Families, alumni, high school students and the wider community came together to celebrate monsters, mythology and imagination.

The interactive event showcased new ways to engage with history, creativity and the humanities.

Visitors crafted their own monsters and created monster field guide zines, while Monstrous! The Game, led by Dr Abbie Hartman, invited participants to explore the museum through a playful, interactive experience. The evening also featured live readings, a performance from the Macquarie University Acappella Society and an Ask Me Anything panel with researchers and experts.

The Creative Arts Competition, with both high-school and all-ages categories, attracted 21 entries from 10 high schools across Sydney, alongside submissions from Macquarie alumni and members of the wider public. The competition provided an opportunity for emerging creatives to showcase their work, with shortlisted entries displayed at the museum and visitors invited to vote for a People's Choice award.

Head of the School of Humanities, Professor Richard Menary, presented the competition prizes, recognising the creativity and effort of participants.

Museum Education and Outreach Coordinator Yvonne Inall said:

“It's wonderful to see the museum bring together such a diverse mix of people, from Macquarie alumni returning with their families to high school students sharing their creativity with the wider community.

“There's something special about seeing people of all ages engaging with history, research and creativity in such an interactive way. The enthusiasm, imagination and incredible effort that went into the competition entries, along with the energy throughout the evening, made this a particularly memorable Museum After Dark.”

The evening featured a range of inclusion supports for attendees, including a dedicated low-sensory room for those needing a break while enjoying the festivities.