Singles Night Out At the Museum

Several years ago I was a thirty-something single transplant to NYC trying to find places to go and people to meet when I stumbled across an ad in Time Out Magazine for The Museum of Natural History's Starry Night event.   I attended the museum often, over several years, on the first Friday of every month with friends, sometimes dates and once with my brother who was in town and visiting. It was the only singles event I looked forward to.

Often feeling tired or too old for trendy bars, my night out at the museum offered a chance to listen to jazz and enjoy great wine while mixing and mingling with others in a relaxed atmosphere. And so just last week when one of the Single Edition readers in Seattle wrote in to us asking "what's the best place to meet new people or take prospective dates without blowing the budget," my response was immediate: "Check out your local museum!" In fact, many museums throughout North America host monthly wine and/or jazz nights as well as seasonal parties or fund raising events for singles. Almost every museum realizes they need to draw in patrons, and that those patrons can come from people invited to cocktail hour type events.

While roaming around art galleries or historic museums alone may not be everyone's idea of a fun, it is an economical, hassle-free way to spend an evening with friends, impress a new special someone or unwind without retreating to a bar. SingleEdition.com fans often send us tips on where to go, and here are just a few of ours and member's favorites for Museum events happening this season in different cities across North America:

Museum Events for Singles

Connecting Singles at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): This Fall season ROM launches its popular Connecting Singles series with a fascinating new line-up to bring together single mid-career professionals. Guests will enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and engaging speakers on topics ranging from global warming to how to unleash your inner comedian. If you're bright, bold and single, what better place to mingle than at the ROM?

After Hours at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM): In a lush and lively environment SAM gives visitors a chance to appreciate the museum's collections while enjoying live music performances. Scheduled on Thursday and Friday nights from 5 to 9 p.m., this season features music from Andre Feriante, SunTzu Sound, Jon Hamar Trio and more.

The Art of Jazz at The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia: Monthly wine tastings and music every Wednesday from 6:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. in the museum's Huber Court. Wine and refreshments are available for purchase, and the Museum galleries stay open for guests' enjoyment.

Wine on Wednesday at the Boulder (CO) History Museum: A glass of wine is sure to get you over the mid-week hump, especially when there are special events like the “holiday purse party” which will feature Boulder's own purse designers and manufacturers displaying and selling their unique purses and bags.

Art in the Evening at the (Raleigh) North Carolina Museum of Art: If you're looking for an end of week escape, here you can enjoy a selection of fine wine and beer, stroll through the galleries, take in a classic film at 8 p.m., or explore the Museum's collection with docent-led tours beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Lobby.

First Fridays at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (MFA): Kick off the month in style at the MFA with fine art, live music, cash bars featuring signature cocktails and a delicious tapas menu.

Jam at MAM, Miami Art Museum: Held the third Thursday of every month. JAM at MAM draws a loyal crowd of young professionals, artists, and other 21 to 41 year-olds who share an interest in art and Miami's growing cultural scene. Enjoy a drink from the donation bar and gourmet snacks while you listen to the sounds of local DJs.

Friday Night Jazz at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): Every Friday from April through November LACMA visitors can enjoy performances by some of Southern California's leading jazz artists. Spend Halloween evening listening to the fine tunes of James Love!

Friday Night Jazz at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta: This evening of art & music is held every third Friday of the month and includes live musical performances and extended hours (5-11:59 P.M.) with full gallery access, plus food and drink available for purchase. The line-up this season includes the Kathleen Bertrand Trio, with Orquesta Lyrica on October 17, 2008.