Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE for Observatory Members 

Weekly Public Program

Astronomy Evening at the Cincinnati Observatory is the perfect program to get acquainted with all of the offerings of your local observatory. Located in picturesque Mount Lookout on the East Side of Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest one of its kind in the country that still uses its original telescope from 1845, and now you too will get to participate.

This 90 minute long, family-friendly program features an Astronomy themed presentation on the different things you can experience in the night sky. Hands-on tour of our 1845 Mitchel telescope and viewing through the telescope takes place during the second part of the evening (weather permitting).

Tickets: $15/adult, $7/child, FREE For Members.  

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Every spring, as the Milky Way's dusty band sinks below the horizon, a remarkable window opens up — one that lets us peer far beyond our own galaxy into a vast sea of other worlds. The constellation Virgo and its neighbors host one of the largest concentrations of galaxies visible from Earth, and May is the ideal month to find them. We'll take a guided tour of the spring constellations, learn how to spot the famous Virgo Cluster, and discover why seasoned observers circle "galaxy season" on their calendars every year. 

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets: Non-members $25/class, Members $20/class, Student (with valid ID) $10/class

Image credit: Fernando Pena

Come and paint with us at the Cincinnati Observatory!

Join us on May 13, 7-9 PM, for a fun and creative night out where we'll learn how to paint a beautiful space-related masterpiece. You don't need any experience to join - each step of the painting process will be guided by Sarah Hellmann from Art for All People. Plus, enjoy delicious light bites while creating your beautiful artwork. The evening will end with  viewing through our historic telescope (if clear).

The cost is $60 per person and includes all your supplies, food, and drinks. The cost of the ticket benefits Art for All People and the Cincinnati Observatory. Recommended for ages 16+.

Meet our artist for the evening, Sarah Hellmann!
Sarah Hellmann is an author, artist, and speaker. After earning her PhD from the University of Cincinnati, she founded the nonprofit, Art for All People, a ministry that brings the arts to those effected by incarceration, addiction, mental illness, human trafficking, and veterans who suffer from PTSD. Sarah is a life-long artist. Her mission is to encourage others to use their inherent creativity toward healing and empowerment. Sarah recently published her book, Broken-Down Jalopies and Other Short Stories: Perspective Changes Everything. Available on Amazon.

Explore our solar system on a guided Planet Walk tour! Starting at our Sun marker, you'll step through the inner planets before venturing out to the gas giants and beyond. Each footstep represents 8.2 million miles, culminating in a 450-foot walk to Pluto. Join us for a cosmic journey through the solar system!

The planet walk is on grassy and slightly uneven terrain. Not suitable for most strollers or wheelchairs.

Tickets: $10 non-member/$5 kids/Free for Members

Walk-ins welcome!

For a fraction of a second — or maybe a few minutes — a gamma-ray burst can outshine everything else in the observable universe combined. These staggering explosions were one of astronomy's greatest mysteries when first discovered, and even today they're keeping scientists up at night. We'll explore what causes these cosmic detonations, how astronomers detect them across billions of light-years, and what the latest observations from JWST are teaching us about the universe's most extreme events.

Class level: Introductory - This class is recommended for guests of any background.

Tickets:  Non-members - $25/class, Members - $20/class, Student (with valid ID) - $10/class

Join us at Madtree Brewing to gaze at the stars and learn through hands-on fun in this astronomy-themed pop up. The Cincinnati Observatory will present planetarium shows in their inflatable planetarium, provide space-themed crafts and activities for kids, and end the night with Out of this World Trivia with Astronomer, Dr. Wes Ryle. There is something for science lovers of all ages at this once a month pop-up!

Tickets: $10/person, $30/family (children under 4 free)

Walk-ins welcome!

The cost is $30 per person. Price includes materials for the activity, snacks, and drinks.

Adults only please. 

Interstellar Adventures is a Saturday evening program at the Cincinnati Observatory, geared for families with children 5-12 years old. The evening includes adventures that take you around the Observatory and around the Cosmos. Pizza is included in the price of admission. We will view through the telescopes (if clear). Each adventure is around a different space-related theme.

Themes:   June - the Sun

                  July - Rockets

Tickets: $15/adult and $10/child

Journey to the stars and indulge in an afternoon of refined elegance at our Afternoon Tea at the Cincinnati Observatory. Nestled amidst the historic domes and telescopes, you'll experience a truly unique tea party, blending the wonders of the cosmos with the comforting ritual of afternoon tea. A presentation on Victorian era tea and dress etiquette at the Cincinnati Observatory in the Victorian age will take you back in time and place you amongst the many distinguished guests that came to visit.

Our carefully curated menu features a selection of Churchill's teas and treats from Bonbonerie.
Your ticket includes tea, light bites, and a celestial inspired goodie bag to take home.

Tickets: $60/person

Take some time on the longest day of the year to come celebrate all things Sun! Join us to celebrate our closest stellar neighbor, eat some s’mores, and safely view the Sun through our 1845 telescope (weather permitting). This event includes talks about the Sun by our Astronomer, Wes Ryle, sundial demonstrations, face painting, and more! The program runs rain
or shine.

Tickets: $12/adult, $7/child or member