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Once upon a time, a night out on the town meant drinking and dancing.
But knock-off drinks had a different feel when Raising the Bar took over 10 venues in Melbourne city, hosting 20 talks from academics and experts.
The event was conceived in New York, but spread to Melbourne last year, where a booked-out program ensured a repeat appearance.
The topics range from arts and culture, to science and technology, sociology and philosophy.
And while the subjects may seem dry, another sell-out night suggests there is a strong thirst for learning.
No degree, no skill building. Why bother?
Jacinta Young and Steve Taitoko were ready to settle in for a long evening of discussion about topics from legal storytelling to cryptocurrency.
Mr Taitoko is clear on the appeal.
"I mean it's like TED talks in bars, I think that's becoming more of a way that people can engage and again it's about telling stories so you want something that's quite informal," he said.
Ms Young agreed.
"It's a relaxed atmosphere, it's different to a seminar where you might go and sit in an auditorium," she said.
Lucy Plisko and Tassie Williams also aimed for a big night out with academics and experts, signing up for three separate sessions.
Considering university students spend thousands on their education, only to sleep through their lectures, the pair pondered the popularity of informal learning after a full day of work.
"I think it seems to be a bit of the TED talk audience, there's a lot of people here that are coming because there are subjects that they're really interested in, and they carefully chose out of 20 to come to them," Ms Williams said.
"So I think the engagement is higher when people have chosen to come."
Ms Plisko agreed.
"It's a good way of seeing Melbourne, the city as well. We hadn't been to any of these bars before, so it's a good reason to come back for a bite to eat," she said.
"It's a pub crawl, basically, and you get to learn a few things as well."
Experts and academics looking for engagement
Hilary Bonney is used to standing at a different bar.
The barrister and true crime writer is the co-creator of ABC legal drama Crownies and Janet King, and spoke about the importance of storytelling in crafting a courtroom defence.
She was surprised, and relieved, at the crowded room, fearing she would be speaking to four people.
"Often when you lecture at university everyone's on Facebook and got their computers up so it was nice to have a rapt audience and have them listening properly," Ms Bonney said.
She believes the appetite for events like Raising the Bar comes from screen fatigue.
"I think that people are desperate to have some connection and some conversation about things that aren't on a screen," Ms Bonney said.
"And it is really nice to come and see the faces and be challenged and be informed about areas you don't know about."
Across town, nanoscientist Bart Kolodziejczyk spoke about DIY science, and the role of citizen scientists.
A passionate science communicator, he sees the event as a way to spread the good word.
"We want to encourage regular citizens to engage with science, but also scientists to engage with community," he said.
Building Melbourne's knowledge economy
Raising the Bar is a free event, but the City of Melbourne said it was not without value.
Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the event capitalised on the city's "knowledge economy".
"More people in Melbourne attend an arts and cultural event than attend a sporting event, and that's an amazing stat," he said.
"The knowledge economy for Melbourne is absolutely critical, in fact it's one of our biggest exports.
"Really with 10 universities and other institutions right here in the central city events like this make absolute sense."
Topics: popular-culture, information-and-communication, community-and-society, arts-and-entertainment, education, melbourne-3000, vic, australia