5 exciting events all ages will love at McWane—Barbie in IMAX + more

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As the temps simmer down and fall rolls in, it’s time to grab the fam and do something fun. Our suggestion? Head to McWane Science Center in Birmingham. From a week-long astronomy event filled with moon rocks to must-see IMAX films like Barbie, plan now for what’s ahead, September-October. Save time— get your tickets before you go.

1. History Makers – McWane Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15-October 15, celebrating the histories of Hispanic Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

McWane is a wonderful place to join in the fun and learn some cool things. During the month-long observance, they’ll explore and highlight many Hispanic Scientists and their contributions to the world of science.

Here’s a look at some of the Hispanic Scientists doing big things:

• McConnell Duberg—a Professor of Neuroscience and Cell Biology at Yale University School of Medicine; his lab studies the cell biology of the synapse during development and learning. 

• Lydia Villa-Komaroff—a molecular and cellular biologist who has been an academic laboratory scientist, a university administrator and a business woman. 

• Sabrina Gonzalez Pasterski—a theoretical physicist studying high-energy physics. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month event details

• When: Friday, September 15-Sunday, October 15 | Wed-Fri, 9AM-5PM; Sat, 10AM-5PM; Sun, Noon-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center
• Cost: General admission to McWane
• Tickets

2. McWane participates in Read a New Book Month

Nothing beats opening the pages of a brand-new book and being swept away by the words inside, whether you love a sweet fairytale, a page-turning thriller or a DIY manual that teaches you how to create something new. September is Read a New Book Month and McWane encourages all to participate. You never know, one special book could lead you to become an astronaut or scientist or even the next big inventor.

3. Homeschool Labs for Birmingham homeschoolers

If your family is living the homeschool life, you’ll want to know about McWane’s Homeschool Labs.

This special program is designed to supplement what kids in grades 1st-12th learn at home by giving them the opportunity to:

• Safely engage with scientific equipment.
• Learn principles in ways that aren’t easily executed in the home classroom.
• Take part in hands-on scientific experiments.

Homeschool Labs run during fall and winter semesters. Registration is open—sign up now!

Homeschool Labs details

• When: Every Wednesday in September | 9:30-11:30AM
• Where: McWane Science Center
• Cost: McWane Members – $60 | Nonmembers – $80
• Register here

4. Astronomy Week at McWane Science Center

If you love stars, planets and more wonders of outer space, you’ll want to mark your calendar for Astronomy Week at McWane.

In celebration of International Astronomy Day on September 22, McWane will be offering five full days of exciting activities. Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll discover:

• Participate in programs designed to teach you all about the galaxy
• Learn how to use a telescope
• Examine moon rocks
• Discover the wonders of the night sky including stars and constellations

You can even experience space in an all-new way—on the big screen of McWane’s IMAX Theatre.

On Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, they’ll be showing the film Hubble. Narrated by Leonard DiCaprio, the film will take you on a journey through distant galaxies to explore the grandeur and mysteries of our celestial surroundings. You’ll even get a unique glimpse into the Hubble Space Telescope’s legacy and witness space-walking astronauts as they attempt the most difficult and important tasks in NASA’s history.

Astronomy Week details

• What: Astronomy Week at McWane
• When: Wednesday, September 20-Sunday, September 24 | Wed-Fri, 9AM-5PM; Sat, 10AM-5PM; Sun, Noon-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center
• Cost: General Admission to McWane
• Tickets

• What: Hubble in IMAX
• When: Saturday, September 23 at 10:30AM, 12:30PM + 1:30PM | Sunday, September 24 at 2:30PM
• Where: McWane’s IMAX Dome Theatre
• Cost: Varies—view prices here | Bonus: Get a $5 discount on IMAX combo ticket, Saturday, September 23 only
• Tickets

5. September movies at McWane’s IMAX Theater

A trip to McWane isn’t complete without a visit to the IMAX Dome Theater. With its giant screen, laser technology and surround sound, you’ll feel like you’re actually part of the film!

This fall, the IMAX will feature movies for you and the fam, from educational documentaries to feature-length films. Here’s the lineup:

• Arctic: Our Frozen Planet (documentary): Now showing
• Secrets of the Sea (documentary): Now showing
• A Haunting in Venice (feature-length): Opens Friday, September 15
• Hubble (documentary): Friday, September 23 + Saturday, September 24
• Barbie (official IMAX release): Thursday, September 22-Saturday, September 24
• The Creator (feature length): Opens Friday, September 29

Ready to see a show? Grab your IMAX tickets at the theater or save time and buy now.

October events at McWane Science Center

There’s much more coming up at McWane this October. Be sure to plan ahead—these events are must-attends.

• Harry Potter Family Night—Friday, October 13
• Solar Eclipse (Sun day”)—Saturday, October 14
• McWane Block Party (Celebrating STEM + Hip-Hop)—Saturday, October 21

Find more upcoming events at McWane. 

There’s always something happening at McWane in Birmingham! Stay in the know—visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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