All bars at our events operate on a card-only basis, so please have a credit or debit card handy for purchasing drinks. However, cash will be happily accepted at our food outlets during the event.

Don't forget to check out our event map to familiarize yourself with the schedule and locations of activities, bars, and food outlets. It's your handy guide to navigating and making the most of your evening. The map will be fully updated online on the day of the event. You can also access it by scanning the QR code at the entrance of COSI when you check-in!

The City of Columbus & LAZ owns and operates both an underground and above ground garage west of COSI. There are also a variety of other parking options including street meters, surface lots and much more all within a 10 minute walk to our building. Parking rates vary based on location and other events going on in the downtown area. Click here for more details.

If you choose to use a rideshare service, you should be dropped off at the corner of Broad Street and Belle Street for easiest access to COSI’s front doors. Only the main COSI entrance which is on the West side of the building (same side as parking garage) will be open. You will not be able to enter the museum from Washington Boulevard.

Doors open at 6:30pm for every After Dark event.

Each attendee must be at least 21 years of age to enter COSI After Dark. A current photo ID with date of birth, will be required upon entry. No admittance will be permitted without a valid ID. Please have your digital or printed tickets ready to check-in with your ID.

If you have not pre-purchased your tickets online, please go to the General Admission desk to get your tickets.

Overview: To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests and team members, we have established guidelines for costumes at our COSI After Dark event. Compliance with these rules is required upon entry.

All costume props are subject to be inspected by a COSI team member. Ultimately the decision will reside with the COSI team upon your arrival. If there is a concern and your costume/prop has been inspected and approved your prop will be tagged by security. This tag must remain visible while you are on COSI property. If your costume/prop is not tagged and approved, the COSI team will ask you to put the item in question back in your vehicle.

Prohibited Items listed below include but are not limited to:

• Functional or sharp-edged props or weapons.
• Props that do not conform to state and federal law.
• Realistic First Responder Costumes.
• Noisemakers - This includes horns, cowbells, kazoos, etc.
• Inflammable materials such as candles, sparklers or fire hazards.
• Loose materials such as sand, glitter, confetti, flower petals or other items that are designed to separate from your costume.
• Replica Projectile Props - Must be rendered inoperable and feature brightly-colored caps.
• Functional Arrows

Size Limitations: Due to crowd safety, oversized costumes/props may be asked to leave certain areas of the event.

Costumes: We want everyone to have a great time, so here are a few friendly guidelines for costumes.

• Costumes should be street-appropriate and cover at least as much as a modest bathing suit.
• Please ensure you’re wearing suitable footwear at all times.
• For safety and cleanliness, please avoid using any fake blood or substances that could easily smear, squirt, or transfer to others or the surroundings. This includes dyes, food coloring, or makeup.
• If you choose to wear body makeup, please ensure it is well-set to prevent smearing or transferring. Our staff may perform a quick spot test to help maintain a clean environment.
• It’s important to have a clear line of sight, including peripheral vision. Costumes that limit visibility significantly may need adjustments. Masks that cover the entire face are not permitted.
• Our staff will make final decisions on costume appropriateness. If your costume is deemed indecent or inappropriate, we kindly ask you to change or cover it.

Non-Compliance: If you are unwilling to have your costume/prop inspected or tagged, or if you cannot comply with these policies, please refrain from bringing costume/prop to the event.

Policy Updates: The Costume Props Policy is subject to change at any time. Please check our website regularly leading up to the event to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Enjoy the event!

Photography and video recordings with small, non-intrusive hand-held devices are permitted in most permanent exhibit galleries for personal use only, unless otherwise noted. The use of equipment deemed intrusive to COSI exhibit or guest experience is not permitted.

All photos and videos should be intended for private use. Any photography or video that contains COSI exhibits, facilities, staff, or volunteers cannot be used for commercial, advertising, or promotional purposes without written permission from COSI.

COSI guests acknowledge that they may be included in photography or video taken at the time of their visit by COSI team members or a member of an approved third party. These images and/or videos may be broadcast and distributed without limitation and guests will not receive compensation for inclusion of their likeness. Accommodations are available when requested for those who wish their image not be used. COSI guests with questions or concerns are encouraged to speak with a team member of COSI’s communication department.