Triangle Tolkienists

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is holding another Social in the Shire! They’ve reached out to us to make sure we have a chance to get tickets before the event is promoted more widely – they expect it to sell out again.

Friday, May 15, 2026
6:30pm – 10:00pm

Gather up your Fellowship as the Museum becomes Middle Earth for a night. Lay siege to Gondor, dance with dragons and show off your Tolkien trivia at this adults 21+ event.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the Museum at night while exploring the uncensored side of science. The event features interactive science stations, music, games, local entertainment and special activities. Beer, wine, themed cocktails and food will be available for purchase. Costumes encouraged (but not required).

Tickets: $25; $15 Members. You must be 21 years or older to attend. A photo ID is required for entry.

More information about activities, food, and drink is forthcoming, and I’ll share details in the Discord server as soon as I hear about them.

Just to give you an idea of what the 2023 Social in the Shire was like, they offered live music, the Siege of Gondor (with mini catapults!), sword-fighting demonstrations, inflatable archery, trivia (the highlight of my life), Shelob’s Lair (live spiders!), and more. Drinks included miruvor and “Gin Gamgee”, and sandwich options included po-ta-toes and brie from Bree. The museum was decorated with fun Middle-earth props, and there were many clubs, researchers, and vendors present, geeking out over everything from gems to mushrooms, hobbit fossils to mûmakil.

Here are a few photos from the 2023 Social:

We all had a fantastic time, and I’m so excited that they’re holding this event again. I recommend going ahead and buying your ticket as soon as you’re sure that you’re able to go, just in case they do sell out again. I hope to see you there!

RSVP Below 🖗