Calendar of Events

Scientists estimate that there are more than 1,000 chemicals in a typical cup of our beloved java. From the plant, to the roast, to the grind, you’ll explore the many amazing factors that contribute to our affinity, and sometimes reliance, on this globally alluring elixir. About Social Science Social Science is adults-only, brain building fun featuring intriguing science demos, hands-on labs, a live DJ, and beer, wine, and sweet and savory bites from Whole Foods Market Reno.

Don’t miss the 2nd annual Teen Science Night, hosted and organized by The Discovery’s Teen Advisory Committee. Curiosity inspiring programming at this year’s event includes: LED greeting cards Fantastic thermoplastic Giant slingshot Robots, drones + tech Button making Science demonstrations Photo booth DJ Crave + dance party Museum exploration

From food preservation and preparation, to the production of wine and beer, fermentation has long been an organic means of converting sugar into the flavors and textures we love. At Social Science, you’ll explore the microbiology involved in the fermentation process and its variety of modern day uses. The Perfect Loaf Join The Discovery’s educators to learn about the role of natural yeasts and fermentation in sourdough. You’ll even create your own sourdough starter! Micro What? Ruth Gault, University of…

Are you faster than a leprechaun? Find out at the 5th Annual Leprechaun Race on Sunday, March 12th. This family-friendly 5K run/walk will take you on a tour through the streets of the Midtown and Wells Avenue neighborhoods. Don’t despair if the leprechaun beats you to the finish. For every runner and walker the leprechaun passes, his pot of gold grows in size. Who will benefit from the increased pot of gold? The Discovery, who is Race178’s non profit partner…

The Discovery would not be Northern Nevada’s most exciting educational resource if it weren’t for the tremendous support of the museum’s amazing group of volunteers. To thank you, we invite you, your friends, and your family to The Discovery’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Please join us for a tea party themed event that includes snacks, refreshments and an awards presentation for some of the museum’s most dedicated volunteers!

Science Distilled, a new lecture series created by DRI and The Discovery, makes cutting-edge science approachable through presentations on current and curious topics held at hip locations in a social atmosphere. How do raptors, butterflies, and flowers secretly govern the ecosystems around them? What do raptors, butterflies, and insects have in common? Their unique adaptations not only allow them to thrive in a changing world, but also play a part in governing the ecosystems around them in incredible ways. Have…

The Discovery invites you to an exclusive, members-only opportunity to explore A T. rex Named Sue, an exciting new temporary exhibition featuring a life-sized cast of Sue, the largest, most complete and best preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. A T. rex Named Sue also features a variety of digital and hands-on interactive exhibits to help you uncover Sue’s incredible past and explore the exciting field of paleontology. RSVP Required Please use the links below to RSVP for a specific museum…

No dinosaur in the world compares to Sue—the largest, most complete, Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered. At a heart-stopping, 42 feet long and 12 feet high at the hips, Sue is the largest, most complete, and best-preserved T. rex ever discovered! A dramatic, life-sized skeleton cast of Sue is the centerpiece of this blockbuster exhibition that also features hands-on and digital interactive exhibits that help you uncover Sue’s amazing past and explore the field of paleontology. A. T. rex Named Sue…

Don’t just drink beer, understand it! Explore the science behind your favorite brews when you examine varieties of hops, learn how beer is made, sample tasty beers from local craft breweries, and challenge your skills and your friends in fun beer games, too! Presented as part of Reno Craft Beer Week 2017. Try This at Home Get started brewing beer at home with pointers from expert home brewers. Beer in the Raw Explore the raw ingredients used to make beer with…

Visit The Discovery on the second Wednesday of every month for Tech!Night, a new program designed to put emerging technology in the hands of museum visitors. Tech!Nights will feature a variety of high-tech tools and techniques, gadgets and games – command a robot, print in 3-D, and even code a new game – happening monthly in Spark!Lab Smithsonian. Generously supported by:

Join us for The Discovery’s second annual “Scramble for Science” golf tournament on Friday, June 23, 2017 at one of Reno’s best known and most player-friendly venues, Lakeridge Golf Course. This fun, friendly tournament includes a raffle, hole-in-one challenge, and prizes for the top three teams. All players are encouraged to enjoy a BBQ dinner at LakerRidge’s 19th Hole Restaurant & Bar, included with tournament registration. $150 per player, $550 per foursome Registration includes swag bag, 2 drinks, and a BBQ…

Visit The Discovery on the second Wednesday of every month for Tech!Night, a new program designed to put emerging technology in the hands of museum visitors. Tech!Nights will feature a variety of high-tech tools and techniques, gadgets and games – command a robot, print in 3-D, and even code a new game – happening monthly in Spark!Lab Smithsonian. Generously supported by:

Singing hot or cool jazz, be-bop, boogie, or pop, the Champagne Singers and The Andrews Sisters Act delight you with delicious harmonies and snappy rhythms. The Champagne Singers: Leslie Fudge, Trudy Italiano and Larry Cooper specialize in swing music of the 1930’s and 40’s. The Andrews Sisters Act: Leslie Fudge, Trudy Italiano and Danielle Williams sing WWII favorites in costume! This event is presented as part of Artown.

Once again, The Discovery is participating in the annual Reno Midtown Art Walk. Enjoy free admission from 4:00 to 8:00pm and the opportunity to explore the entire museum including the featured exhibition A T. rex Named Sue, on exhibit through January 15, 2018. For complete details on this year’s Midtown Art Walk, please visit renomidtownartwalk.com.  

During The Discovery’s participation in the 2017 Midtown Art Walk, tour a pair of Gypsy Getaway Wagons created by artist Jeff Deming. Gypsy Getaway Wagons was created when Jeff needed a quiet and inspiring place to think of the next stage of his life. For years he had run boutique hotels, guest ranches, and various outdoor-oriented hospitality jobs in amazing scenic locations.

Have you ever wanted to know… • Why brewers pick certain hops for their beers, and hear it right from their mouths? • What actually grows in our local foodshed and meet the people producing it? • Where gin gets its distinct character and flavor from the folks distilling it? Then join us on Thursday, August 17th, as Yelpstronomy 3.0 takes over The Discovery! Yelpstronomy is a FREE PRIVATE EVENT, that will take you on a hands-on, interactive journey where you’ll…

On Monday, August 21, 2017 people across the United States will witness the sun disappearing behind the moon, turning daylight into twilight, causing the temperature to drop rapidly, and revealing massive streamers of light streaking through the sky around the silhouette of the moon. Although Reno will not be in the path of the total solar eclipse, viewing the partial eclipse will still be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Prime viewing of the eclipse from The Discovery will be at approximately 10:19am.…

Visit The Discovery on the second Wednesday of every month for Tech!Night, a new program designed to put emerging technology in the hands of museum visitors. Tech!Nights will feature a variety of high-tech tools and techniques, gadgets and games – command a robot, print in 3-D, and even code a new game – happening monthly in Spark!Lab Smithsonian. Wobblebots At this Tech!Night, visitors are invited to use available materials and a sense of humor to invent a dancing, jumping, wobblebot!…

Have you ever dated a dinosaur? Here’s your chance to spend quality time with Sue and find out all there is to know about her amazing 67-million-year history—what she ate, who she fought, where she lived, and the ferocious details of the custody battle that followed her discovery in South Dakota. Labs, lectures and programming at this Social Science will include: Fossils and Dig Pits Scavenge dig pits for dino puzzle pieces and examine a variety of real fossils. DIY…

Welcome, prospective volunteers! The Discovery offers a variety of rewarding volunteer opportunities, from greeting visitors, to helping present science demonstrations, to working behind the scenes. Volunteering is a great way to get involved with northern Nevada’s world-class, hands-on science center. As a volunteer at The Discovery, you’ll gain new skills and experience, meet interesting people, and enjoy a fun, collaborative atmosphere. All volunteers must be age 16 or older and will be asked to pass a background check and attend…

Join Visiting Artist, Elizabeth Cadigan for a hands-on concert with a Northern Nevada theme. Audience members will be entertained as they learn about the wildlife, ecosystems and history found within the Black Rock-High Rock Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area and surrounding regions. Throughout the concert, you’ll be invited to participate in various demonstrations designed to further your understanding of “what lives and takes place within our great state.” Elizabeth Cadigan receives support for her concert series through a grant from…

Head to The Discovery for a hauntingly good time at the 7th annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat. Visit the museum in costume and trick-or-treat from gallery to gallery. There’ll be spooky science demos and delicious treats for all of the little ghosts, ghouls and goblins who attend. Note: For the safety of all visitors, please no costumes with weapons of any kind. Generously sponsored by: