Behold! It's Culture & Cocktails time

This Thursday night is the first Culture & Cocktails event of 2013. The San Diego Museum of Art will celebrate the “Behold! America” exhibition with an evening of sliders, root beer floats, and other offerings reminiscent of America in the 1950s.

And yes, those root beer floats may be spiked.

The 21+ event goes from 6-10pm, attracting a crowd you might otherwise see sipping craft cocktails at trendy downtown bars. But along with being a prime spot for people-watching and people-meeting, the Museum offers a night of fine art, photo booth fun, and beats from DJ Gabe Vega.

What to wear? Think Buddy Holly, the Pink Ladies of "Grease," or Katy Perry’s retro look. A mobile spa will offer blow-outs and straight razor shaves to help guests become fully Instagram-ready.

Event tickets are free for members of The San Diego Museum of Art and $15 for nonmembers.

Other upcoming Balboa Park after-dark events include:

Taste of San Diego Craft Brews 2013

Feb. 16, 2013, 6-9 pm
San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado
$45 General /$75 VIP

The San Diego History Center kicks off its “Year of Craft Beer” with an event that celebrates the artistry and history of San Diego breweries.

A general admission ticket lets you sample award winning and specialty beers from regional breweries like Stone Brewing Company, Ballast Point and Karl Strauss. These delightful hops will be paired with beer-friendly bites from local restaurants like Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge, Urge American Gastropub and Small Bar. The VIP experience starts at 5pm with all of the above, plus even more samples of craft beer and unique eats.

Tower After Hours: Ireland

Feb. 28, 2013, 6-8 pm
San Diego Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado
$12 Members / $15 Students & Military / $25 Non-Members

Ireland’s rich culture is coming to Balboa Park! Experience the Emerald Isle with traditional dancing, music and cuisine. An event ticket includes several live performances, classic Irish pub food provided by local restaurants, a beverage and admission to the Museum of Man. This is an event the whole family can enjoy. 

Science on the Rocks: Pizza, Pinot and Pi

March 14, 2013, 6:30-9:30 pm
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, 1875 El Prado
$20 for non-members / $18 students & military / $15 for Fleet members, Fleet staff and volunteers, and Balboa Park employees

What better way to celebrate Einstein’s birthday and National Pi Day than with a lot of pie? The Fleet welcomes you to feast on savory pizzas and sweet pies at its upcoming Science on the Rocks event.

A ticket to this popular event includes access to food samples, entertainment and fun hands-on activities like “Pen a Pi-Ku” and adding a link to a “Pi-Chain.” There is also a cash bar that features beer, wine and cocktails.

POP Thursdays: Modern Myths, Folklore and Tall Tales

March 15, 2013, 7-8:30 pm
Museum of Photographic Arts, 1649 El Prado
$10 General / $6 MOPA Members

The Museum of Photographic Arts is collaborating with local performance organization So Say We All to take you on a journey through real life stories that intersect “surreal, magical and otherworldly experiences.” The event features special performances by So Say We All and admission to two MOPA galleries, "Unusual Suspects: Painting & Photographs" and "Eyes of a Nation: A Century of American Photography." Two short films will also be screened during the event: "Glory at the Sea" and "Pioneer." 

--Lyn Canilao and Maren Dougherty