After a brief initial return in 2024, the only OMSI Science Pub on the Westside is back — giving residents a chance to learn about cutting-edge topics in science and technology from leading experts in an interactive, informal atmosphere.

Throughout 2025, OMSI Science Pub will be held every other month at Hillsboro's largest food cart plaza — Hillsboro Downtown Station — which features 28 food vendors and an indoor bar with 36 different types of drinks on tap, including beers, ciders, and wine.

The return of the Science Pub is emblematic of the ongoing revitalization efforts in Downtown Hillsboro.

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“Encouraging additional arts and culture, events, and entertainment experiences in Downtown will continue to draw a wide range of people to the area,” said Karla Antonini Downtown Project Manager for the City of Hillsboro.

“The return of OMSI Science Pub is a huge win for our residents, small businesses, and old and new fans of all that the Science Pub experience has to offer.”

• No RSVP or scientific background required. However, advance tickets are recommended as events can sell out. 
• Attendees are asked to bring their curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge.
• A $8 suggested donation goes directly to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) efforts to support science education.

Reckoning With the Big One
With Dr. Elizabeth Safran, Associate Professor of Geological Science at Lewis & Clark College
Monday, June 9, 7 – 9 pm
Buy Tickets: $8 suggested donation (Advance tickets recommended)
Hillsboro Downtown Station: 320 SE Baseline St
Recommended for ages 10 and over. 

The Pacific Northwest is rocked by the same kinds of giant earthquakes and tsunamis that wreaked such havoc in Japan in 2011 and the Indian Ocean in 2004. But these severe hazards are underappreciated because the last event happened 325 years ago. And unlike California, Oregon lacks many moderate-sized earthquakes in between Big Ones to remind us that we live in earthquake country.

The vast majority of Oregon’s infrastructure was built before even geologists recognized how big our Big Ones could be. That means almost all the essential infrastructure in the Willamette Valley and westward is at risk, and some infrastructure failures will themselves create cascading disasters. When (not if!) the next magnitude 9 earthquake strikes the Pacific Northwest, it will trigger the worst disaster in U.S. history.

In this talk, geologist Liz Safran will explain the origins and anticipated consequences of this region’s major earthquakes as well as some of the ongoing efforts to reduce risk and build resilience.

Food options and drinks will be available throughout the presentation.

Click here to sign up for the Science Pub Newsletter.

Questions? Email sciencepub@omsi.edu

Ticketing questions call 503-797-4000 x0

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