Star Parties run year-round, with an expanded schedule in the summer. During July and August, events are usually held every weekend. From September through June, Star Parties are offered on select weekends throughout the month.

Please refer to our event calendar for current dates. Events Calendar

Summer Schedule:

Children’s programming:

7:30pm - Children’s programming in the auditorium

8:00pm - Children’s tour of the Observatory

General Schedule:

7:30pm - Shortened Tour of the Observatory

8:00pm - Talk in auditorium

9:00pm - Repeat of the talk

9:00pm - Tour of the Observatory

10:00pm - Tour of the Observatory, when weather permitting, viewing with the Plaskett telescope.

Ongoing:

Planetarium shows

Gift shop open

Weather permitting, telescope viewing in the parking lot

We’re afraid so. Our Star Parties are limited to 200 guests per event, so we use a ticketing system to keep track of the numbers.

Tickets are free but often all go within a few days of becoming available.

Tickets are generally available on the events calendar for each event 11 days prior to each event on Tuesday at 5pm.

We do this because when we started, people grabbed all the tickets for the entire summer right at the beginning, so this system gives more chances for people to be able to attend.

Attendance at Star Parties is free of charge, following a 100+ year tradition. We do offer the option to donate (suggested: $10) to help support the Centre of the Universe and keep these events accessible to the public. Donations are completely optional.

We allow you to get 4 tickets at a time to improve the accessibility of the free event.

Email us at info@centreoftheuniverse.org with your name and number of tickets you wish to release.

Yes, whenever the weather is good enough and, of course, the sky is dark enough

Our events go on rain or shine. There’s plenty to do at the Centre fo the Universe even when we can’t view through the telescopes, such as catching a talk designed for the general public, or a planetarium show

Star Parties are for all ages!

We offer a children’s programming portion in the first hour of the evening which includes a presentation in the auditorium, followed by a tour of the Observatory aimed for younger ages.

Our general programming includes a speaker, and tours of the Observatory which include more technical information.

Ongoing activities such as the planetarium shows and side-walk astronomers are for all ages.

Dress for the weather, Star Parties run rain or shine. The Observatory can be quite cool, and the planetarium quite warm, so dress in layers.

There are stairs from the parking lot to the Observatory, and visitors Centre so sturdy shoes can be helpful.

Yes! The Centre of the Universe is wheelchair accessible. The Centre is on a single level with a ramp leading to the entrance, and the Observatory has an elevator. Let the parking attendants know and they will direct you to the upper parking lot for accessible parking.

Star Parties can be busy events, with up to 200 guests. The evenings include talks, telescope viewing, planetarium shows, and children’s activities, so there may be periods of moderate crowding, lighting, and noise.

Please contact us in advance if you have any specific accessibility or sensory questions so we can ensure the best experience for you. Email us at info@centreoftheuniverse.org with any questions

At a Star Party, you can:

• Attend talks on astronomy topics presented in an accessible, engaging way

• Guided tours of the Observatory and see the over 100-year-old Plaskett telescope

• Enjoy planetarium shows that bring the night sky indoors, even on cloudy nights

• View celestial objects through telescopes (weather permitting), including the historic Plaskett Telescope

• Take part in children’s programming, including presentations and guided tours of the Observatory

• Visit the gift shop for space-themed souvenirs