Evening and Weekend Programs

Have fun, meet others, and explore the issues of our time through our science and cultural programming offered on evenings and weekends. Our After Hours events give you access to scientists, filmmakers, authors, and innovators seeking to better understand the natural world and our place in it. After Hours events are designed for adults, but all are welcome.

View After Hours Calendar

NMNH After Hours programs include:

Other Programs

Unique offerings that are not part of a series.

Upcoming Program

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 – Natural History Narratives: Bloodsucking Leeches & Rethinking Conservation: Research is constantly evolving. As Smithsonian scientists venture out into the field — from working with local communities to exploring delicate environments — they develop new ways of thinking about everyday problems.

Research zoologist and curator of parasitic worms, Anna Phillips, who led the team that discovered a new species of bloodsucking medicinal leech with three jaws and up to 177 teeth just outside of Washington, D.C., will show us why parasites are so much more interesting and important than their bad reputation would lead us to believe.

Steve Canty, marine biologist and coordinator of Smithsonian’s Marine Conservation Program, will share stories of his work conducting research on marine reserves and fisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean and suggest that successful conservation strategies are as much about people as about ecosystems.

Afterward, spend time chatting with the scientists and seeing objects from the museum's collection that inspire their work.

Beyond the Exhibition

This series features the content, curators, and conversations inspiring new and developing exhibitions at the National Museum of Natural History.

Upcoming Program

Monday, December 2, 2019 -- Never Silent, Living with HIV: In observance of World AIDS Day, we’ll turn the stage over to HIV survivors and those who have cared for loved ones with HIV/AIDS. Their personal stories are courageous and hopeful, yet reflective of the challenges faced by people with HIV. The National Museum of Natural History is teaming up with Whitman-Walker Health to bring you this program.

This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition Outbreak: Epidemics in a Connected World at the National Museum of Natural History. The program is free, but registration is requested. 

An Evening With

This signature series features cutting-edge thought leaders in conversation with paleontologist and Sant Director of the National Museum of Natural History, Kirk Johnson.

Natural History on the Big Screen

This film series presents a curated selection of natural history-related films, followed by discussions with filmmakers and related experts.

Anthropocene: Life in the Age of Humans

This discussion series explores human impact on the environment, featuring scholars, artists, and others in an intimate conversational setting.

Exploring the Arctic

These programs explore the cultures and natural history of the north.