PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has announced Friday, October 4, as the date for their 2024 Night Owl event. Their biggest fundraiser of the year, the Musuem has pulled out all the stops to bring in a crowd, blending elements of last year’s record-breaking success with new activities. "We are thrilled to bring back one of our signature fundraiser events.” Says the Museum’s Executive Director Dr. Rachel Miller, “This year promises something for everyone - great food, libations, music, and unique experiences! It’s a wonderful opportunity to have fun with your community while supporting one of the first natural history museums in the state. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and make this Night Owl the best one yet!"

That special night will include a live owl educational demonstration with local falconer Antonio Balestreri, barbeque (including vegetarian options) from the Butcher’s Pit Barbeque and all-you-can-eat charcuterie by Platter Perfection, cat and kitten adoptions with the Animal Friends Rescue Project, beers on tap from Alvarado Street Brewery, mocktails from Tap Truck Monterey, wine pours from Scheid Family Vineyards, and tequila tastings with the Tequila People. Night Owl will also include the launch of a new temporary exhibit of monarch quilts from the Cherrywood Challenge, an experiential market, and a raffle with a plethora of coveted prizes, such as a private paella party with Chef Brandon Miller, a dine around pass for some of the highest-rated restaurants on the Central Coast, a wine fridge filled with wine from Lady Somme, exotic orchids from Matsui nurseries, a special tasting in the Twisted Roots tasting room with Platter Perfection, an all-around events pass for some the county’s most visited events including the California Rodeo and the Artichoke Festival, and unique and beautiful art from local artists Erin E. Hunter and Amanda Konishi.

For the first time this year, the Museum will host a VIP hour the hour before Night Owl begins, with a special live owl demonstration, sparkling wine from Twisted Roots, paella by Chef Brandon Miller, Platter Perfection’s charcuterie cart, and desserts from Parker-Lusseau included as part of the ticket price.

Night Owl has also received community support. “We are so excited to have the Night Owl event return to the PG Museum!” says Executive Director of the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce Christi Metzner, “Always a lot of fun for the community and everyone enjoyed the surprise show of ‘real’ owls.”

All funds from Night Owl go to support the Museum’s mission of inspiring wonder, discovery, and stewardship of the natural world. Small but mighty, the Museum has a big impact in the community, including hosting thousands of students per year on school field trips in the Museum and in nature, free family events like Science Saturdays, science activities for learners of all ages at events around the county, and free concerts, First Fridays, and more programs providing access for all to the county’s natural and cultural histories.

Upcoming Events at the PG Museum

August 21: Temporary Exhibit: For the Love of Nature by Cheryl Medow

August 28: Free Science Saturday: Backyard Birds, 10am-3pm

September 6: Free First Friday, Artist Meet and Greet with Cheryl Medow, 6-8pm

September 12: Science on Tap: Nuclear Testing Impacts, 5:30-7:30pm

September 15: Wonder on Wheels Launch, 11am-2pm

September 28: Free Science Saturday: Biodiversity Blast, 10am-3pm

October 4: Night Owl, VIP Hour 6-7pm, Regular Hours 7-10pm

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.