Bringing Portland Communities Together
Throughout the year, OMSI hosts a series of Community Science Nights (CSN), popular events in Portland that center culturally specific audiences and host a wide-range of programming and vendors. Developed in partnership with BIPOC staff and local community organizations, the evenings bring together families, teens, and adults to celebrate the many vibrant communities that live in and around Portland.
Science and Belonging
By hosting community events, OMSI hopes to create an environment where all visitors feel a sense of belonging and take part in the science learning and exploration it has to offer. Visitors experience everything from dance and musical performances to talks from leading scientists to culturally specific science trivia and bilingual story times.
Throughout the year, OMSI hosts five Community Science Nights (CSN): Pasifika & Asian American CSN, Black CSN, Ciencias Night, Native American CSN, and Pride. Each has attracted over 1,000 guests through the years, filling the museum with live performances, lectures and demos, laser dance parties, and great food and drink.
“Being in community with other Indigenous folks was good medicine. It made me feel safer and interact with the space in a more comfortable way.”
—CSN Participant
One of the annual sponsors of OMSI’s Community Science Nights, Comcast, shares, “[we’re] proud to continue investing in OMSI’s efforts to make STEAM education engaging and accessible for families across Oregon. Programs like Community Science Nights and ‘Stop-Motion as STEAM’ spark creativity and curiosity, and together, we are helping to build a more digitally connected and creatively empowered future for our local communities.”
Upcoming Community Science Nights
Mark your calendars for these upcoming community Portland events!
- June 20, 2025 | Pride at the Museum
- August 15, 2025 | Pasifika & Asian American Community Science Night
- October 10, 2025 | Black Community Science Night
- November 8, 2025 | Native American Community Science Night
- See all upcoming events
