Cool Summer Nights at the Desert Museum

The Desert Museum is lovely during the day, but it’s even cooler after dark!

Join them every Saturday night throughout the summer to beat the heat while learning something neat!

The desert comes alive at night as nocturnal animals awake. Bats perform aerial acrobatics in pursuit of dinner, beavers splash around in their pond, and scorpions glow green under black light.

Bring your flashlight and explore, grab a drink and wander, experience a live animal encounter, scamper in Packrat Playhouse, feel the touch of a stingray, or participate in special nightly activities.

Every night will have a theme, live music, special activities, and a signature drink!

Happening Every Night:

• Stingray Touch Exhibit, 6-9:30 PM (Members $2/Non-Members $4)
• Packrat Playhouse, 6-10 PM
  
• Live Music on the Ironwood Courtyard, 6:30-8:30 PM
• Museum docents wandering throughout the grounds interpreting celestial desert skies, fluorescent minerals, bats, kissing bugs, scorpions, rattlesnakes, and more!
• Both gift shops are open until 10 PM
• The Ocotillo Café and the Ironwood Terraces Restaurant are open until 9 PM, and Phoebé’s Coffee Bar is open until 10 PM.
• The Mixed Aviary will close at 7:00 p.m. in June-July and 6:30 p.m. in August, and the Desert Loop Trail will close at in 7:30 p.m. June-July and 6:30 p.m. in August.

Weekly Themes (visit the Museum's website for more details and the signature drinks available!)

• June 6: World Oceans Night
• June 13: Astronomy Night
• June 20: Desert Dwellers
• June 27: Western Night
• July 4: The Magic of Monsoons
• July 11: Radical Reptiles
• July 18: Rocks & Stars
• July 25: Taste the Desert
• August 1: Insectopia
• August 8: Noche de los Lobos
• August 15: Bat Night
• August 22: Dino Night
• August 29: Teacher Appreciation Night. Free admission for all Pre-K through 12th Grade teachers and support staff, with valid school ID.

Check out our Guide to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum here!