Spark After Dark: Beyond the Rainbow - June 13
SPARK AFTER DARK (18+)

Beyond the Rainbow... AGAIN!

JUNE 13, 2025 | 6:00 PM – MIDNIGHT

DATE

Friday, June 13, 2025

WHEN

6:00 PM – Midnight

AGES

Adults only 18+
Must have valid photo ID

COST

General Admission $32.95

Members: $10

Let's Go Beyond the Rainbow!

Hey besties! Spark After Dark is back, back, back again with another night of fabulousness and science (of course). Grab your best squirrel friends and come explore the intersections of gender and sexuality, with talks and demos from partners like Black Pride YYC, Skipping Stone and Centre for Sexuality. Spark has partnered with local organizations to bring you an opulent night of workshops, talks, delicious eats and so much more. Get hands-on with Tuft Love Studio and be part of a one-of-a-kind collaborative art piece! Step up to the tufting station and add your touch to a large, vibrant rug designed by the community, for the community.

What can you expect from an 18+ night at the science centre?

  • Cheer on local drag performers as they sashay & shantay down the runway! Featuring The Ultimate Drag Show – Partnered with the Cabaret Company
  • Shop the Pride market – with a curated mix of cool local finds from Calgary shops, partnered with Little Modern Market.
  • Pull out your most vibrant looks & express your true colourful self, this is no monochrome event folks. 
  • Shantay you stay and enjoy full bar service, featuring the night's speciality cocktail & themed snacks. 
  • Paws click-clacking about, it's adorable furry friends from PALS (Pet Access League Society)!
  • Channel your inner glamazon and show it on the outside with face & body painting with Lucie Brouillard. 
  • Tell them who you really are with the pronoun button maker - Creative Corner with Pinnovate! 
  • Break it down on the dance-floor to music from DJ SoniDef! As co-founder of BACK & FORTH YYC, she champions representation and inclusion for femme and gender-expansive DJs, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.
  • Meet headliners Icesis Couture and Jaylene Tyme, purchase merchandise, and take a photo!
  • Shop the Pride market - with a curated mix of cool local finds from Calgary shops, partnered with Little Modern Market.
  • Step onto the dance floor with Get Gay Dance for a joyful and inclusive same-sex dance workshop.
  • Join featured speakers Sean Stotyn for the Science of Rainbows and Karla Marx for History with a Drag Queen.
  • The entire science centre is open for adults-only! Body marbling, rainbow fizz crafting, rainbow elephant toothpaste and so much more!

Spark Memberships for Adults and Students

During Spark After Dark, Spark Members receive all kinds of perks like free parking and admission to events, as well as a 15% discount at the Spark Eatery, Astronaut Ice Cream café, and the Spark Store!

Purchase a Spark Membership and always have exclusive access to science!

TASTE THE RAINBOW, LITERALLY

  • FEATURE FOOD
  • $22

The Rainbow Tray

A vibrant feast inspired by every colour of Pride! Dig into Bourbon BBQ Red Chicken, zesty Tomato Pepper Rice Pilaf, cheesy corn, fresh green salad with basil pesto, bold beetroot hummus, and sweet blueberry donuts. It’s a full-spectrum flavour celebration—because your taste buds deserve to party too.

  • FEATURE DRINK
  • $18

The Rainbow Paradise

A tropical flavour nirvana. Dive into layers of Malibu Rum, Blue Curaçao, pineapple juice, and a splash of grenadine—bright, beachy, and unapologetically extra. It’s sweet, sippable, and ready to slay the night.

FEATURED EVENTS & PERFORMANCES

  • LOCATION
  • ATRIUM

The Ultimate Drag Show

In partnership with the Cabaret Company. Get loud for The Ultimate Drag Show, a spectacular celebration of self-expression, joy, and unapologetic fabulousness. Featuring a powerhouse lineup of local drag artists—expect glitter, glamour, and plenty of surprises!

Showtimes:

7:00 PM
8:30 PM
10:00 PM

  • LOCATION
  • FEATURE GALLERY SOUTHh

Meet the Queens

Meet headliners Icesis Couture and Jaylene Tyme in person!

Stop by the feature Gallery South to say hello, take a fabulous photo, and purchase exclusive merchandise.

Meet & Greet Times:

Icesis Couture at 7:00pm – 8:00pm

Jaylene Tyme at 10:00pm – 11:00pm

  • LOCATION
  • LAB 1

Get Gay Dance

Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, this welcoming space is all about connection, confidence, and fun. Learn to move with your partner in a way that feels natural, explore lead-and-follow techniques beyond traditional gender roles, and celebrate the art of dance in a truly affirming environment. No partner? No problem! Come solo or with friends and embrace the rhythm of Pride together.

  • LOCATION
  • PIXELARIUS

Creative Corner with Pinnovate

Stop by the craft corner and get hands-on with Pinnovate, where creativity meets community. Guests are invited to make their own custom pronoun pins and friendship bracelets—a fun, personal way to express yourself and celebrate connection.

Whether you're crafting for yourself or for a new friend, this is a space to relax, create, and take home a little piece of pride.

While supplies last.

  • LOCATION
  • OPEN STUDIO

Tuft Love Studio

Grab the tufting gun and add your flair to a bold, community-designed rug! No experience needed—just show up, get hands-on, and let the yarn fly. One lucky guest will take home the finished masterpiece in a special giveaway. Let’s craft something unforgettable together!

  • LOCATION
  • STEVEN'S LAB

Fizzy Art

Re-live your preschool days by creating wonderful watercolor art with the assistance of pH! Watch as colors bubble, mix and fizz into all shades of the rainbow.

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  • LOCATION
  • BRAINASIUM

Body Marbling

Step into the mesmerizing world of body marbling! Immerse yourself, well part of yourself, in this unique experience where vibrant paints swirl and blend on your skin, creating intricate patterns and designs.

Schedule:

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (or until supplies last)

  • LOCATION
  • BRAINASIUM

Elephant Toothpaste Extravaganza

Experience a larger-than-life Elephant Toothpaste extravaganza — a colourful eruption of rainbow foam that celebrates Pride and showcases catalytic reactions.

Schedule:
8:10 PM
9:40 PM
11:10 PM

  • LOCATION
  • BEING HUMAN

Safelink Alberta

Explore information on sexually transmitted (and blood-borne) infections, safer sex practices, and sex work at our booth where you will find not only information but a variety of condoms to take, demonstrations, trivia, ring toss, and meet our mascots Richard and Mulva who can answer all your questions about what we do at SafeLink Alberta to support the wellness of our communities.

  • LOCATION
  • ATRIUM

DJ SoniDef

DJ SONIDEF, born with one deaf ear, defies limitations to pursue her passion for music. Drawing from her street dance roots, she curates eclectic sets blending R&B, Future Soul, House, Funk, Disco, Hip-Hop, and more. With a diverse portfolio, she's spun at various events and venues. As co-founder of BACK & FORTH YYC, she champions representation and inclusion for femme and gender-expansive DJs, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry.

  • LOCATION
  • NORTH ATRIUM

Face + Body Paint with Lucie Brouillard

Get painted, get playful, and step into the magic of Beyond the Rainbow. Whether you’re feeling fierce, radiant, or mysterious, Lucie’s bold designs let you wear your vibe and become part of the art. From subtle sparkle to full transformations—come express yourself.

  • LOCATION
  • BUILDING WIDE

PALs

PALS provides Pet Visitation Therapy to over 60 facilities in the City of Calgary. These facilities consist of hospitals, long and short-term care, nursing homes, schools, libraries, emergency and domestic violence shelters, addiction and mental health centers, young offender centers and the airport (and the list continues to grow).

  • LOCATION
  • BUILDING WIDE

Pride Market

Partnered with Little Modern Market

Discover exciting Calgary local creations with market vendors set up all throughout Spark.

Cayla Louise Metalsmith

The Honey Merchants

Link Haus

Onyx & Ivy

A Crafty Rainbow

CuteButDeadlyCo

The Armoured Artist

Silver & Ivy Beads

FEATURED TALKS & SPEAKERS

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • SEAN STOTYN

Science of Rainbows

Rainbows hold great mystical importance across cultures throughout history, but what exactly are they? Join Sean as he takes you on a journey to understand the nature of light and how it interacts with water droplets to create one of the most stunningly beautiful optical illusions of the natural world.

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • KARLA MARX

History with a Drag Queen

PRIDE! The Villain Edit is the latest episode of History With A Drag Queen by Karla Marx, professor of history! Why do we only talk about queer heroes at pride? What about the villains, thieves, and murderers? Come dive into the darker side of nefarious queers this Pride!

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • CENTRE OF SEXUALITY

Allyship 365: Becoming an Ally for Gender and Sexual Diversity

Guests will learn about what it means to be an ally to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, considering the ways that they can support and engage as allies, 365 days a year.

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • BLACK PRIDE YYC

Embrace Your Identity

Celebrate identity, expression and empowerment through powerful talks on the intersection of race, queerness, and gender-affirming care with Skipping Stone, plus drag performances that explore wigs, transformative makeup, and the rise of drag kings. Photo credit: Black Pride YYC.

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • EDDY ROBINSON

Pleasure and Protection Talk

Science of Safer Sex

Experts are always telling us about the risks of sex and drugs, but why? Join Eddy Robinson (they/them) to explore the science behind transmission and learn how to stay safe while exploring the realms of pleasure.

COLOURFUL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES

  • ADD-ON EXPERIENCE
  • ADULT WORKSHOP

The Rainbow Rebellion: DIY Flagging & Queer Charms

Celebrate the freedom to express yourself in colour and style in The Rainbow Rebellion workshop! Dive into the vibrant history of queer flagging and discover how colours, symbols, and accessories have played a role in queer expression. In this 1.5-hour workshop, you’ll create your very own custom PRIDE bandana using tie-dye techniques—whether you want to replicate a PRIDE flag, show off your unique colours, or craft something that represents your personal journey, the possibilities are endless!

But that’s not all—just like flagging, it's the details that make a statement! You’ll also learn about the iconic and powerful role of carabiner charms in queer flagging culture and have the chance to craft your own charm to wear proudly. These charms are more than just accessories; they’re a way to communicate with those who understand the language of flagging.

What’s Included:

• A brief history of queer flagging and its cultural significance

• A PRIDE-inspired bandana (that you tie-dye yourself!)

• All materials to create your own carabiner charm

• Expert guidance and support throughout the workshop

• One drink ticket for the event’s signature cocktail

Whether you're a flagging newbie or an old pro, this hands-on workshop is an exciting, creative, and campy way to celebrate PRIDE, showcase your identity, and get crafty with the queer community!

Schedule:
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (Capacity 30 people)
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Capacity 30 people)

Tickets:

General Admission - $75.00 per person (Partner Package – 2 tickets @ $140)

Members - $65.00 per person (Partner Package – 2 tickets @ $120)

BUY TICKETS

What You Need to Know Before You Glow

Spark After Dark: Beyond the Rainbow… AGAIN! is shaping up to be a high-energy, sold-out celebration — and we’re here for it! To help you make the most of your night, here are a few tips to keep things smooth, sparkly, and stress-free:

  • Parking
    It’s going to be busy — the TELUS Spark lot fills up quickly. If it’s full when you arrive, use the Calgary Zoo overflow lot just next door. Remember to pay at the machine or on the ParkPlus app to avoid a ticket.
  • Drink Tickets
    Save time by buying drink tickets in advance via Showpass when you purchase your admission. You can also scan a QR code at the event to buy them on-site.
  • Speaker Events
    Talks fill up fast! If there’s one you don’t want to miss, plan to arrive early to grab a seat. Standing-room only happens often!
  • Meet & Greet
    Drop by the Feature Gallery South to meet performers for free. Photos and autographs are available for purchase — all proceeds go directly to the artists.
  • Crowds & Queer Joy
    The Atrium gets crowded during the drag shows by the windows — it’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s part of the vibe. Grab a cocktail, soak it in, and enjoy the moment.

Dress up, show up, and get ready to glow — we can't wait to celebrate with you!

FAQ

    • Is there an ATM on site?

      An ATM is located on the second floor at the top of the entry stairs, outside of the Spark Eatery.

    • I'm a member, do I need a ticket?

      Yes! Spark Members receive a special ticket offer of $10 for all Spark After Dark events. That's over 60% in savings!

    • Can I buy tickets at the door?

      Yes! While tickets are available at the door, it is highly recommended to reserve yours online in advance to ensure you don't miss out on this event, as these events can sell out.

    • Are children allowed?

      Spark After Dark events are 18+, meaning no children are permitted. It's an opportunity for adults to enjoy unique experiences tailored specifically for a mature audience.

    • How much is parking?

      Parking is FREE for Spark Members. For everyone else, parking is $12 and is managed by Calgary Parking through ParkPlus. If paying through the ParkPlus mobile app, enter Zone 8310 or use one of the pay machines located near the front doors. To pay online with ParkPlus, click here.

    • Will the entire science centre be open for this event?

      Yes, including the Digital Immersion Gallery, Being Human, Open Studio, Steven's Lab, Infinity Dome, the Spark Eatery and Astronaut Ice Cream café!

    • Is there overflow parking?

      Yes! If there is not enough room in the Spark parking lot, visitors are welcome to use the north parking lot of the Calgary Zoo at 84 St. Georges Drive NE.

      Please note: Guests must pay for parking at the Calgary Zoo North Lot. Failure to do so may result in a ticket.

      For more details, visit the updated parking page: For more information, visit: Calgary Zoo North Lot.

Banquet: A Feast for the Senses!

Dig into the science of food at Banquet, Spark’s newest exhibition! From wild flavour experiments to surprising food facts, get ready for a hands-on, mind-blowing culinary adventure.

Learn More