Top Five August Events and Exhibitions at HMNS

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Stay cool in the summer heat at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) with an action packed August lineup with a cosmic spectacle, hands-on science, and lively social experiences.

Guests can sweat and stretch in iconic museum halls during Mind Over Matter, take in a star-studded meteor shower alongside a live musical performance at Music & Meteors: The Perseids at the George Observatory, or dance the night away at the crowd-favorite, Mixers & Elixirs: Latin Night. Creative minds can slow down with a Botanical Watercolor Art workshop at HMNS Sugar Land, while aspiring investigators can dive into forensic science with a hands-on Fingerprinting masterclass.

  • Event: Mind Over Matter: HMNS Hermann Park | Various dates (check the link for more info)

Work out in one of Houston’s most unique settings. Each week brings a new way to move with rotating classes like Pilates, Zumba, yoga, and meditation accompanied by sound bowls. Strike a pose in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, find your flow beneath the stars in the Burke Baker Planetarium, or energize your workout in Wiess Energy Hall—every class is set against a spectacular museum backdrop. After class, cool down with freshly squeezed juice and take a relaxing stroll through the exhibit you just experienced.

Watch the year’s best meteor shower paired with a live musical performance. Every year, the Earth passes through the dusty trail of the Swift–Tuttle comet, leading to the Perseids Meteor Shower, which NASA refers to as “the best meteor shower of the year.” During this time, debris from the comet enter our atmosphere and burn up, creating fiery streaks in the sky at a rate of up to 50-100 meteors per hour. On August 13th, join Observatory staff and astronomers to watch this spectacular event, accompanied by live music for a magical experience. Classically trained musicians will perform astronomy-themed classical, pop and movie selections. All you’ll need is a chair or blanket, and your eyes and ears!

Latin Night is back and hotter than ever! Move to the rhythm of the Houston Quimbara Band, letting live Latin beats take over your body, and keep the dance floor sizzling with DJ SkaDean and DJ Q. Need to rest those feet? Take a break in style. Watch Selena (1997) in the Giant Screen Theatre, or let loose and belt your heart out in the Planetarium karaoke lounge. No judgment, just applause and Latin vibes everywhere you turn. Sip cocktails as you explore the museum with cashless bars scattered throughout the exhibits, and snack in style from our food vendors on the Sundial. This event is 21+. Check out the new immersive exhibit, Clickbait, for an additional $5!

Ever wanted to paint the beauty of nature without the pressure of starting from scratch? Discover botanical watercolor in the style of line and wash at HMNS – Sugar Land. Inspired by the traditions of scientific illustration and nature journaling, this beginner-friendly workshop invites participants to explore the shapes and colors of plants through guided watercolor painting.

Botanical line drawings on watercolor paper will be provided, allowing guests to focus on watercolor wash techniques and create artwork with a soft and expressive look. Whether you are new to painting or an experienced hobby artist, this program offers a chance to slow down and create in a supportive museum setting, and take home your own botanical artwork. Spots are limited – reserve early and let nature inspire your creativity! All supplies are provided.

Discover the techniques crime scene investigators use to collect and examine fingerprint evidence. In addition to the classroom presentation, this hands-on class offers you the opportunity to practice lifting fingerprints and basic fingerprint identification in order to better understand the science. Ages 15+ NO EXCEPTIONS. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. One ticket required per person. No refunds.

Photos courtesy of HMNS

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