Orlando-area parents can say with authority that there’s a level of delight in watching their kids explore the Orlando Science Center with wonder and wide eyes, boundless, youthful energy channeled directly into absorbing whatever the exhibit or film or volunteer has to teach. But as former regular-people-who-did-stuff-for-fun-on-their-own, many will also admit it would be nice if after innumerable visits they could finally read all the placards in the DinoDigs exhibit, watch a film in the CineDome or hear their own astronomy question answered without interruption.

And yes, as a matter of fact, they’d love a glass of wine with that.

The Crosby Observatory telescope affords (inter)stellar views of Jupiter's moons, the rings of Saturn and beyond — Photo courtesy of Orlando Science Center

Enter OSC’s newest offering, Science Night Live, where grown-up science buffs can get their fix. “The last time we hosted adults-only events, it took on a party vibe,” says Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Mark Schaub of their former Cocktails & Cosmos soiree. “While people had a great time, it didn’t accentuate what the Science Center was really about.”

Science Night Live, however, is everything you love about OSC, plus adult-level programming, an interesting speaker and an eye-popping 3D film – plus my personal favorite: the Crosby Observatory, where visitors can view planets and stars through a giant refractor telescope.

At Science Night Live, trivia contests, live demos and more await grown-up science geeks — Photo courtesy of Orlando Science Center

The event’s recent debut was a smash, with more than 500 in attendance. “Everything ran wonderfully and guests had so much fun they wished the event was longer.” Many said they’d be back for the next one on September 28, 8-11 p.m. Until then, you can enjoy OSC’s extended summer hours on Friday and Saturday evenings (10 am to 9 pm) through August 17.

Admission to Science Night Live is $15 (free for OSC members). 21 and older; food, wine and beer are available for purchase.