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Karaoke, crystals and a night of celebrating LGBTQIA+ arts and culture... count me in!
One thing about me? If there’s a chance to dress up in sequins and sing karaoke surrounded by literal gems, I will be there. And that’s exactly what happened at Night Lab: Shine Bright Like a Diamond, a glittering evening of science, silliness and sparkle at the South Australian Museum, held as part of the 2024 Feast Festival.
Feast, if you didn’t already know, is South Australia’s long-standing celebration of LGBTQIA+ arts and culture. It’s bold, bright, beautiful - and this year, it shone brighter than ever with Night Lab’s mineral-themed extravaganza.
So… what exactly is Night Lab?
Night Lab is the ultimate after-hours museum takeover for grown-ups. Think: five floors of the Museum turned into a nightclub for nerds - a little bit educational, a whole lot fab and fun.
There’s live music, drag shows, science demos, crafting, cocktails, and an unspoken competition for who can wear the most rhinestones per square centimetre.
And this year's theme? Shine Bright Like a Diamond. Literally.
And this year's theme? Shine Bright Like a Diamond. Literally.
Let’s talk highlights 💎
Karaoke among the crystals
Yes, just as fun and camp as it sounds. I sang my lungs out with my bestie Gavin while surrounded by the Museum’s mineral and rock collections. There's nothing quite like belting out a banger next to a chunk of quartz. Honestly, I may never do karaoke without geology again.
Drag Bingo: Equal Parts Naughty and Sparkly
Fifi La Douche and Princess Laya were our outrageous hosts for Drag Bingo, and they did not disappoint. I laughed, I cringed (in the best way), and I screamed BINGO with my whole chest. Bonus: fabulous prizes and plenty of sass.
A dress code to rock
This crowd understood the assignment. There were sequins, glittery cowboy boots, LED-lit geodes, silver lamé suits, and one standout guest wearing a light-up umbrella and a custom-made gemstone skirt. Dressing up wasn’t mandatory, but the sparkle-to-attendee ratio was off the charts.
Drag Finale & Hidden Gems (pun very much intended)
The night wrapped with a high-energy performance featuring drag king Justin Thyme, and a crowd-favourite return to the dancefloor. Along the way, we popped into exhibits featuring Queers in Science, made rock-themed jewellery, and even tried our hand at a geological scavenger hunt. There were also quick-hit science talks from experts, but bite-sized and actually interesting.
Frozen Espresso Martini Cocktails by Ambra. Need I say more?
Shout out to Ambra Spirits for the most delicious slushy I’ve had all year. Served from a pop-up bar nestled inside the museum’s exhibits, it was a dangerously delightful mix of coffee, alcohol, and nostalgia.
Shout out to Ambra Spirits for the most delicious slushy I’ve had all year. Served from a pop-up bar nestled inside the museum’s exhibits, it was a dangerously delightful mix of coffee, alcohol, and nostalgia.
Night Lab is one of those events that makes you remember why you love Adelaide - where else can you sip a cocktail under a whale skeleton while chatting about sapphires in your sequinned jumpsuit?
Whether you're a science nerd, a queer arts lover, a karaoke queen, or just want a night out that’s something a little different - Night Lab delivers.
Thank you Night Lab, Feast Festival, and the South Australian Museum for letting us play dress-up in your sparkling playground. I already can't wait for the next one.