HMNS Events
HMNS Events
HMNS Farmers Market
The Braeswood Farmers Market will be setting up shop on the Museum Sundial Plaza on Sunday, September 6th, 2026 from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Can’t make this one? Don’t worry, there are more Farmers Markets coming up!
- October 4, 2026
- November 1, 2026
Vendors may vary at every farmers market.
International Archaeology Day
Join us for International Archaeology Day on October 17! Try your hand at ancient crafting, watch live flintknapping demonstrations to see stone-age tools crafted from scratch, and chat with real archaeologists and fellow history buffs. Whether you’re a lifelong history lover or just curious about what’s buried beneath your feet, this free, family-friendly event is going to be a blast.
Book Signing: Abella and the Lost Hermit Crab by Zane Carson Carruth
Join award-winning international best writer for young readers, Zane Carson Carruth, on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm for a special book signing event at the Morian Hall of Paleontology Overlook on the second floor.
Zane will be signing her new book, Abella and the Lost Hermit Crab. Meet the author, get your book signed, and stay for an afternoon of fun featuring story time, crafts, activities, and a sweet treat!
Book Reading Schedule
- 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm*
*Times are subject to change based on attendance
The event is free with the purchase of a General Admission ticket.
Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Books will be available for purchase at the Museum Store and during the book signing.
2026 Astronomy Events
Join HMNS astronomers for a guided tour of the night sky highlights and seasonal celebrations.
Tuesday Rooftop Astronomy Upcoming Dates:
- August 18, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Featuring the Sun, Moon and Venus
- September 22, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Featuring the Moon and Venus
- October 20, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Featuring the Moon, Saturn and Dumbbell Nebula
Sundial Celebrations Upcoming Dates:
- Wednesday September 23, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Fall (Autumnal) Equinox
- Monday December 21, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Winter Solstice
For a full list of dates, click the link below.
HMNS Sensory Friendly Events
Three times a year, HMNS offers Sensory Friendly events where exhibits and venues are modified for those with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre also offer modified 2D shows with house lights on and the volume reduced. Sensory Backpacks, which include ear defenders, sunglasses, and fidgets, are available to check out with an ID at the Museum Services Desk, and Touch Carts with tactile specimens to explore will be available throughout the museum’s permanent exhibit halls. To pre-register for free permanent exhibit hall entry, please click the link below.
2026 Event dates:
- Saturday, April 25, 2026: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Saturday, September 26, 2026: 8:00 am – 10:00 am
- Monday, December 7, 2026: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Individuals with disabilities and their families will receive free admission to the Permanent Exhibit halls for Sensory Friendly Events at HMNS! To pre-register for these events and to book your visit please click the “Pre-Register” button below or email us at [email protected].
Mixers & Elixirs
First Mixer of the Year
Ditch the usual bar scene and step into something extraordinary. Mixers & Elixirs is where fascinating people, themed cocktails, and electrifying live music come together for a night of next-level fun. Wander off for a free flick in the Giant Screen Theatre or take the stage with karaoke in the Burke Baker Planetarium—because this isn’t just a party, it’s an experience.
Member Events
Supporting Member Soiree: Rodeo Night
Skip the wait for next year’s rodeo and saddle up for an unforgettable evening in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where the cowboy spirit collides with prehistoric giants.
As the song says, sip on a glass of Tennessee whiskey or enjoy your favorite cocktail from our cash bars while indulging in a curated selection of passed hors d’oeuvres. Then hit the dance floor as the Royal Dukes Band keeps the party going with crowd-favorite country hits.
Capture the moment with immersive Western-themed photo opportunities, explore the museum after hours beneath towering fossils, and experience a one-of-a-kind night where the spirit of the Wild West meets the awe of prehistoric titans. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss!
This event is to celebrate the continuous support of our Supporting Level Members.
Supporting Members (Discoverer level and above) receive two free tickets to this event. Any additional tickets are $100 per person.
Enjoy complimentary parking for this event
This event is 21+
Second Saturdays
Second Saturday: Shark Week, HMNS Style
Saturday, July 11 | 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Get ready for sharks! Make your own paper shark at our craft station, then dive deeper into the world of marine predators. If you haven’t visited the sharks in Extreme Animals Alive, this is a great time, we’ll have extra docents sharing fun shark facts and answering questions.
Extreme Animals Alive requires a separate ticket and is not included with general admission or membership.
Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances
Second Saturday: Sunflowers & Butterflies
Saturday, August 8 | 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Create a bright sunflower craft with us this Second Saturday, then head over to the The Laurie and Reed Morian Cabinet of Curiosities! Our docents will help you discover hidden gems and fascinating objects most visitors don’t even realize are on display.
Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances
Second Saturday: September Member Appreciation
Saturday, September 12 | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
We’re stretching out the fun with an extended Second Saturday today. More information is on the way, so keep an eye out!
Second Saturday: Bats & Not-So-Spooky Wildlife
Saturday, October 10 | 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Kick off spooky season at your favorite museum by making a bat craft with us, a perfect first Halloween decoration for home. Then visit the Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife on the second floor and ask our docents about some of the myths and stories surrounding animals that people sometimes find a little spooky.
Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances
Second Saturday: Marvelous Manatees
Saturday, November 14 | 8:00 am – 10:00 am
November marks the start of winter migration for manatees as they move toward warmer inland waters. Join us to create a manatee paper bag craft, then spend some time in Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall where our docents can share more about marine life; including the incredible animals swimming above you.
Event is subject to change at any time due to unforeseen circumstances
No Second Saturday
Saturday, December 12
Due to our Holly Jolly events, we will not have a Second Saturday in December. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!