New Children’s Museum.
Remember leg warmers? Rubik’s Cubes? Pac-Man? How about John Hughes movies, boom boxes and when MTV played music? The music, the fashion and the fads of the 80s will all be part of The New Children’s Museum’s annual Studio 200 on November 10. This year’s theme is Totally 80s Birthday Bash, where the Museum will transform into a vibrant, after-hours club celebrating the best of the 80s. The Museum has a 10-year history of throwing out-of-the-ordinary parties, fully immersing themselves in a theme and encouraging guests to wear costumes.
As guests enter the party, they will be greeted with a signature birthday cocktail, toasting the Museum’s 35th birthday in San Diego and 10th birthday as The New Children’s Museum. Local 80s mix master DJ Junior the Disco Punk will kick off the evening, followed by popular 80s tribute band BetaMAXX (teased hair, spandex and all) playing everyone’s favorite 80s songs. There will be 80s-inspired surprises and appearances throughout the night, as well as classic 80s photo ops (think Top Gun and Michael Jackson).
The galleries and studios on all three levels will be open for exploration, so guests can indulge their creativity and engage with the Museum the way kids do on a daily basis. Catering is provided by Feast on This, and there will be food stations and multiple bars on all levels, including a Cheers-themed bar on the main level.
The Museum’s lower level will play homage to the quintessential 80s arcade, with classic games like Pac-Man and Frogger (no quarters needed!). Adjacent to the buzzing and ringing of arcade games, Skateworld and the Museum are creating a mini roller-skating rink. Party guests will be able to borrow roller skates and take a spin around the rink listening to their favorite 80s tunes.
To help raise funds, the evening will feature an exciting silent auction, with over 50 packages ranging from beauty, unique experiences, dining out, hotel stays, trips and more. In honor of the Museum’s birthday, there will be mystery birthday presents that guests can purchase for a “surprise” gift! To make bidding as easy as possible, guests can download the LiveSource app (iTunes or Google Play) to enable them to bid from just about anywhere. Bidding goes live October 10.
Proceeds from Studio 200 on Island Totally 80s Birthday Bash will help fund the Museum’s many access programs, helping them to bring over 25% of their annual visitors the opportunity to think, play + create at little to no cost to them.
Major underwriters and sponsors for this year’s Studio 200 include Lynn Gorguze + Scott Peters and Laurie Mitchell + Brent Woods; and Sheryl + Harvey White, Bank of America and Solar Turbines.
General Admission and VIP Tickets are available now. Purchases of six tickets or more get a 20% discount. Visit www.thinkplaycreate.org/studio200.
