Pirate Party
An after-hours Pirate Party celebrating 30 years of Muppet Treasure Island, featuring film screenings, live music performance, treasure hunts, access to the galleries, and pirate-themed fun.
- 22nd May 2026
- Swashbuckling fun
- Treasure hunt adventure
- Grog & victuals
- Puppet-powered shanties
- Costumes encouraged
The National Space Centre invites pirates of all ages to a special after‑hours Pirate Party, celebrating the much‑loved Muppets Treasure Island.
This unique evening offers out‑of‑hours access to the main galleries, hands‑on pirate activities, live performance, and cinema screenings in the Planetarium — with two distinct experiences designed for different crews.
Early Session: Family Pirate Fun
Sail in early for a fun‑filled evening created especially for families:
- Explore the National Space Centre galleries after hours
- Pirate treasure hunts (with prizes)
- LIVE performance from The Puppet Folk Experience — a high‑energy Muppet style show full of charm and mischief
- Aye‑aye pirate patch craft sessions
- Planetarium screening of Muppets Treasure Island (family screening)
A playful, imaginative evening packed with activities, laughter, and cinematic adventure.
Late Session: 18+ Pirate Party
As the night rolls on, the later session becomes a grown‑ups‑only pirate celebration:
- After‑hours access to the National Space Centre galleries
- An unforgettable LIVE performance from The Puppet Folk Experience
- Late‑night sea shanty karaoke — louder, bolder, and fuelled by pirate confidence
- Bar open, with pirate‑approved drinks (including rum)
- Planetarium screening of Muppets Treasure Island
Think cinema, live music, playful chaos, and exploring the Centre without the daytime crowds.
Evening Schedule
18:00 – Main doors open for families / Café & bar open
18:15 – Planetarium doors open
18:30 – Muppet Treasure Island family screening begins
19:00 – Main doors open for adults (18+) / Galleries open
20:00 – Family screening ends
20:15 – The Puppet Folk Experience live in the Hub
21:00 – Planetarium doors open (18+)
21:15 – Muppet Treasure Island adult screening begins
22:00 – Galleries, café, and bar close
23:00 – Adult screening ends / Building closes
Live on Stage: The Puppet Folk Experience
The The Puppet Folk Experience is a live tribute to the music and creative spirit of Jim Henson and the Muppets.
Musician Andy and Puppeteer Liam combine acoustic songs from Muppet films and TV with expertly crafted Muppet replicas to create a celebration of Jim’s imagination that is joyful, nostalgic, and genuinely heartfelt.
The show aims to delight fans old and new, young and ‘young at heart’ for a most sensational, inspirational, and celebrational show.