Spark After Dark: Foodology | A Sensory Feast of Science & Flavor (18+) April 11, 2025
Spark After Dark (18+)

Foodology

April 11, 2025 | 6PM - Midnight

DATE

Friday April 11, 2025

WHEN

6:00 PM - Midnight

AGES

Adults only 18+
Must have valid photo ID

COST

General Admission $32.95

Members $10

LEAD EXPERIENCES

  • SPARK AFTER DARK

Foodology

A night of flavor, science, and sensory surprises. Discover how scent shapes taste, why flavors spark nostalgia, and more. With hands-on experiments, expert talks, and wild taste tests, this 18+ event serves up a feast of discovery—no reservations required (but a ticket is)!

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  • SPARK AFTER DARK WORKSHOP

The Scoop of Science Workshop

Get hands-on with the science of freezing as liquid nitrogen transforms cream into ice cream in seconds. Explore phase changes, the mystery of brain freeze, and the chemistry behind frozen treats—all while you create your own custom nitro sundae.

Learn More
  • NEW EXHIBITION

Be the first to feast on Banquet!

Spark's newest exhibition is open for service for Spark After Dark attendees! Banquet dishes out a hands-on exploration of the science behind what we eat, why we crave it, and how food shapes our world.

Learn More

GET READY FOR A FULL-COURSE FEAST OF FLAVOUR, FUN & SCIENCE!

At Spark After Dark (18+): Foodology on April 11, explore the mind-blowing ways science shapes what we eat. Ever wondered why scent can transport you back in time? Or why some people swear cilantro tastes like soap? From sensory illusions to the chemistry behind chocolate, this night serves up hands-on experiments, tastings, and unexpected discoveries.

What's on the menu at Spark After Dark:

  • Be the first to feast your eyes on Spark’s newest exhibit, Banquet, an immersive experience that serves up the science, culture, and spectacle of food like never before!
  • Learn from industry experts like neuroscientist Anastasiia Stepanchuk, geneticist David Mutch, and food expert James Radke will uncover how scent shapes memory, why DNA influences taste, and how visual presentation impacts cravings.
  • No passport required—your taste buds are boarding for a flavor-filled trip around the world with the night’s feature drink experience!
  • Compete in Sense & Savour, a taste-test game show that will challenge what you think you know about flavor.
  • Test your heat tolerance in Down the Hatch, a fiery food showdown where spice lovers battle it out.
  • Discover the secrets of perfect pairings with the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, where expert chefs and sommeliers break down how to match flavors like a pro.
  • Indulge in The Chocolate Lab, where chemistry, temperature, and technique turn simple ingredients into gourmet treats.
  • Explore the power of scent in Ol.Facto’s interactive experience, where fragrance shapes the way you “taste.”
  • Give back while you get your fill—drop by the Calgary Food Bank booth and help support Calgary’s food community!
  • Travel the world one bite at a time with globally inspired dishes, from British fish & chips to Korean gochujang chicken, available in the Spark Eatery!
  • Cuddle up with furry friends from @‌palscalgary and stir up the dance floor to fresh beats by DJ Earlybird!
  • Complimentary Shuttle: AM/PM Limo is shutting guests to/from Spark every 15 minutes. Pickup location is from the Calgary Zoo Parking Lot near the giant blue egg.

So, make a reso for you and all your foodie friends and indulge at Spark After Dark (18+): Foodology!

And here's a little extra for Spark Members.

During Spark After Dark events, Spark Members get VIP treatment, with perks like free parking and a fantastic 15% discount at the Spark Eatery, Astronaut Ice Cream café, and the Spark Store!

Purchase a Spark Membership now and enjoy the wonders of science!

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

  • LOCATION
  • FEATURE GALLERY SOUTH

Sense & Savour Game Show

Step into the ultimate taste test with The Cabaret Company, where flavor isn’t always what it seems. Blindfolded challenges, unexpected pairings, and sensory experiments with color, texture, and sound will keep you guessing. Can music change taste? Expect surprises, laughter, and a whole new way to experience food!

  • LOCATION
  • BEING HUMAN

The Science of Eating

Explore balanced eating with expert nutritionists at Ignite Nutrition. Learn about essential nutrients, gut health, metabolism, and energy-boosting foods through interactive displays and discussions. Get practical tips to fuel your body, debunk nutrition myths, and make informed food choices—whether you're optimizing your diet or just curious about what’s on your plate.

  • LOCATION
  • INSPIRATION STAGE

The Art of Food & Wine Pairings Live!

Join the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival for a live cooking show where expert chefs and wine specialists reveal the secrets of perfect pairings. Discover how to balance flavors, enhance acidity, and elevate your dining experience in this interactive session.

  • LOCATION
  • BEING HUMAN

The Science of Chocolate!

Explore the science behind food as chemistry, physics, and creativity transform ingredients into incredible flavors and textures with The Chocolate Lab. Engage your senses, uncover the processes behind your favorite treats, and discover the artistry of culinary innovation. Stop by the booth and experience food like never before!

  • LOCATION
  • OPEN STUDIO

Ask a Sommelier!

Curious about wine? Stop by the Steph the Sommelier's booth for expert insights on aroma, body, and flavor. Learn tasting techniques, explore varietal differences, and discover perfect pairings—all in an interactive, approachable setting. And, of course, enjoy a taste of select wines along the way!

  • LOCATION
  • BEING HUMAN

The Scented Menu

Experience flavor through scent with Ol.Facto. Select “ingredients” from a digital menu and receive custom scent strips replicating your chosen profile. No products are sold on-site, but QR codes let you explore further. Whether you're a foodie or fragrance lover, this interactive demo will change how you perceive taste.

  • LOCATION
  • ATRIUM

Give back while you get your fill!

Visit the Calgary Food Bank booth to learn how they’re tackling food insecurity and providing vital support to the community. Whether you bring a donation or stop by to chat with their team, every contribution helps ensure more Calgarians have access to nutritious meals.

  • LOCATION
  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM

The Ultimate Food Showdown

Step up to the plate for the ultimate food showdown as Spark serves up a game show buffet like no other. Test your taste buds, speed, and spice tolerance in a series of wild challenges, from fiery hot wing face-offs to a frozen Mario Kart mayhem. Whether you're in it to win or just here for the spectacle, one thing’s for sure—this competition is anything but a piece of cake!

  • LOCATION
  • STEVEN'S LAB

The Milk Plastic Experiment

Sustainability at your fingertips! Create your own biodegradable plastic with just two ingredients, and witness just how easy it is to grow your own fresh vegetables indoors! This hands-on experience will have you learn about alternative ways to grow and preserve our foods in a changing world.

FEATURED TALKS & SPEAKERS

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • ANASTASIIA STEPANCHUK

Smell, Flavour & the Brain

Why does fresh-baked bread feel like home? Explore the neuroscience behind how scent shapes taste, emotion, and memory. This interactive session reveals why certain aromas make food feel indulgent, exciting, or nostalgic—changing the way you experience flavor. Get ready for a sensory journey like no other!

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • DAVID MUTCH

DNA-Based Diets: Fact or Science Fiction?

Does cilantro taste soapy to you? Does caffeine hinder your athletic performance? While providing dietary advice based on a person’s DNA may sound like science fiction, come and discover how our genes shape our food tastes and can help personalize a diet for you.

  • HOSTED BY
  • JAMES RADKE

Feast for the Eyes: The Science of Food Presentation

Presentation shapes perception—if food looks unappealing, it’s often ignored. The way a dish is plated can make it irresistible, influencing cravings and customer choices. With over 25 years in the event industry, including 16 years managing retail attractions at the Calgary Stampede, James Radke specializes in creating eye-catching, sales-driving food experiences.

  • HOSTED BY:
  • CHEF ROSALYN EDIGER

Culinary Diplomacy: Connecting Cultures Through Food

Food transcends language, bringing people together across cultures. This talk explores how shared meals foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and build inclusive communities—from state banquets to grassroots exchanges. Through real-world examples, discover how cuisine bridges divides and how food diplomacy can create meaningful connections in everyday life.

  • HOSTED BY
  • CHEFS KATE SYMES & SIMON DUNN

The Terroir of Honey

Honey captures the flavors of its environment. This talk explores how floral sources, climate, and geography shape its taste, while highlighting the vital role of bees in ecosystems. Learn why sustainable beekeeping matters and how rooftop hives are making an impact—one jar of honey at a time.

UPSIZE WITH A WORKSHOP

  • ADD-ON EXPERIENCE
  • ADULT WORKSHOP

THE SCOOP ON SCIENCE: CRYO-CONFECTIONS

Get ready to chill with the coolest science experiment of the night—liquid nitrogen ice cream! This hands-on workshop explores the magic of freezing, phase changes, and the shock of brain freeze, all while you craft your own nitro sundae with freeze-dried toppings.

What’s inside the lab?
Watch liquid nitrogen work its instant-freezing magic, dive into the science behind frozen treats, and get hands-on creating your own custom ice cream.

Plus, each workshop ticket includes admission to Spark After Dark (18+): Foodology and a complimentary Drink Boarding Pass!

Two times available:
6:30 – 8:00 PM (30 spots)
8:30 – 10:00 (30 spots)

Tickets:
$65 per person | $120 for two
Spark Members: $55 per person | $100 for two

Limited spots—book now before they melt away!

Buy Tickets

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. For more information, visit: www.calgaryparking.com/findparking/zooparking

Banquet: A Feast for the Senses

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

Learn More