Come for the history, stay for the glam, and leave inspired—because liberty looks good on everyone.

This month’s MUSE celebrates the pursuit of happiness—an ideal set forth 250 years ago—through sequins, sparkle, self-expression, and community. This special evening invites those who have never experienced drag to step into a welcoming, red, white, and blue world of fierceness and fun, while giving longtime drag fans a place to gather, celebrate, and shine together. Admission is always free on MUSE nights.

MUSE also serves as the opening reception for Strength, Struggle, Survival: A Community Response to 250 Years, a new exhibition exploring the complex legacy of the nation’s founding. As the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect not only on the nation’s beginnings, but also on who has had the power—and the opportunity—to shape its history.

Through multiple lenses, Strength, Struggle, Survival examines how work, language, and collective action have influenced participation in civic life. Visitors can explore the occupations and social standing of the Founding Fathers, consider how the language of the Declaration has shaped the lives of Native peoples for generations, experience a community-created art collage, and discover how local action helped create Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Corvallis. Together, these stories connect national history with local experience and ask enduring questions about access, representation, and participation in democracy.

Throughout the evening, guests can explore both the exhibition and the museum while stopping at interactive Glam Stations, where they’ll discover the art behind drag performance—from makeup and wigs to costuming, confidence, and stage presence—offering a behind-the-scenes look at the transformation that brings drag to life.

At 6:00 PM, the evening culminates in a patriotic performance featuring three dazzling performers: Sterling Ray MacPherson, FabuLanzaa L’Eville, and Misha Calienté, delivering a high-energy finale that celebrates freedom, expression, and the fabulous pursuit of happiness.

Who has the time, the resources, and the voice to participate in democracy? And how might that change in the future? Join us for an evening that celebrates both the freedoms we’ve inherited and the ongoing work of creating a more inclusive future.