Since day one, the Cincinnati Observatory has been open to the public. This year we celebrate being open to ALL with our Pride celebration. The event includes activities from Cincinnati Pride, MayFest MiNiS, solar viewing, a glitter bar, and Pride storytime with the Cincinnati Public Library! The event concludes with a special reading and Q&A with local author, Jake Hogue. We hope you join us because - Space is for everyone.

One lucky guest will win a Family Membership to the Cincinnati Observatory, gifted by one of our current members.

Tickets: $12/adults, $7/kids and members

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.  July dates are SOLD OUT.

Reservations required.  Space is limited.

Space Ethics Series

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

Tickets: 

Non-members - $20 per class 

Members - $15 per class 

Student (with valid ID) - $10 per class 

Space for Sale!

Tuesday, July 21, 7-8:30PM

Outer space is big business! Learn about the current business pursuits happening in space and the complications of a borderless universe for the regulation and responsible development of this uncharted expanse. Register for this class here.

Crowded Skies, Part 2

Tuesday, July 28, 7-8:30PM

This will be a continued conversation from our Crowded Skies class led by Dr. Wes Ryle earlier this year. We welcome guests who attended that class or who will be approaching this topic with us for the first time. Decades of space exploration has crowded low Earth orbit. This class will explore the historical benefit of satellites in low Earth orbit, the race to launch more satellites, and dangers of space junk and the responsibilities we have to limit it. Register for this class here. Register for this class here.

Presenter: Nicole Capella, M.A.

Nicole Capella is the Program Manager at the Cincinnati Observatory and Adjunct Faculty Member at Thomas More University where she teaches philosophy. Nicole has a Master of Arts in Philosophy from the University of North Texas and developed the Space Ethics course during her 10-years of experience teaching at various colleges and universities. This course is a glimpse into the issues she discusses in her college-level course (without all the reading and homework!)

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!

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

Embark on a romantic celestial journey with our "Late Night Date Night" at the Cincinnati Observatory. Couples will enjoy a star-filled evening complete with guided stargazing through historic telescopes (weather permitting), an intimate astronomy talk, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for making memories under the night sky. Whether it’s a first date or a special anniversary, this enchanting evening promises to bring the magic of the cosmos a little closer. Ticket price includes admission for two, mocktails, and dessert. 

Tickets: $80 per couple  18+ Only.  July and August are SOLD OUT. Watch for more dates to release in early August.

This special program offers those seeking to learn more about the Observatory’s history a detailed, in-depth presentation and tour at Noon. You'll also discover the Observatory’s role in early Cincinnati history, weather forecasting and the original telescope that started it all,  as well as visit our interactive Sundial, original 1843 cornerstone, and more! Guests can enjoy the many snapshots from our 180+ year history and a glimpse into our future. The program will last approximately one hour with plenty of time for questions! Perfect for local history, astronomy and science buffs ages 12 and up.

Space is limited. Advanced reservations are recommended.

Tickets: General Admission $10 (recommended for kids 12+), $5/seniors and veterans, FREE for Observatory members

Come and paint with us at the Cincinnati Observatory!

Join us 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.

Join us at Madtree Brewing (Oakley) 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 crafts and activities for kids, and run lightning-round trivia throughout the night. 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), Free for Members

Walk-ins welcome!

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:   Astronaut Training

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 Bonbonerie Tea and Treats. Your ticket includes tea, light bites, and a celestial inspired goodie bag to take home.

Tickets: $60/person