Foodology

At Spark After Dark (18+): Foodology on April 11, explore the mind-blowing ways science shapes what we eat. Ever wondered why scent can transport you back in time? Or why some people swear cilantro tastes like soap? From sensory illusions to the chemistry behind chocolate, this night serves up hands-on experiments, tastings, and unexpected discoveries.

What’s on the menu at Spark After Dark:

Be the first to feast your eyes on Spark’s newest exhibit, Banquet, an immersive experience that serves up the science, culture, and spectacle of food like never before!
Learn from industry experts like neuroscientist Anastasiia Stepanchuk, geneticist David Mutch, and food expert James Radke will uncover how scent shapes memory, why DNA influences taste, and how visual presentation impacts cravings.
No passport required—your taste buds are boarding for a flavor-filled trip around the world with the night’s feature drink experience!
Compete in Sense & Savour, a taste-test game show that will challenge what you think you know about flavor.
Test your heat tolerance in Down the Hatch, a fiery food showdown where spice lovers battle it out.
Discover the secrets of perfect pairings with the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, where expert chefs and sommeliers break down how to match flavors like a pro.
Indulge in The Chocolate Lab, where chemistry, temperature, and technique turn simple ingredients into gourmet treats.
Explore the power of scent in Ol.Facto’s interactive experience, where fragrance shapes the way you “taste.”
Give back while you get your fill—drop by the Calgary Food Bank booth and help support Calgary’s food community!
Travel the world one bite at a time with globally inspired dishes, from British fish & chips to Korean gochujang chicken, available in the Spark Eatery!
Cuddle up with furry friends from @‌palscalgary and stir up the dance floor to fresh beats by DJ Earlybird!
Complimentary Shuttle: AM/PM Limo is shutting guests to/from Spark every 15 minutes. Pickup location is from the Calgary Zoo Parking Lot near the giant blue egg.