Drinks, music and a laser light show on a budget? I visited the Pink Floyd show
Looking for a unique, colorful and lively evening? I checked out the UC Davis Multiverse Theater’s Pink Floyd laser light show at the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, and it proved to be a “Great Gig in the Sky.”
The museum at 400 Jibboom Street in Sacramento is in the standout gray, white and red domed building you can spot off Interstate 5 near the Sacramento River.
A Sacramento Bee reader recommended that I check out a laser light show at the UC Davis Multiverse Theater as part of The Bee’s On a Budget series, which helps readers find fun and affordable ways to connect with the community.
Here’s what I discovered:
What is the UC Davis Multiverse Theater in Sacramento like?
I visited the UC Davis Multiverse Theater for the 7:30 p.m. showing on a warm weekend evening.
Inside, you’ll find the registration and ticket desk where you can purchase drink tickets for the upstairs bar.
After purchasing tickets, I was guided upstairs to the theater. I would highly recommend arriving early in order to experience the interactive museum located to the left of the stairs on the second floor. This fantastic museum has a “Design Your Own Pinball Machine” where people can use rubber bands, bells and colorful objects for a hands-on experience on the mechanics of a pinball machine.
There is also a stage with scheduled during the afternoon.
The museum also had an area set aside to play Jenga as well as an impressive display of Jenga curated art installations.
My favorite area of the museum by far was the “Designation Space” exhibit featuring video games, interactive displays and fascinating pieces of history, including The Sacramento Bee front page story on the moon landing.
After leaving the exhibit, I went to the theater where two lines of excited attendees were gathered. One line was to enter the theater and the other was for the bar. The bar closes promptly at 7:30 p.m. and offers wine, beer, hard seltzer and non-alcoholic beverages including soda and sparkling water. Water fountains can be found near the restrooms.
According to the museum site, this immersive music experience paired with “spectacular full-dome lasers” is the best way to listen to your favorite artists.
With its curved ceiling, the 120-seat auditorium serves not just as a film and laser show venue but also as a planetarium.
Before the laser concert officially started, the show’s curator came out to instruct the audience. He encouraged cheering out loud for the songs in the show you especially enjoy and recording devices were welcome. Audience feedback is used to determine which songs should stay in the show.
What $25 got me at this laser light show
I spent a total of $26 before tax and tip at the laser light show.
General admission is $20, museum members pay $15.
Sparkling water cost $3 and the optional viewing glasses for the show were $3.
Once inside, I sat back, put on my eyeglasses and enjoyed the show.
The show was beautifully choreographed with each light display topping the previous one. The images enhanced the listening experience by emphasizing the story in every song displayed on the domed ceiling.
One of my favorite songs was “Time” and “The Great Gig in the Sky.”
Not only was the show itself lively, but the audience also enhanced the experience with their cheers, praise and jokes.
The crowd consisted of a mixed generation of Pink Floyd fans from teenagers to older attendees in vintage band shirts.
It truly felt like a community of music and laser lovers.
Is the laser light show affordable?
Yes. The light show is affordable for people looking to gather for a fun and lively evening.
Prices for tickets change depending upon the particular concert. Upcoming shows include K-Pop Demon Hunters, Lady Gaga and Beastie Boys. Certain shows have age restrictions.
Prices for drinks range from $3 to $8.
This was my first time visiting the museum, and I must say it was definitely worth visiting.
Laser light shows have been building communities around the world for generations and after my visit it makes complete sense why people return to this classic event.
