It’s hard to miss Science World. The glowing, sci-fi orb looms as large on the Vancouver skyline as it does in most Vancouverites’ memories. At some point, many of us who grew up in the city visited Science World on a class field trip. I’m no exception: when I was ten I went on a Science World Sleepover with my Girl Guide troop. We brought sleeping bags and slept in disordered rows on the floor. Exhibit cases glowed like giant nightlights. We all felt that there was something especially magical about the secret world of the science center after hours.  

Now, Science World is hosting a more grown up field trip. On February 4, 2016, The Science of Cocktails fundraising event will help raise money for Science World’s Class Field Trip Program and treat Vancouverites to a fabulous blend of cocktails, science, and charity.

At first, science and cocktails may seem like an unlikely mix. But, when you think about it, there is nothing a brow-furrowed bartender resembles as much as a mad scientist, especially when show stopping contraptions like vacuum chambers and nitro kegs are added to the mix. Trevor Kallies, Bar and Beverage Director of the Donnelly Group, describes dedicated mixologists as “kids in a lab.” Science of Cocktails, he says, is “an excuse for us to geek out.”

The event will feature 25 open bar stations, demonstrations from the cities top mixologists, and food pairings to help guests soak up all the drinks. A “Bartender Showdown” will add a dash of competition to the evening, with Vancouver bartenders competing in front of a panel of industry judges. The prize is as space age as you would expect from a competition taking place under the dome: a 3D-printed martini glass designed especially for astronauts to use in space.

And bartenders won’t be the only ones winning prizes. Guests are eligible to enter a 50/50 draw and win prize packages, including swag from Tesla and The Fairmont Pacific Rim.

As fun as the event is bound to be (did I mention the open bar?), the fundraiser is the result of serious cuts to class field trip programs. Proceeds from the event will benefit underfunded local schools, allowing school groups free access to Science World, a thought that is bound to salve any aching heads the next morning.

Here’s to a whole new generation of Vancouver kids making their own Science World memories.

The Science of Cocktails charity gala takes place on February 4, 2016 from 8 pm to 12 am. For tickets, visit scienceworld.ca/cocktails.