San Diego nightlife this summer: Balboa Park after Dark

As part of the Park After Dark events this summer, Balboa Park will serve up three nighttime programs at three different venues, aimed at being part of San Diego’s nightlife.

On Thursday, May 30, “Culture & Cocktails: Piranesi” will be presented from 6 to 10 pm at The San Diego Museum of Art. The event is free for the San Diego Museum of Art members; $15 for non-members.

Grab a pair of 3-D glasses before heading into the 3-D photo lounge. Take a 3-D or holographic photo, have your portrait etched by the etch-a-sketch man, and watch an acrobatic performance by Cristin Sandu. This night features interactive visual elements, Italian soda cocktails, and classic Italian bites all inspired by Piranesi, Rome and the Arts of Design. The architect-designed exhibition features video projections, a virtual reality 3-D installation and maze-like spaces based on and inspired by the artist Giambattista Piranesi’s designs.

“History Happy Hours” will occur on Friday, May 31, and the last Friday of every month, ending in September, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the San Diego History Center. The cost is $25 for non-members, $20 for members (SDHC, San Diego Museum of Art, Reuben H. Fleet), and $15 for Balboa Park employees.

This is a chance to see San Diego’s only craft beer exhibition, and enjoy the beer as well. The San Diego History Center is hosting History Happy Hours on the last Friday of the month. Meet Karl Strauss’s Melody Daversa, taste Cicerone-inspired beers paired with cheese and view Bottled & Kegged, a San Diego Craft Brew Culture exhibit. This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the door.

At the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center on Thursday, June 13 from 6:30 p.m until 9:30 p.m. it’s “Science on the Rocks: That’s Hot: The Fleet’s Summer Sizzler”. The fun science includes comparing surfing with a slinky, making your own solar bead bracelets, creating the design for a roller coaster, and bubble station blasting.

The South Park Abbey and Sushi on a Roll restaurants will be offering samples. Deadhead Rum will conduct training in the art of tasting rum. Mike Hess Brewing, Aztec Brewing and Manzanita Brewing will all be offering tastes of their craft beer. Sensational Treats will provide dessert in the form of Hawaiian shaved ice. Mossy Toyota is sponsoring the night.

Tickets for this adults-only party are on sale now through Eventbrite and at the Reuben H. Fleet ticket counter. The cost is $20 general admission; $15 for Science Center members, staff, volunteers and Balboa Park employees; and $18 for students and military. This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the door. A cash bar features beer, wine and cocktails. Space is limited and prices increase the day of the event– if not sold out, tickets at the door will be $25, with no discounts available.