Spark After Dark: Guilty Pleasures - February 14, 2025
Spark After Dark (18+)

Guilty Pleasures

February 14, 2025 | 6PM - Midnight

DATE

Friday February 14, 2025

WHEN

6:00 PM - Midnight

AGES

Adults only 18+
Must have valid photo ID

COST

General Admission $32.95

Members $10

LEAVE YOUR GUILT AT THE DOOR WITH SPARK AFTER DARK: GUILTY PLEASURES ON FEB. 14

We listen, and we don't judge. It’s time to indulge in all the pleasures life has to offer at the next Spark After Dark (18+): Guilty Pleasures on Feb. 14.

Ever wonder why chocolate feels like a hug for your brain? Or why you can’t stop binging your favorite reality show? Dive into the psychology, biology, and chemistry behind the little things we love but hate to admit.

What indulgence awaits you at Spark After Dark:

  • Celebrate life's quirkiest pleasures with @‌therealkyleeroman's judgment-free game show, "Guilty or Not?"
  • Indulge with Temptation Tini, the salty-sweet chocolate martini feature cocktail inspired by a chocolate-covered pretzel.
  • Enjoy a playful night of seduction that will leave you craving more with Cabaret Company
  • Be among the first in the world to experience PHENOMENA: The Exhibition
  • Bask in the TV glow of all your favorite video game vices without judgment in the Gaming Zone
  • Treat yourself to life’s simple luxuries in the Shopping Haven and the Self-Care space
  • Be tempted by a selection of steamy erotica, dark romances, and fantasy books in the Literature corner
  • Get gluttonous with the Guilty Pleasures Tray, complete with Fried Chicken Drumsticks, Pickle Chips, Curly Fries, Mac & Cheese, Dill Pickle Ranch, and SO much more...
  • Deep dive into the passions and taboos that fuel the kink community with the "Kink and Guilty Pleasures" vendor booths
  • Cuddle up with furry friends from @‌palscalgary and dance like no one’s judging to beats by @‌impressjade

Opposites attract and indulgence reigns supreme in the Flavours That Flirt Workshop (additional cost). Discover surprising pairings, like bold reds with cheesy nachos or crisp whites with tangy sour candies! Delish!

Bring a date and your curiosity—it's time to get a little indulgent! 😉

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!

WORKSHOP

  • EXPERIENCES
  • ADULT TOUR

FLAVOURS THAT FLIRT: PERFECTLY IMPERFECT PAIRINGS

Create your own "Cupid Concoctions" with unexpected chemistry this Valentine’s Day with our Flavours That Flirt Workshop, a playful exploration of Perfectly Imperfect Pairings! Hosted during Spark After Dark: Guilty Pleasures, this workshop is an ode to indulgence, bringing together the worlds of fine wine and everyone’s favourite guilty pleasures— food!

Get ready to delight your taste buds with Star-Crossed Flavours that might just surprise you. Whether it’s a bold red paired with cheesy nachos or a crisp white with tangy sour candies, this workshop will take you on a flavor journey where opposites attract and every sip and bite tells a love story.

Schedule:

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (Capacity: 30 participants)

8:00 pm – 9:00 pm (Capacity: 30 participants)

9:30 pm – 10:30 pm (Capacity: 30 participants)

What’s Included?

- Guided tasting experience featuring 5 unique wine and indulgent food pairings

- Tips for creating your own “Sips and Dips” pairings at home

- Admission to February’s Spark After Dark - Guilty Pleasures

- One complimentary “skip the line” regular drink ticket per participant upon arrival

Buy Tickets

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

  • LOCATION
  • OPEN MINDS SCIENCE SCHOOL

INDULGE IN VIRTUAL ESCAPES

Enter the Guilty Pleasures Gaming Zone and indulge in your favorite video game vices! From epic RPGs to nostalgic classics, discover hidden gems or revisit old favorites in a space that celebrates the joys of gaming.

  • LOCATION
  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM

PAMPER YOUR BODY AND SOUL

Discover the Guilty Pleasures of Self-Care, a sanctuary for indulging in luxurious relaxation. From soothing massages to pampering skincare, this space celebrates the joy of self-love and the ultimate pleasure of taking care of you.

  • LOCATION
  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM

GUILTY PLEASURES SHOPPING HAVEN

Explore the Guilty Pleasures Shopping Haven, filled with unique, playful finds to indulge your desires or delight someone special. Take home a little luxury and embrace life’s irresistible treats!

  • LOCATION
  • BUILDING WIDE

KINK: DIVE INTO DESIRE

Dive into the world of Kink and Guilty Pleasures with interactive booths exploring the passions and taboos of kink culture. Discover educational resources, demonstrations, and expert talks in a safe space to learn, share, and embrace your desires.

  • LOCATION
  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM

ASMR ROMANCE READINGS: SENSORY STORYTELLING

Immerse yourself in ASMR Romance Readings, where soft whispers bring steamy and sweet stories to life. Let the soothing sounds transport you to a world of guilty pleasures in the most relaxing, sensory way.

  • LOCATION
  • ATRIUM

GUILTY PLEASURES WALL

Share your secrets at the Guilty Pleasures Wall! Pin your favorite indulgences—be it a quirky habit or secret obsession—and celebrate the hidden joys that connect us all.

  • LOCATION
  • STEVEN'S LAB

ANIMATED INDULGENCE: FRAME-BY-FRAME CREATION

Step into Steven’s Lab and indulge in the guilty pleasures of animation! Explore thaumatropes, zoetropes, and mesmerizing optical illusions that bring movement to life in the most unexpectedly satisfying ways.”

  • LOCATION
  • INSPIRATION STAGE

GUILTY PLEASURES CABARET

Experience the Guilty Pleasures Cabaret—a captivating blend of burlesque, dance, music, and humor. With bold performances and sensual indulgence, this show celebrates guilty pleasures and unapologetic self-expression. Be mesmerized!

  • LOCATION
  • CREATIVE KIDS MUSEUM

SLOW BURN BOOKS

Slow Burn Books is your go-to for guilty pleasure romances, from steamy erotica to sweet love stories. Explore contemporary, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC tales, and enjoy community events like book signings and wine nights—celebrating guilt-free reading!

  • LOCATION
  • ATRIUM

LIVE DJ

Jadé’s genre-bending sets span House, Disco, Afrobeats, Baile Funk, and Pop, celebrating her love for dance music. She creates inclusive, joyful spaces where everyone can have fun and express themselves.

FEATURED TALKS AND SPEAKERS

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • SIMPLY COUNSELLING SERVICES

WHY DO GUILTY PLEASURES FEEL SO GOOD?

Explore the fascinating world of guilty pleasures in this engaging talk. Discover the psychology and neuroscience behind why we indulge, the emotional comfort they provide, and the societal stigma surrounding them. Uncover whether guilt is warranted or if these pleasures offer deeper value, from connection to creativity. Leave with a fresh perspective—and maybe a little less guilt!

  • PRESENTED BY:
  • REIA LANCE

WHAT BECOMES POSSIBLE WHEN YOU MEET GUILT WITH CURIOSITY AND INVITE YOUR BODY INTO A FULLER EXPRESSION OF PLEASURE?

What if guilt met curiosity instead of judgment? This talk explores how guilt and pleasure shape our nervous system responses. Learn how embracing pleasure can reduce stress, foster connection, and transform guilt into self-acceptance and well-being.

  • PRESENTED BY
  • DR. JODIE MURDOCH ND FROM HEALTHFLOW NEUROPATHIC CLINIC

HOW DO HORMONES CHANGE OUR GUILTY PLEASURES?

Discover how hormones shape our guilty pleasures in this fascinating talk. From dopamine’s sweet treat rush to oxytocin’s role in connection, explore how hormonal shifts influence cravings, comfort, and indulgence. Uncover the science behind your body’s chemistry and its link to the pleasures you love.

  • HOSTED BY
  • KYLEE ROMAN

GAME SHOW: GUILTY OR NOT?

Join Guilty or Not?, a playful game show celebrating quirky guilty pleasures. Enjoy hilarious challenges, trivia, and audience confessions that connect us through laughter and indulgence—no guilt, just fun!

  • HOSTED BY:
  • KYLEE ROMAN

GAME SHOW: GUILTY OR NOT: VALENTINE’S EDITION

Dive into the world of guilty pleasures as we record a live podcast session, featuring candid conversations, special guests, and audience participation.

  • HOSTED BY
  • KYLEE ROMAN

TIKTOK PANEL

Join TikTok creators as they share stories of guilty pleasures, balancing indulgence and guilt, and creating content that connects and inspires. Explore their journey of creativity, vulnerability, and unapologetic joy in the digital world.

EATS & TREATS

  • $42.00
  • FEATURE FOOD

Guilty Pleasure Tray

Dive into Nashville fried chicken, mac & cheese, deep-fried brownies, and more—all on one indulgent platter.

  • $115.00
  • FEATURE FOOD

Valentine’s Day Guilty Pleasures Buffet

Treat yourself to a decadent unforgettable culinary experience featuring:

Lover’s Crudo Bar: East Coast oysters with passion fruit mignonette, salmon ceviche, Vietnamese lobster rolls, shrimp cocktail, roasted garlic hummus, assorted sushi, premium cheeses, and salami.

Wild Game Sausage Station: Bison blueberry and elk cranberry sausages served with wild rice vegetable pilaf.

The Luxe Mac Experience: Gourmet mac and cheese with lobster, pancetta, wild mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions, and a variety of indulgent toppings.

Prime Rib Craving: Alberta prime rib carved to order, served with chimichurri, cowboy butter, Yukon Gold mash, and seasonal veggies.

Takeout Handhelds: Butter chicken tacos, pulled pork sliders, classic poutine, and mini pizzas with cheese or basil pesto.

Dessert Station: A sweet finale featuring a donut stand, macaron tower, chocolate chunk cookies, cupcakes, chocolate-covered strawberries, warm chocolate bread pudding, mousse cakes, and a chocolate fountain station.

Seating 1: 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Seating 2: 8:30PM - 10:30PM

Members $90 per person

Buy Tickets
  • $20.00
  • FEATURE DRINK

Temptation Tini

Indulge in a decadent cocktail garnished with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, and pretzel crumbles.

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 $10 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

Spark After Dark (18+): Foodology 2025

Join Spark April 11, 2025 for the next adult-only night of science!

Buy Tickets Member Tickets