Museum events you don’t want to miss out on after dark

These days, some of Charlotte’s top museums are keeping the lights on—and drawing big crowds—after hours. Here’s where to go for your arts and science fix after dark.

Discovery Place’s Science on the Rocks

Care for a side of science with your martini? On the third Friday of every month Uptown’s Discovery Place hosts Science on the Rocks—an adults-only evening of drinks and learning. Music, games, and workshops make Science on the Rocks an unforgettable experience, with different playful themes each night. June, for instance, was Game Night at Science on the Rocks, complete with a hands-on Beyond the Rubik’s cube exhibit, Jumbo Jenga, Colossal Connect Four, Super Duper Dominos, cockroach races, and a charity drive. The next one is Aug. 19.

Bechtler by Night

On special nights art enthusiasts can admire vibrant, beautiful artwork with a backdrop of clinking cocktails and glimmering lights. The gallery goers are there for Bechtler by Night, a series hosted by the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art on the third Friday of every month. From 5-9 p.m., the museum opens all four floors of its gallery to the public free of charge.

Each event in the series has a different theme, so depending on the night there might be interpretive dance, live music, Bechtler Bingo, or gallery scavenger hunts. Food from Modern Café is always available, in addition to a cash bar featuring a specialty cocktail based on the night’s theme.

Gantt After Dark

Every third Thursday of the month, guests can mingle under the stars and enjoy an exquisite view of Charlotte’s nighttime cityscape from the Gantt Center’s rooftop terrace. With a new theme each month, this series is put on by the Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture to provide guests with a fun and glamorous after-hours way to experience the museum’s galleries. Gantt After Dark typically runs from 6-10 p.m.

In addition to food, drinks, and live music, special segments occur at the events. One such series is Paint and Sip, where members can buy tickets for $20 ($25 for non-members) and participate in an evening of guided painting and wine tasting with a featured artist. Guests can also meet with visual artists, watch them live paint, and shop at the gift shop.

The Mint Museum’s Latin Music Concert Series

Lose yourself in Latin rhythms, and salsa the night away at the Mint Museum’s Latin Music Concert Series featuring local performing artists. The concerts draw a diverse group of guests, but they all share a common thread: a love for Latin American music. From classical to tango, flamenco to samba, Latin jazz to contemporary beats, music from all over Latin America resonates through the evening air.

Although the concert series focuses on music, other art forms are included as well, such as poetry, dance, and art exhibitions by Latin American artists that relate to the theme of the concert. There is a cash bar at the event, and children ages 12 and up are welcome. The next event is Sep. 29.

The Mint Museum’s Wine on Wednesdays

Save, sip, and sashay around the Mint. Every Wednesday night from 5-9 p.m., the Mint Museum gives the public free gallery access. In addition to appealing to your budget, Wine on Wednesdays has live music and—lucky you—a wine cash bar. Peruse exhibits like “Pumped: The Art of Shoemaking” with a glass of red, or sip your Sauvignon Blanc while visiting a collection of contemporary British studio ceramics. Need further incentive? WOW nights also offer savings on merchandise from the Uptown shop and free wine refills. Guests can also join in an hour-long yoga class at 5:30 p.m. during the weekly event. If you visit the gallery in your yoga attire, you’ll get an extra 5 percent off that night’s shopping special. Where else can you admire ancient warrior art right after doing warrior poses yourself?

The original version of this story ran at SouthParkMagazine.com.

Photos: Harvey B. Gantt Center, Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, The Mint Museum

This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 9:00 PM with the headline "Museum events you don’t want to miss out on after dark."