Sonic Spotlight 2023: Meet The Bands!

Sonic Spotlight Finalist Showcase is coming up on December 13th at Washington’s at 7pm!

Tickets are on sale now

Come check out these young rippers on the rise and cheer on your hometown heroes!

 Learn all about this year’s finalist in the bios below. See you there!

autumnal

autumnal is a fuzz folk band from Fort Collins and Denver, Colorado. They combine the
storytelling of folk songwriting with the tones and pedals of shoegaze to create a unique
sound they’ve dubbed ‘fuzz folk’. autumnal is fronted by childhood best friends Annalee
Knies on guitar and vocals and Geneva Hein on synth and vocals. They are rounded
out by Justice Murray on bass and Nina Dorighi on drums. Their lyrics detail the lives of
twenty-somethings navigating the world; writing about everything from queerness to
climate change. They strive to make the music scene a move inclusive space for
anyone who wants to get involved, starting with their own shows.

clementine

This quintet, freshly squeezed out of Fort Collins, CO, consists of bright guitar riffs
juxtaposed with heavy-hitting drums and lyrics. With an alternative rock, punk, and
soulful grip on the music they write and perform, clementine offers something unique
and diverse. Their energy is over-the-top intense, and their sharp, in-your-face
presentation is something you just have to see.

Stone Jackals

Stone Jackals is a Colorado rock band formed by high school friends in 2018. We play
many types of music from indie rock to heavier garage rock. We have recently played
shows with acts like The Orwells and Zella Day and want to continue to increase our
presence in Colorado and elsewhere.
“Chemical Canopy holds the fort down as part of the new wave of indie
rock-inspired, neo-psychedelic style. It’s steady bouncing bass with simple but
effective guitar riffs and low, smooth vocals that pleasantly reverberate in your head. It’s
funkadelic rock with a dash of dopamine to ease a tired mind after a long week.”
– Andrew Venegas, 303 Magazine

 

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School Day Out Workshops

School Day Out at the Museum! Join us on October 20th and again on November 10th for a series of fun, interactive engineering-based workshops for kids ages 8 and up. Each group will be led by CSU College of Engineering students and will focus on creative problem-solving for some of today’s most fascinating challenges.

 

Participants will discover solutions to engineering challenges by exploring five disciplines: mechanical, electrical, civil, biomedical, and chemical engineering through hands-on activities designed to simulate a collaborative lab environment and spark their imaginations.

 

The groups are limited to 15 people per each 90-minute session. Registration is required and can be accessed HERE

 

October 20

12:00-1:30 Chemical Engineering – Discover the best way to make slime

1:30-3:00 Biomedical Engineering – Build lower limb prosthetics

3:00-4:30 Civil Engineering – Fabricate spaghetti bridges

 

November 10

12:00-1:30 Electrical Engineering – Design and build saltwater circuits

1:30-3:00 Mechanical Engineering – Create “Mars Rover Egg Landers”

 

This is a great opportunity for another adventure in Discovery!

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Sonic Spotlight Applications Now Open (Closed August 31st, 2023)

Sonic Spotlight is back! Now in its fourth year, this musical showcase highlights emerging music and young artists living in Northern Colorado. Musicians 22 and under are encouraged to apply. Sonic Spotlight provides opportunities for musicians looking to level up their craft while making new friends and connections.Selected artists and bands will get a chance to work with industry experts, connect with creative peers, receive radio airplay, create a professional music videos, book live shows, and reach new creative heights. You and/or your friends should apply! 

Applications are open now through August 31st! https://www.sonicspotlight.org/apply

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Beyond Discovery Benefit: Teeing Up the Next Ten Years!

Friday, September 8th 2023

6:00pm-9:00pm

Please mark your calendars for Fort Collins Museum of Discovery’s first fundraising event since 2019. This exciting community event will culminate the 10-year Anniversary celebration of the museum while also seeding our vision to inspire inquisitive thinkers and encourage responsible stewardship of the future. Sponsor opportunities are available through July 15. Tickets are on sale now!

Click here to learn more and get your ticket!

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Prepare for the Autism Resource Fair! 

By Scott McKinney and Laura Vilaret-Tuma 
 
Happy Autism Awareness Month! 

Did you know that since 2018, FCMoD hosts the Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair in the month of April? 

We are lucky to welcome more that 300 neurodiverse individuals, their loved ones and caregivers during this yearly event to explore information about local autism services and support in the Northern Colorado area. 

As we continue to welcome folks from the community each year, we learn how important it is to “know before you go” –that’s why we’ve developed a suite of resources to help you prepare for your visit to FCMoD whether you’re coming for Autism Resource Fair or just a regular day of fun at the museum! 

So, what are the options? 

An FCMoD Social Story: A Social Story is a tool used to explain specific occurrences, concepts, and interactions in a digestible manner, as well as develop greater social understanding and safety for people on the Autism spectrum. Download An FCMoD Social Story here

Video Tour of FCMoD: “Walk” through the museum before you visit while learning about our history, exhibits, and more. Available in VR! Check it out here

Ability Pass: If a guest who has a disability is accompanied by a professional aide, the aide is admitted to the museum and OtterBox Digital Dome Theater for free.  

S.P.A.R.K Pack: The S.P.A.R.K. Explorer Pack is a Sensory Processing and Autism Resource Kit that was designed by the Colorado Autism Society and the Autism Community Store in Denver. The items inside can be used to sensory-soothe or sensory-provoke. Each kit includes a wiggle seat, a visor, noise reducing headphones, a ‘seek-and-find’ weighted lap pad, and fidget keychains. It can be used during your gallery visit or during a film in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater! It will be available for check out at the front desk for no additional fee. An ID or membership card will be needed for a deposit. 

Discovery For All: At FCMoD, we believe discovery belongs to everyone! There are multiple ways to access the museum, from partnerships with local libraries to special discounts for qualifying visitors. Read more about these resources here.  

Accommodations at the Fair: Each year, FCMoD strives to improve our offerings for sensory-friendly accommodations during the Autism Resource Fair. This year, we’ll have the following: 

  • Sensory Bags containing sunglasses and earplugs, available at the museum. 
  • Sensory Advisory Warnings on all loud exhibits. 
  • Quiet space located in The Archive. 
  • Low lighting in our Woodward Special Exhibition Gallery. 
  • Volume adjustments in our Soundscapes exhibit. 
  • Students from Colorado State University Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) department to help navigate the fair events. 
  • Visual markers (balloons!) at all fair areas. 

If you ever want to know about FCMoD’s latest accessibility resources, please visit our Accessibility page. Prefer to chat over the phone? You can always give us a call at (970) 221-6738. 

Join us for the FREE 2023 Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair on April 23rd 2023 from 12 PM – 4 PM, generously sponsored by Larimer County Behavioral Health Services Impact Fund Grant Program. See you there! 

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Being “Me” In Fort Collins/ Siendo “yo” en Fort Collins

As of 2/25 registration has reached capacity.
Thank you for the interest!

Sunday, February 26, 2023 | 2:00-5:00 PM* program starts right at 2
Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Typical libraries offer print books and digital eBooks for check out, but the Human Library® allows participants – or Readers – to borrow a human Book and engage in conversations about their unique stories, particularly their experiences in Fort Collins regarding their identity/identities. The Human Library program creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for curious and often taboo conversations that will challenge prejudices and promote understanding of differences. The program encourages all participants to “unjudge” a human Book by its cover.

As a Reader, you will have the opportunity to check out four human Books, community volunteers who have been subjected to bias, stereotyping, or intolerance due to their lifestyle, race, beliefs, disability, etc.  For example, a Reader may wish to converse with a Book who identifies as gay, Black, body artist, wheelchair user, etc. and explore their experiences in our community. The hope is that everyone, Readers and Books, gain new understandings that advance acceptance and inclusion among diverse groups.

Please join us for the Human Library – a safe and non-judgmental forum for people to engage in difficult conversations and gain a deeper understanding of diverse human experiences.

There is no charge for this program. For more information about the Human Library, please visit www.humanlibrary.org.

The Human Library program is sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District. This program is presented as part of the 2023 Fort Collins BookFest.


“Siendo yo en Fort Collins”

Las bibliotecas tradicionales ofrecen libros, tanto impresos como electrónicos, pero la Biblioteca Humana® permite a sus participantes, o lectores, tomar prestado un libro humano para entablar conversaciones sobre sus historias, particularmente sus experiencias en Fort Collins con respecto a su identidad. El programa de la Biblioteca Humana crea un entorno seguro y sin prejuicios para mantener conversaciones curiosas y, a menudo, tabú que desafiarán los prejuicios y promoverán la comprensión de las diferencias. El programa alienta a todos los participantes a “desjuzgar” un libro humano.

Como lector tendrá la oportunidad de consultar cuatro libros humanos, voluntarios de la comunidad que han sido objeto de prejuicios, estereotipos o intolerancia debido a su estilo de vida, raza, creencias, discapacidad, etc. Por ejemplo, un lector puede conversar con un libro que se identifique como gay, negro, artista del cuerpo, usuario de silla de ruedas, etc. y explorar sus experiencias en nuestra comunidad. El objetivo es que todos, tanto lectores como libros, obtengan nuevos conocimientos que promuevan la aceptación y la inclusión entre diversos grupos.

Acompáñenos en la Biblioteca Humana: un foro seguro y sin prejuicios para que las personas participen en conversaciones difíciles y obtengan una comprensión más profunda de las diversas experiencias humanas.

Domingo, 26 de febrero de 2023
2:00-5:00 PM
Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins
408 Mason Court
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524

Admisión gratuita. Para registrarse, haga clic aquí 

Para obtener más información sobre la Biblioteca Humana, visite www.humanlibrary.org.

La Biblioteca Humana está patrocinada por la Oficina de Equidad e Inclusión de la ciudad de Fort Collins, el Museo del Descubrimiento de Fort Collins y el Distrito Bibliotecario Público Poudre River. Se presenta como parte del Festival del Libro de Fort Collins 2023.

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Celebrating 1 Million Visitors with a Free Day!

Join us on Saturday, January 7th as we celebrate 1 million visitors at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery! That’s right, the museum has welcomed 1 MILLION people of all ages since opening its doors on November 10, 2012.

That’s a lot of discovery!!

Admission is free all day long, thanks to generous support from the City of Fort Collins Environmental Services Department – Sustainability Services Area. Interact with the team on the 7th and learn more about climate, waste reduction, and air quality!

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., visitors can enter their name for a grand prize to be drawn at NOON on the 7th:

Grand Prize includes:

  • Free lifetime membership
  • 30 guest passes
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • Prize package from The Museum Store!

(Winner must be present to win)

As a reminder, please plan for limited parking!

This weekend also marks visitors’ last chance to experience the special Earth Matters traveling exhibition, an immersive, bilingual experience that explores climate and the changing world around us. Dive even more deeply into these locally relevant themes by participating in activities and experiences planned by City of Fort Collins Sustainability Services on the 7th or registering for a Earth Matters Poetry Workshop on the 8th hosted by local poet Jodie Hollander and State Historian and CSU Professor Jared Orsi.

We are so excited to celebrate this special milestone as part of our year-long 10th Anniversary Celebrations. Plan your visit to Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on the 7th to share in the fun with everyone!

Click to read the recent Coloradoan article about this wonderful milestone!

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s coming to FCMoD!

Create special holiday memories at Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on Saturday, December 17th! There’s fun planned for everyone, no matter your age!

Enjoy taking photos with Santa Claus, holiday-themed activities, balloon creations, and more. Photos will be on a first come, first-serve basis from 10 am – 1 pm, so we hope you’ll join us! Please bring your smartphone device or camera for photos (FCMoD staff available to take pictures).

This special event is free with museum admission purchase. And don’t forget, members are always free!

NOTE: This may be a high volume event!

Schedule of Events:

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Photos with Santa Claus in the Main Gallery

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ornament Crafting with FCMoD

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Balloon Creations with Alpaca Globo

Special Events for Museum Members! 

10:00 AM- 1:00 PM: Members receive* FREE hot chocolate available in the Museum Café

1:00 PM – 1:45 PM: Members-only viewing of “Let It Snow” in the OtterBox Digital Dome Theater

While you’re at the museum, don’t forget to explore our latest traveling exhibition Earth Matters: Rethink the Future or check out the newest addition in our Animal Encounters Zone (hint: they’re very green and very froggy).

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Extended Hours for Fall Break Fun!

FCMoD is open EXTRA days during Fall Break this year, and we can’t wait! If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Collins, plan your visit to FCMoD and enjoy fun for everyone! We’re open every day during the week of Thanksgiving from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Thursday, November 24th.

Here are some tips for your upcoming visit:

Earth Matters Special Exhibition – Build an insect hotel! Ride a bike to power a city! These are just a few ways that Earth Matters inspires visitors to rethink the world around them. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking scientific topics about our changing planet such as biodiversity, rising global temperatures, and issues around carbon emissions. Explore this STEM-based, family-friendly exhibit now through Sunday, January 8th. Don’t forget, members receive free admission to the exhibit!

Pop-Up Floor Programming – Join us in the main gallery for programs that rock as hard as you do! From Foley art to the science of sound, there’s something for everyone! Programs are included in general admission and free for members. Check out the schedule in our museum calendar!

Meet the Animals – On Saturday, November 26th, join us in Animal Encounters and discover some amazing creatures we share this planet with. Animals of all kinds from creepy crawlies, wet and slimy, to soft and furry. Don’t miss an opportunity to make a new animal friend! Free for members and included in general admission ticket.

OtterBox Digital Dome – A visit to the museum isn’t complete without a visit to the Dome! Featuring a gigantic 39-foot diameter dome screen, adventurers of all ages will be wowed by the Dome’s state-of-the-art digital projection systems and booming surround sound.

Now showing in the Dome: CAPCOM GO! The Apollo Story, Dream to Fly, Explore, Prince 360, One World, One Sky: Big Birds’ Adventure, Let it Snow! (starting 11/25)

Special Spanish-language shows: Un Cielo, Un Mundo. La Aventura de Big Bird y CAPCOM Go: La Historia del Programa Apolo

Check out the schedule here!

Archive and Collections (Free Zone) – Dive into local history by visiting FCMoD’s robust Archive and Collections! Free and open to the public, visitors can either take advantage of walk-in hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10-1, or schedule an appointment Tuesday – Friday, from 10-4. Can’t make it in? Check out the online archive here, which grows daily!

The Museum Store (Free Zone) – Shop small this holiday season! All purchases at The Museum Store support FCMoD’s mission to create meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and have fun. From jewelry crafted by local artists, to books for children and adults, to toys and other curiosities, there is something for everyone at The Museum Store!

The Museum Café (Free Zone) – From pastries and coffee to jump start your day, to a variety of casual lunch bites, The Museum Café is here to fuel your discovery!

Membership – Membership is the best way to experience all that FCMoD has to offer! Not only do you receive free general admission for a year, but you also enjoy exclusive discounts, events invitations, and more! Plus, membership makes the perfect holiday gift. (Check your email on Monday, November 28th for a very special offer!)

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Fort Collins Museum of Discovery Turns 10!

On November 10, 2012, Fort Collins Museum of Discovery opened its doors for the very first time. Fast forward 10 years and nearly 1 million visitors later, and WOW have we had fun! We’re proud of what these ten years have meant to FCMoD and the community, so we’ve planned a year of celebrations that kicks off with a very special 10th Birthday Party on Saturday, November 12.

Join us for a FREE, fun-filled day of celebrations!
Saturday, November 12, 2022
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Free Entry
Free admission presented by Elevations Credit Union

  • Face painting from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • A fun photo booth to take memories home with you from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Live music from 12 – 4 p.m. with Miranda Fling, Mariachi Voces Mexicanas, Teddy Creal, and Corinthian
  • Special Animal Experiences and more from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
  • Solar scope viewings with the Northern Colorado Astronomical Society
  • Movies and films in The OtterBox Digital Dome throughout the day
  • Special giveaways to the first 300 visitors!
  • And more to be announced!

Ten years of science exploration. Ten years of discovering history. Ten years of curiosity and learning. Ten years of creating memories… And we’re only just beginning! A special and heartfelt thank you to YOU for your continued love and support for the museum over the years. We can’t wait to see you this year during our many celebrations!

Sign up for our newsletter to receive special 10th anniversary updates, directly in your inbox.


FCMoD’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations are generously supported by:

Additional support provided by:
Bohemian Foundation
Fiona’s Catering
Nordson Corporate Foundation

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