If you know where to look you can find a lot of (fun) ways to get smarter in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas. Learning is not limited to kids. Universities offer Science Cafés and astronomy talks, there are Nerd Nite organizations in Chapel and Raleigh, and breweries regularly host various educational events.
At past events, participants learned about:
- Improvisational Comedy
- The hippocampus (and why we eat what we do)
- The candy-making process of Hi-Chew candy
- Black holes and superflares
- What’s the best way to escape if an Alligator is chasing you?
- Much more
You get the idea. Anything’s up for discussion.
Most of these events are free, and those that aren’t free are just a few bucks.
Read on to learn about some of the most popular casual learning series for teens and adults. Some of the events for adults are coupled with drinking beer.
And then keep reading to see a big day-to-day list of what’s coming up over the next couple months.
Science Café at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones Street, hosts Science Café on many Thursdays at the Daily Planet Cafe. The talks cover a huge variety of science topics. Free.
Upcoming Science Cafés at N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences, plus more events there
Science Café with Morehead Planetarium
The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, at UNC Chapel Hill, holds a monthly science café at the “Back Bar” of Top of the Hill, 100 E. Franklin Street. Free appetizers, while they last, are provided by Sigma Xi. Free.
Upcoming Science Café events with Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Periodic Tables
Periodic Tables is Duke University’s monthly science café. It takes place at Motorco, 723 Rigsbee Ave, Durham. They’re free to attend, but donations are accepted. Periodic Tables sometimes presents other events too. Free, but donations are welcome.
Upcoming Periodic Tables events
Astronomy on Tap
Astronomy on Tap is a series of short, accessible talks about astronomy, over beer. Astronomy on Tap’s Triangle chapter holds its talks at Fullsteam Brewery, 726 Rigsbee Avenue, Durham. Free and for all ages.
Upcoming Astronomy on Tap events
Nerd Nite Chapel Hill
Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in more than 100 cities across the globe. At these events, generally several people each give a 20 minute fun, yet informative event in relaxed environments, usually bars. Free or for a small charge, depending on venue.
Upcoming Nerd Nite Chapel Hill events
Nerd Nite Raleigh
Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in more than 100 cities across the globe. At these events, generally several people each give a 20 minute fun, yet informative event in relaxed environments, usually bars. Free or for a small charge, depending on venue.
Upcoming Nerd Nite Raleigh events
Open Minds Teen Science Café in Raleigh
Teen Science Cafés bring teens together in an informal setting to learn about science and technology. Each café will include a scientist presentation, an interactive activity relating to the discussion, a Q&A session, and time to meet other teens who enjoy science. This program is recommended for participants ages 11–17. The first 50 teens to arrive will receive a voucher for a free meal. These events take place monthly from September to April at North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh. Free.
Upcoming Open Minds Teen Science Cafe Raleigh events
Open Minds Teen Science Café Chapel Hill
These events take place the second Friday of the month, September through May, at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, 250 E. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill. They’re intended for teens age 13-18. The events start out with free pizza (or another treat), followed by discussions with scientists and other activities. Free.
Upcoming Open Minds Teen Science Café Chapel Hill events
