Who says kids get to have all the fun? While museums are an excellent resource for school field trips and children's activities, they're also ideal for those of us who are just kids at heart. D-FW is brimming with museums, many of which host after-dark events just for adults. Take advantage of these times to enjoy exhibits without the usual daytime distractions. Adult programs run the gamut from education-focused to pure entertainment -- whether you prefer happy-hour trivia or grown-up science experiments, after-hours gallery tours or live music performances, karaoke nights or classic film screenings -- you've got the world at your fingertips. We've rounded up a few of our favorite recurring events to help you plan your next night out at the museum. Note: While some of the programs listed aren't strictly adults-only, the nighttime nature of these events means you're less likely to see youngsters roaming the galleries. Events with minimum age requirements are noted.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art
3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. cartermuseum.org.
Trivia Night is an 18-and-older event inspired by the museum's collection. Enjoy snacks and spirits while you test your art-trivia knowledge during this friendly competition. You can fly solo, or compete in a group with up to six people.
June 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Reservations are required; registration opens May 1. Contact 817-989-5013 or education@cartermuseum.org for more information.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas. dma.org.
Artful Pairings is an exclusive evening of tastings and tours just for adults 21 and older. Each event features spirits from a different distillery, brewery or winery in the D-FW area, along with the chance to chat with cocktail connoisseurs and learn about their craft. Tastings are followed by a tour of the galleries, tailored for each event to find a connection between the booze of the evening and a selection of the museum's artworks. The next event will be led by a brewer from Dallas' Noble Rey Brewing Co., who will teach guests about the brewery's process of making small-batch and seasonal beers, as well as share insight on how the brewery comes up with its distinct flavor combinations; plus, you'll get to try five of Noble Rey's beers. Just as today's brewmasters create unique flavors by putting a new spin on traditional beer varietals, the curated tour for this event will look at artists in the DMA's collection who took new approaches to traditional subject matter, like still lifes and self-portraits.
June 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. $65. Reservations are required; space is limited to 25 participants, so purchase your ticket early.
Late Nights at the DMA is a monthly festivity featuring performances, concerts, film screenings, tours, family activities and more. The next Late Nights event celebrates the DMA's newest exhibit, "The Power of Gold: Asante Royal Regalia from Ghana" (opening April 15). The exhibition is inspired by five works from the museum's permanent collection and features approximately 200 gleaming gold items of regalia, with pieces on loan from national and international collections. Kick off the evening with a performance from an African drum and dance ensemble (6 p.m.), followed by traditional African storytelling by local griot Afiah Bey and a kente-cloth weaving demo by prominent Ghanaian weaver Kwasi Asare (7:30 p.m.). Listen to the beat of the drums during a performance by the University of North Texas African Percussion Ensemble (8 p.m.), then continue your musical experience with a percussion-driven jazz performance by Percussion Things (10 p.m.).
April 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight. $10, $5 for students with valid ID.
Second Thursdays With a Twist takes a unique and unexpected look at the museum's collection with a pop-culture twist. The next event takes you back to the disco days of the swinging '70s with the theme "Dancing Queen." Play a game of dance charades and groove through the galleries to tunes inspired by the artworks, then listen to the DJ spin classic ABBA songs along with disco-inspired sets from the modern age (5 and 8 p.m.). From 6 to 8 p.m., check out four local dance groups, with specialty performances in disco, Indian classical, ballet and salsa.
May 10 from 5 to 9 p.m. $5.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth. fwmuseum.org.
Science on Tap is a social event for the 21-and-older crowd held on select evenings throughout the year, highlighting a different theme at each event. The next gathering has a "Good Vibrations" theme, in line with the museum's current exhibit "Guitar: The Instrument That Rocked the World." The showcase features more than 70 guitars on display, ranging from antique acoustic to rare electric. Rock out to live performances by jazz drum group Colleen Clark Collective and acoustic duo Danni and Kris. Learn about the science of sound, explore unusual instruments and test your own singing chops on karaoke.
April 13 from 6 to 10 p.m. $20. Space is limited; purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended.
Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth. kimbellart.org.
After Hours at the Kimbell provides an evening of music, cocktails and art in the museum's Renzo Piano Pavilion. In addition to docent-guided tours, guests can enjoy live music from local artists; the Classic Jazz Trio will perform at April's event. Offerings include light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar serving wine and beer, plus the month's signature cocktail. The next event will feature the Briar Patch, a Champagne spritzer with blackberry and thyme.
April 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. $30.
Kimbell Social Club is a recurring event held on select Friday evenings. Festivities include live music from local and regional talent. Guests can snack on hearty appetizers, sip on half-price wine or choose from a selection of craft beers from the featured brewery of the evening. The details for the next event will be announced later this month; check the website for more information.
May 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. Free.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. themodern.org.
First Fridays at the Modern is a monthly festivity featuring live music and special cocktails, with the George McCullum Band headlining the next event. In addition to the concert, guests can enjoy drink specials and appetizers in the museum's Grand Lobby. A 20-minute, docent-led tour of the galleries is available at 6:30 p.m.
May 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. Free, but general admission fee applies to gallery tour.
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora St., Dallas. nashersculpturecenter.org.
'Til Midnight at the Nasher presents live music and film screenings in the outdoor Nasher Garden. The next event features concerts from indie electronic bands Twisted Wires and In Mirrors, then a headlining performance by Martin Rev, whose style varies from melodic pop to heavy synthesizer rock. After the concerts there will be a screening of Leaning Into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy. The event also includes social media scavenger hunts, progressive tours and chances to view the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
April 20 from 6 p.m. to midnight. Free.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St., Dallas. perotmuseum.org.
Social Science offers dozens of interactive activities, discussions and performances, all in a lively Friday-night setting for adults 21 and older. The April 27 event is already sold out. The next event is themed "Being Human," giving partygoers the chance to learn about the origins of humankind, common human behaviors, how our bodies work and why we are all unique. You'll get to explore the world of artificial intelligence and engage in activities including DNA extractions, sheep-brain dissections, muscle action demos and fingerprint analysis. Hear from experts including nutritionists, physiologists and anthropologists.
June 22 from 7 to 11 p.m. $29. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; this event typically sells out quickly, so buy your tickets early.
The Samurai Collection
2501 N. Harwood St., Dallas. samuraicollection.org.
The After-Hours Cocktail Tour offers a monthly after-hours opportunity to explore one of the largest private collections of samurai armor and the only museum dedicated to samurai artifacts outside Japan. Admission price includes the tour and a cocktail of choice provided by Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar.
April 26 from 6 to 7 p.m. $10. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; this event typically sells out quickly, so buy your tickets early.
Sid Richardson Museum
309 Main St., Fort Worth. sidrichardsonmuseum.org.
Wild West Wits lets you test your knowledge of the American West during happy-hour trivia, whether you're a lone ranger or a city slicker. Enjoy drinks and answer questions on a range of topics, from history and geography to pop culture. Each trivia team has six members, so go with friends or make some new ones -- either way, you'll have fun working together to compete against other teams for prizes. Must be 21 or older to participate.
The April 27 event is already sold out; the next event is Aug. 24 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Registration opens July 13. Free, but registration is required. This event typically sells out quickly, so buy your tickets early.
