BY CAROLINE MARONGIU-INGARGIOLA
Last Thursday, the California Academy of Sciences presented its sold-out SF Street Food Nightlife. The event created a festive and musical atmosphere designed for curious fans of science, music, food, and drink.
It might seem like a funny idea to combine science with music, local food tasting and cooking classes, but for adventurous people, it was nothing but entertaining. As Ali, a veterinary came to lend a hand at The Marine Mammal Center booth, explains, “It’s wonderful. It’s a good thing because science isn’t boring. It should be fun and interesting.”
It’s true, science can be intimidating, but the organizers of these weekly parties come up with innovative concepts for blending science into more easily accessible attractions. This kind of event helps to educate and teach in a recreational atmosphere. Indeed, between the Planetarium and the rainforest installations, we were able to enjoy dumplings or whiskey whipped cream before everyone gathered at the piazza where we dance to Blackbird Blackbird guitar sounds and DJ Afterhours.
For Eli, Academy employee and food enthusiast, NightLife is “absolutely necessary to do at least once.”Whether you come for the music, food or drinks, there’ something for everyone to explore in all the different levels. Although there was a queue to taste the famous Thai Gelato of Secret Scoo and the figs of Earl’s Organic, there was much more to see. “The various exhibitions are full,” Eli says, “It means that people really appreciate science as well.”
Since the SF Street Food NightLife welcomes audiences members over the age of 21, many young people were present in big groups of friends. The social aspect mixed with science seems to be the secret to success for these events. Attendee Bear explains, “I really enjoy this kind of social event, because I can meet people of my age.”
For Italian tourist Mariantonia, this event was great because “You can meet local people here and enjoy a real San Francisco night,” compared to a daytime visit to the Academy when there are mostly tourists. So this place of science offers a cultural and social mixing, such an experiment to show us that there are no language barriers when we have fun. It seems like the earthquake simulator brings people closer together.
Don’t forget to follow NightLife at the California Academy of Sciences for more opportunities to mix science with your social life.
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