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:
At COSI, we encourage creativity and fun! To ensure a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all our guests and team members during our COSI After Dark event, we ask that all visitors follow our costume policy outlined below. Compliance with these rules is required for entry.

General Guidelines:

• All costumes and props are subject to inspection by a COSI team member upon arrival and final approval of all costumes and props rests with COSI staff.
• Approved props will receive a visible security tag—this tag must remain on your item while on COSI property. If your costume or prop is not approved, you will be asked to return it to your vehicle.

Prohibited Items:
The following items are not permitted, including but not limited to:

• Functional or sharp-edged props or weapons
• Props violating state or federal law
• Realistic First Responder costumes (e.g., police, EMS, fire)
• Noisemakers such as horns, cowbells, kazoos, etc.
• Flammable materials (e.g., candles, sparklers)
• Loose materials designed to separate from your costume. (Sand, glitter, confetti, flower petals, etc.)
• Replica projectile weapons, even non-functional. (Water pistols, Nerf guns, cap guns, blasters, etc.)
• Functional arrows or archery props

Size Limitations:
Costumes or props that are oversized or obstructive may be restricted in crowded areas for safety reasons.

Costume Guidelines:
We want everyone to enjoy their time at COSI! Please follow these friendly reminders:

• Costumes must be street-appropriate, covering as much as a modest bathing suit.
• Footwear is required at all times.
• Avoid the use of fake blood, food coloring, or substances that can smear, squirt, or transfer to others or surfaces.
• If wearing body makeup, it must be fully dry and smudge-proof. Spot testing may be conducted at entry.
• Maintain a clear line of sight—masks that fully cover the face or restrict vision are not permitted.
• All costume decisions are subject to staff discretion. If your attire is deemed inappropriate, you will be asked to adjust, cover, or change.
  

Non-Compliance:
Guests who refuse inspection or cannot meet the costume requirements may be denied entry or asked to remove the costume or prop in question.

Policy Changes:
While this Costume Policy outlines key guidelines, it is not exhaustive. All costume pieces and props are ultimately subject to the discretion of COSI’s Safety and Guest Relations team. Even if an item is not specifically prohibited, it may still be denied if deemed unsafe or inappropriate. This policy may be updated at any time, so please check back regularly before 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.