HMNS Events

Harvest happiness with the Braeswood Farmers Market at the Houston Museum of Natural Science on September 10th and October 22nd from 11am-5pm. Find the perfect seasonal eats and treats, and even get your face
painted. Support your local vendors and spice up your autumn at the Fall Farmers markets!

2023 Event dates:

• April 29, 2023: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• September 30, 2023: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
• December 4, 2023: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: There is some construction taking place as we prepare a new exhibit hall on the Main Level. There may be a little noise from this, so if you are sensitive to noise, please plan to wear ear defenders or borrow some from us at the Museum Services desk on the Main Level.

Saturday, September 30th Sensory Friendly Event Details
HMNS offers an early opening event where our exhibits and venues, including the Burke Baker Planetarium* and Giant Screen Theater*, and Cockrell Butterfly Center are modified to create a sensory friendly environment for those with sensory sensitivities. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theater will be available with houselights on and the volume reduced, and Giant Screen Theater shows will be offered in 2D. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Museum Services Desk. We hope to see you there!

Planetarium Schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. – Great Planet Adventures
• 9:30 a.m. – Passport to the Universe
• 10:00 a.m. – Expedition Reef

Giant Screen Theater Schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. –Great Barrier Reef 2D

Join us at the Museum for Archaeology Day on October 21 for an unforgettable journey into the depths of human history. Immerse yourself in a world of ancient wonders, where the past comes to life through interactive experiences and engaging activities.
 
Discover the art of craftsmanship with hands-on crafting sessions. Meet fellow enthusiasts and archaeology experts who share your passion for uncovering the mysteries of the past.
 
Don’t miss the captivating flintknapping demonstration, a true window into the skill and ingenuity of our ancestors. Witness firsthand the techniques they used to fashion tools from stone, a key innovation that shaped human civilization.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned archaeology enthusiast or just curious about the secrets buried beneath our feet, Archaeology Day at the Museum promises a day filled with exploration, education, and excitement. Mark your calendars for October 21, and let’s embark on this archaeological adventure together!

Travel to the fabled Valley of the Kings as famed Egyptologist Howard Carter peers inside of Tutankhamun’s tomb at treasures that have not been seen in over 3,000 years. Walk the dark passageway that leads to the tomb and explore the burial chamber and rooms packed with the king’s treasures for the afterlife. Then embark on an immersive journey as the vibrant floor-to-ceiling tomb paintings that aided Tutankhamun in navigating the afterlife come alive before you. Come, walk in the footsteps of Howard Carter, and immerse yourself in the wonders of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Strollers are not allowed in this exhibition, but there is stroller parking available nearby.

Santa’s bringing his workshop to HMNS, and he needs your help putting together the perfect holiday card or tree ornament. The best part? After all your hard work, you get to take them home with you! Don’t forget to make time to take a photo with Santa before he heads back to the North Pole. CHECK THIS OUT! Sensory Friendly Hour, 9AM – 10AM: Take pictures with Santa and make a craft in Moran Lecture Hall For the General Public: Take pictures with Santa with a Permanent Exhibits Ticket in Paleo Lobby from 1pm – 3 pm

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.

• Featuring live music by Danny Ray and The Atlantic Street Band.
• Save now by purchasing a dual ticket to both Spirits and Skeletons and New Year’s Eve. All sales final.
• Purchase a VIP ticket and get access to three private VIP areas with private bars, one included drink, and light bites.

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

To provide increased safety for our beloved guests (you), the Houston Police Department 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 HPD officers at the event, to be dangerous or disruptive.

Ring in the new year with HMNS! Where else can you toast under the dinosaurs? Featuring live music by Joilux Band, DJs, food trucks, and cash bars. You won’t want to miss this one.

• Save now by purchasing a dual ticket to both Spirits and Skeletons and New Year’s Eve. All sales final.
• Purchase a VIP ticket and get access to three private VIP areas with private bars, one included drink, and light bites.

Coming Soon: Online Tickets for the Event!

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

To provide increased safety for our beloved guests (you), the Houston Police Department 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.

Stressing about the upcoming holiday season? Let it all go when you join us for a one-hour yoga session with instructor Auhona Hoq. There’s nothing more peaceful than being surrounded by dinosaurs while you stretch and hold poses, so you’ll be sure to leave this session reenergized and ready to tackle the hectic holidays.

*This class is suitable for all levels of yogis, including beginner
*Yoga mats are not provided