Spaceflight and dance parties — not exactly a classic combination. But if you live in the Seattle area or are planning a trip to the city in April, you won't want to miss the opportunity to experience these two things coming together at Seattle's Museum of Flight.
Yuri's Night space party is an annual celebration observed on or around April 12 at venues all over the world that commemorates the day that Yuri Gagarin became the first person ever to enter space. The event gives you a chance to have some fun celebrating the anniversary of the first human spaceflight.
Continue reading if you're interested in learning more about celebrating Yuri's Night in Seattle at the Museum of Flight and how you can save on some of Seattle's top activities.
Who Is Yuri Gagarin and What Does Yuri's Night Celebrate?
Even if you're not a space enthusiast, you may be familiar with some of the world's most famous astronauts like Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. If the name Yuri Gagarin doesn't ring any bells, you're not alone.
However, when it comes to space, it doesn't get more exciting than Yuri Gagarin. On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human being ever to enter space. The cosmonaut flew into space on the Vostok 1, a Soviet Union spacecraft, and orbited around the Earth in a flight that lasted a total of 108 minutes.
This same date gained further significance two decades later when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched its first-ever space shuttle mission.
After more than 50 years, individuals still choose to recognize the importance of Yuri Gagarin entering space with Yuri's Night. Although the annual events that celebrate Yuri's Night are about fun, and the celebration that takes place at Seattle's Museum of Flight features food, drinks, and dancing, it's still an excellent opportunity to learn about our collective history with space and the significant people and events that have helped shape our understanding of it today.
What To Expect at Yuri's Night at Seattle's Museum of Flight
Yuri's Night is an annual event held at Seattle's Museum of Flight that's a true party. This adults-only event is designed to make grown-ups feel like a kid again and reignite their love of all things space.
But don't feel like kids can't take part in the fun — the museum celebrates Yuri's Day as well, which includes special activities that are appropriate for the whole family and a 360-degree photo booth. So spend the day learning about space, and then grab a babysitter and come back to experience some of the activities listed below.
Incredible Live Music and DJs for a Dance Party Like None Other
Whether you're a local or a visitor, there's a good chance you've never experienced anything quite like Yuri's Night at Seattle's Museum of Flight.Even if you spend all day perusing the museum, you'll feel like you're somewhere else entirely when you arrive for Yuri's Night. The Museum Gallery is completely unrecognizable as a dedicated space-themed venue.
Enjoy multiple electronic dance music DJs and not one, but two dance floors where you can dance the night away.
Unique Mix of Drinks and Food Trucks
In addition to creating a fun atmosphere through dancing and decoration, Yuri's Night is committed to providing you with everything you need to make this night memorable.
Because you have to be at least 21 years old to attend the event, you can enjoy some delicious food from some of Seattle's best local food trucks and wash it all down with some dangerously good mixed drinks.
If you've never been to Seattle, you'll quickly learn that the city is one of the best in the country to visit if you're interested in excellent food, craft beer, regional wine, and craft cocktails.
But you don't have to go to a restaurant to get great food and drinks — plan to attend Yuri's Night hungry and plan to take a cab home to enjoy everything that this unique event has to offer.
Interactive Space Activities and Virtual Reality Experiences
If you're just as excited to lean into some of the museum's exhibits as you are to hit the dance floor, you're in luck, as there are numerous opportunities to have interactive experiences that are both fun and educational.
One such activity is Spacequest VR, which helps you understand what it felt like to complete NASA's Apollo 11 mission. With this virtual reality experience, you'll get to launch, enter space, land on the moon (and experience what it feels like not to be weighed down by gravity), and head back home.
In addition, you can try one or both of the museum's flight simulators or climb aboard the museum's Destiny Research Laboratory of the International Space Station replica.
Note: The virtual reality experience and flight simulators are not included with the price of admission and have additional associated costs.
Start Your Day By Learning at the Museum, Then Finish It With a Party
Seattle is the biggest city in the Pacific Northwest, and with incredible dining options, endless possibilities for outdoor recreation, and numerous museums and science centers, it's a wonderful place to both live and visit.
If you have yet to go to Seattle's Museum of Flight, it's well worth the visit, and if you plan your visit right, you can spend your day wandering around the museum gallery and your evening dancing the night away with your fellow space enthusiasts.
Whether you're a Seattle native who's looking to experience the city like a tourist, or you're in town for a weekend with your family, you can save more than on some of Seattle's top attractions with Seattle C3® tickets, including:
- Woodland Park Zoo
- Space Needle
- Seattle Art Museum
- Sky View Observatory
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- And more!
Seattle Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Seattle, we recommend finding lodging near Seattle's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Museum of Flight