Aplysia eggs on a microscope.

Surfrider Miami
Level 3, Terrace
Participate in a beach cleanup challenge and learn about the weird substances that can be found in our water.

MORAES of South Florida
Level 4, Terrace
Discover the horrors of invasive species and learn about a beloved native species: Loggerhead sea turtles!

Fairchild Botanical Garden
Level 4, Terrace
How do astronauts grow food in space? Find out with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Growing Beyond Earth Project, which helps NASA scientists grow food for astronauts in space.

Gruesome Garden Experience
Level 5, Knight Learning Center
Investigate a laboratory, gather clues about an invasive species of fungi, and discover how to stop it before the entire facility is consumed.

Parking: Onsite parking is available in the museum garage for $18 flat rate, but is extremely limited. All cars must exit garage by 1:00 a.m. Parking is on a first come, first served basis and is not guaranteed. Membership discount does not apply. To learn more about onsite and nearby parking alternatives, click here. The museum is also accessible by public transportation and has a dedicated ride share drop-off/pick-up zone.

Spooky snacks, cocktails and more are available for purchase at the Space_Bar by Constellation Culinary Group.

About Danny Daze ::BLUE::

As part of the III Points Satellite program, Miami-based electronic musician Danny Daze returns to the Frost Planetarium with ::BLUE::, the immersive audiovisual experience he debuted during the first-ever nightLAB in January 2024.

Inspired by Daze’s debut album, the 33-minute experience combines original music, sound design and immersive visuals to explore life on Earth, our “Blue Planet,” and our collective responsibility for its future.

Please note: Frost Planetarium experiences may contain bright, flashing lights that may cause discomfort to those with light sensitivity or other pre-existing conditions.

Eligibility & Registration

• Open to all nightLAB ticket holders.
• All contestants must register at the costume contest table on Level 1 in the Atrium by 9:00 p.m. to participate.
• Contestants must be present when winners are announced to claim their prize. Winners will be announced at 10:00 p.m. on the Power of Science stage.
• Museum staff are not eligible to win.

Prizes

• Best Individual Costume
• Best Duo Costume
• Best Group Costume* (3-6 people)

Winners will receive one Frost Science Crew Membership (Retail value $179): unlimited visits for one year for two named cardholders plus two guests. *Winners of the Best Group Costume will receive two Crew Memberships to use among their group.

Costume Guidelines

• Costumes may not be offensive or objectionable as determined by museum personnel.
• Costume may not include a component that covers the face; headwear is permissible so long as the face remains visible.
• Costumes may not be primarily based upon a depiction of any particular race, religion, nationality, or condition of disability.
• Costumes may not make an overt political statement of any kind.
• Costumes may not contain any weapons or any item that might be mistaken for a weapon.
• Costumes may not contain sharp objects or other components that might pose a risk to a guest or animal.
• Costumes may not drag on the ground.

Guests who do not adhere to these guidelines may be refused admission or asked to leave the museum unless his/her costume can be modified to adhere to these costume guidelines.

All interpretation/implementation of these Costume Guidelines shall be made by museum personnel in their sole discretion. These Costume Guidelines are subject to change without notice.