HMNS Events

Join us for a family-friendly archaeology fair showcasing interactive displays with authentic artifacts from archaeological sites. Visitors can engage with real stone tools, prehistoric pottery, and animal bone and shell exhibits. You can also witness flint knapping demonstrations and participate in arts and crafts activities centered around the prehistoric era. HMNS docents will present Museum touch carts from various exhibits, such as the Hall of Ancient Egypt, McGovern Hall of the Americas, and the Human Evolution section of the Morian Hall of Paleontology.

In celebration of Texas Archaeology Month, pick up your free pinch pot kit provided by the Texas Historical Commission.

Support your local vendors and spice up your autumn at the Fall Farmers Market at HMNS. The Braeswood Farmers Market will be setting up shop on the Museum Sundial Plaza on October 20 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Find the perfect seasonal eats and treats! Get 20% off at the Museum Store or on any membership level when you purchase from any vendor.

Three times a year, HMNS offers Sensory Friendly events where exhibits and venues are modified for those with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre also offer modified 2D shows with house lights on and the volume reduced. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Museum Services Desk, and Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore will be available throughout the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. To pre-register for free permanent exhibit hall entry, please click the link below.

2024 Event dates:

• Saturday, April 27, 2024: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Saturday, September 28, 2024: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• Monday, December 2, 2024: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the Permanent Exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS! To pre-register for these events and to book your visit please click the “Pre-Register” button below or email us at accessprogramming@hmns.org.

There are currently no upcoming events related to King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience.

Please check back later for updates.

Calling all ghosts and ghouls, monsters and mummies, witches and werewolves: Houston’s favorite Halloween party—the one and only Spirits & Skeletons—is back at HMNS! The entire museum is open for you to shake your stuff with a stegosaurus and get spellbound by bewitching gems, all to live music, three DJs and fantastic food trucks parked right outside. Whether you go with scary and spooky or fab and kooky—dress up and party the night away at HMNS. We’ll put a spell on you.

All permanent exhibits will be open this evening, with tickets for the King Tut Experience and Death by Natural Causes available for an additional $18. The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre will be continuously showing Scream (1996 version), and the Planetarium will also feature a continuous loop of shows, both included at no extra charge.

*Please note: No food or beverages are allowed on the third floor or in the Planetarium.

Featuring live music by Danny Ray and The Atlantic Street Band. 

Please note – This event is for adults 21 or older.

To provide increased safety for our beloved guests (you), law enforcement will be using metal detection wands to briefly scan each party-goer on their way in.

No outside alcohol will be allowed into the museum.

HMNS is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. With that in mind, the museum security staff has implemented additional security measures ahead of Saturday’s Spirits & Skeletons. We encourage attendees to arrive early to allow extra time to get into the special event. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry. If you elect not to consent to the searches, you will be denied entry into the museum.

For your safety, the following items are prohibited: any and all functional and realistic replica firearms, functional projectile weapons, sharpened metal-bladed weapons, explosives, chemical weapons (including mace and pepper spray), blunt weapons (including brass knuckles and clubs), hard prop weapons, noise makers, whips, aerosol mustard, backpacks and laser pens. Prop weapons will be allowed providing they are composed of cardboard, foam, wood or other light materials. Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. The barrel of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps. Prop bows will be allowed providing all arrows have soft tips. Please note that this is not a complete list and other items may be confiscated if they are deemed, at the sole discretion of HMNS and the law enforcement officers at the event, to be dangerous or disruptive.

What better way to ring in the New Year than surrounded by your favorite exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! Dance among the dinosaurs, enjoy delicious food on our sundial while counting down the minutes, or head to the Planetarium for a romantic kiss under the stars. With live music from the Joilux Band, DJ Hype, and more exciting surprises, this unforgettable night will be the perfect way to start your year!

Purchase your champagne toast wristband at the box office or online for just $12, and visit the designated champagne locations near midnight to pick up your celebratory toast!

Looking for a more exclusive experience? Our VIP package offers access to two private VIP areas, a complimentary drink ticket, a champagne toast at midnight, and a food voucher redeemable at any of the sundial food vendors. Celebrate in style and make your night even more memorable!  

Tickets coming soon.     
   

Please note – This event is for adults 21 or older.

To provide increased safety for our beloved guests (you), law enforcement will be using metal detection wands to briefly scan each party-goer on their way in.

No outside alcohol will be allowed into the museum.

HMNS is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. With that in mind, the museum security staff has implemented additional security measures ahead of Mixers and Elixirs: New Year’s Eve. We encourage attendees to arrive early to allow extra time to get into the special event. You and your belongings may be searched upon entry. If you elect not to consent to the searches, you will be denied entry into the museum.

Join us for an exclusive evening at the Museum, where we’ll roll out the red carpet just for you. Enjoy a night of wonder and exploration with your family as you explore our world-class exhibits without the usual crowds. Choose your adventure between the captivating films at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre or the electrifying exhibits in the Wiess Energy Hall, where you can discover the future of energy. Skip the crowds and stay for the fun—this is your special night to explore the museum in style!

*All venues will offer tickets at member pricing, available for purchase in person on the day of the event.

This event is exclusively for our Corporate Members. Member tickets will be accessible once you log into your HMNS online account.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m.