COSI hosts Columbus Brew Festival, specialty beer, menu options
COSI is usually full of kids running from the gadgets exhibit to the planetarium and even the ocean exploration area.
But now it’s the adults’ turn to explore this playground for all ages.
On Saturday, the Center of Science and Industry will host the Columbus Brew Festival on all three floors of the museum. While adults sip on beverages from more than 50 breweries, they’ll be able to visit and interact with all the attractions the popular venue has to offer guests.
It’s a time when adults can let their inner child out for a few hours of fun, said Kristy Williams, COSI’s director of communication.
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“I absolutely recommend the gadgets room,” Williams said. “There are so many things to do there. It’s play — you just play up there — and you can build different things. In the life area, there are strength tests and you cannot miss the Ocean and all the water play.”
COSI museum an ideal venue for beer festival, organizer says
While Drink Eat Play, the California-based company putting on the event, has made a name for itself hosting beer fests in museums nationwide, owner Dan Silberstein said he’s especially excited to partner with COSI, one of the top science museums in the country.
Not only do venues such as COSI have built-in infrastructure, such as restrooms, concessions and staff, he said planning events there also allows him to offer guests more than just samples of beer.
“Most important is that interactive element,” said Silberstein, adding that Drink Eat Play initially had a March 28, 2020, event at COSI planned, but because of the pandemic, it had to be rescheduled a few times.
“We’ve all been to plenty events at a park or a convention center where you have a few beers, a few food items and then think, ‘What do I do now?'”
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Attendees will be able to partake in virtual-reality games as well as view the popular touring exhibit titled “Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes.”
That’s a great value as it would cost someone on a typical day $40 to see the Marvel show, which features costumes worn on set, original comic book sketches and life-size sculptures of favorite characters. Tickets for the beer festival cost $50, or $65 for VIP.
“Most adults haven’t been to a science museum since they were a kid unless they have kids,” Silberstein said. “It’s fresh since it’s not something you go to every week.”
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Special menu also on tap
Another highlight of the event is COSI’s food court, which will feature a special menu of dishes that incorporate some of the 150 beers on tap into the recipes, Williams said.
While the museum does host COSI After Dark events for the 21-plus crowd every so often, Williams said partnering with the beer festival allows them to reach a whole new audience not familiar with the venue’s offerings.
“Science is everywhere and for everyone,” Williams said. “There are plenty of experiences for adults here, too. We hope people come enjoy COSI, taste some local brews and have a really good time.”
@AllisonAWard
At a glance
The Columbus Brew Festival will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday (VIP gets in at 7 p.m.) at COSI, 333 W. Broad St. Tickets cost $50 for general admission and $65 for VIP and can be purchased at www.columbusbrewfestival.com.
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