Journey back to the beginning of the universe at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on Friday, October 2, 2026 with Cosmic Nights: Origins – Birth of the Universe! This unique, one-night-only 19+ event tells the tale of how everything came into being– from plants to planets, you’ll get to discover the secrets of the universe all while enjoying delicious custom cosmic cocktails.
It’s the perfect event for those of you looking to have an interesting Friday night out with live demonstrations, dazzling planetarium shows, and an out-of-this-world experience that you can only get at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
Cosmic Nights: Origins – Birth of the Universe
Cosmic Nights is all about combining learning with smooth sipping, making this a special night packed with curious discoveries.

Guests will get to find out about the pivotal research that’s led to greater knowledge about our universe, as well as the first two weeks of the universe that laid out the critical foundations for the cosmos that followed.
On top of that, there will also be a live demonstration about the latest Nancy Grace Roman Telescope, named after the “Mother” of space telescopes!
What to Expect

- A planetarium show narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Dark Universe is an award-winning space show that celebrates the pivotal discoveries about the universe. The show is joined by a 360° film and hosted by Astronomer Dr. Rosanna Tilbrook, who will take you on a journey through billions of light-years to explore the universe around us.
- An auditorium lecture about the first two weeks of the universe
Travel all the way back to the first two weeks of the universe’s birth, this critical period following the Big Bang when the foundations were laid for the cosmos. This talk is hosted by David McKeen, a theoretical physicist at TRIUMF.
- A live science demo about Nancy Roman: Mother of the Space Telescope
Senior Interpreter Matthew Cimone is hosting a live demonstration at the Groundstation Canada Theatre, discussing the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope– a next-generation space observatory with the goal of understanding Dark matter, Dark Energy, and hidden rogue planets in the Milky Way.
- Custom cocktails and hands-on activities offered by partners
Discovering the Universe’s Secrets
Tickets are currently on sale for Cosmic Nights for $34.13, which includes taxes and fees. Do note that this is a 19+ event, so ID will be required at check-in– don’t forget to bring some!

Travel back in time and all the way to when everything first started at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre on Friday, October 2, 2026. It’s going to be a night filled with cosmic secrets and cocktails– something a little different from the usual dinner and drinks routine.
EVENT DETAILS:
📅 Dates: Friday, October 2, 2026
📍 Location: H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: Cosmic Nights: Origins – Birth of the Universe

