Nerdy Nights: Best Events For Geeks In South Florida

Miami may be known as the capitol of entertainment because of its impressive nightlife scene. In the common imaginary, the day begins at night with loud music, guest DJs, table reservations, red ropes and young crowds. Nights become early mornings and the rest is spent at the beach. During the last decade, a more cultural and intellectually challenging Miami has arisen and alternative ways of enjoying spare time have become ritual for a few. If you belong to that nerdy population, indulge in these locations and get inebriated by stars, art or poetry readings.

Miami Science Museum

3280 S. Miami Ave.
Miami, FL 33129
(305) 646-4200
www.miamisci.org

For almost 50 years, the museum and the planetarium have delighted thousands of families and kids thanks to generous contributions, governmental support and tireless volunteers groups. To spend a different type of evening inspired by the scene of the planetarium in the James Dean movie "Rebel Without A Cause," just visit the museum on any first Friday of the month. "Fabulous First Friday" promises a night of laser lights and stars. First enjoy a free planetarium star show and rooftop observatory show and then, for a minimal fee, you can check out the laser show.

Related: The Biggest Nerds In Pop Culture

Bass Museum of Art

2100 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-7530
www.bassmuseum.org

Founded in 1963 with works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, Bass Museum of Art now consists of 500 works of 20th and 21st century artists from North and Latin America, Asia and the Caribbean. A special niche is dedicated to Miami Beach and its 20th century design history. "Beats After Sunset" is the Friday happy hour event where members and non-members (for a fee) will mingle over complimentary cocktails, listen to DJs performing and visit the current exhibitions.

Related: Best Bars With Drinking Games In Miami 

Miami Design District

(305) 722-7100
www.miamidesigndistrict.net

'Where creativity happens' says the tagline of the Design District, an 18-block neighborhood united by creativity, innovative design and businesses. The vibrant conglomerate hosts a gallery walk every second Saturday of the month to offer visitors and locals the best variety of shopping and culinary experiences and cultural exhibitions. Come early, park in the streets and wear comfortable shoes for a gallery-hopping evening highlighted by the best that artists can offer.

The Betsy Hotel

1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 760-6900
www.betsywritersroom.com

The Betsy Hotel was first built in the pre-war era and still keeps the mission of fostering community through programming arts, philanthropy and culture. The hotel still has a Writer's Room for writers in search of a respite for the final stages of their productions. Honoring that spirit, the hotel sponsors and hosts O, Miami, the biennial poetry festival in Miami with the mission of every person in Miami-Dade finding a poem. Check the schedule of the roster of visiting artists, poetry readings in public and activities related to this national event.

Related: Best Spoken Word And Poetry Venues In Miami 

Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami

770 N.E. 125th St.
North Miami, FL 33161
(305) 893-6211
www.mocanomi.org

Supported by major local art collectors and located in a part of town not so tourist friendly, MOCA welcomes provocative and innovative exhibitions. It customarily hosts the Vanity Fair parties during Art Basel Miami Beach and it becomes a destination every last Friday of the month with Jazz on the Lawn parties. Free jazz on the front lawn of the museum could be the ideal event to invite a date, remembering to bring a blanket and bug spray.

Francesca Belluomini is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.