Face your fears and tackle your phobias head-on during an evening of some of the scariest science. Whether your fear is clowns, bugs, electric shock, needles, or just the fear of fear itself, prepare to explore the science of scary.

Labs, lectures and experiences at this Social Science will include:

Why are you scared?

Join Cindy Lancaster Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno assistant professor of clinical psychology, for an eye-opening presentation that will teach you three strategies to help you conquer your fears through exposure therapy.

Fear or Phobia?

Some people seek out scares, while others avoid them like the plague. Test your fear strength as you navigate your way through a mini haunting experience. Good luck escaping!

Coulrophobia

How do you get over your fear of clowns? Exposure therapy of course. Have a beer, take a selfie, and hang out with clowns to cure your clown phobia.

Cibophobia Buffet

Scared to eat bugs, liver or Durian? Get your fill and watch your friends’ fear go from 0 to 100. Puke buckets available.

Phobias Galore

Face your fears and phobias head on when you touch cotton balls, stare down a grid of tiny holes, and even get buried alive.

Scariest Movie?

Cast your vote for your favorite scary film and see where it ranks among the scariest of all time.

The Fear Box

The unknown can be scary. Dare to stick your hand in the “fear box,” but be ready for the surprises it contains.

The End is Near

The fear of climate change is real. Learn from our friends at Envirolution how you can use people power to pedal the world to a more sustainable place.

Scorpion Hunt

Did you know that all scorpions fluoresce in the dark? Tackle your fear of creepy-crawly things when you use an ultraviolet light to locate a live scorpion in the dark!

Hormephobia

Do you have an irrational and persistent fear of electric shock? Face your fear by discharging 400,000 volts from The Discovery’s Van de Graaff machine.

Fear the Unknown

Join magician Justin Impossible to conquer your arachnophobia when you hold a live tarantula in your hand and see what other surprises he has in store.

Badge of Fear

Wear your fear as a badge of honor and meet others who suffer from the same affliction when you make a fear button in The Shop.

FOMO Challenge

Leave your phone at home or give it to a friend to hold during the event and really face your fear of missing out. Can’t overcome your FOMO? Share your Social Science experience using the hashtag #DiscoveryFOMO.

Due to the popularity of this event, we strongly recommend that you purchase tickets in advance as capacity is limited and may sell out.

Social Science is The Discovery’s wildly popular adults-only, brain building event series that features science demonstrations, hands-on labs, expert presentations, a live DJ, libations, and tasty bites.