Events
Sights Before Sunrise
Join us for our new early-morning event in 2024, Sights Before Sunrise. These are clear-only events so we will let you know the day before if the event is a go. We will only use your email for the purposes of communication about the Sights Before Sunrise event. See more details below:
We are turning the tables and offering some early morning stargazing this year. This program is for those who want to be the first to see objects that will be up later in the year at our typical viewing times. This event will include viewing through our historic Mitchel telescope at Venus and the Moon. Coffee and donuts will be available.
Please register for the email list here so that we can notify you if the event is go/no go.
Tours Under the Moon
Join us for a tour of the Observatory and a chance to see the Sun and the Moon through the telescope, weather permitting! The guided portion of the tour lasts approximately half an hour. It includes both of the Observatory’s buildings and two main telescopes, as well as access to our out-of-this-world gift shop.
Tickets: $10/adult, $5/child, $5/senior, $5/veteran, free for Observatory Members
History Bites - Lunchtime Program
For those who want to network and have a little fun at lunch, join us for
If We Weren't Here, Where Would We Be?
Cincinnati is a city of seven hills, so just where do you put an Observatory? Obviously on top of one of the hills and away from pollution but what other factors influenced the decision of the original location and its move? Join us as Board Member and Volunteer, Al Sheide presents, If We Weren't Here, Where Would We Be? A discussion of a possible different locations for the Cincinnati Observatory, how the current location was picked, and Mitchel’s desire to collaborate with the Dudley Observatory in New York.
$10 for non-members, Free for Members
Walk-ins welcome!
Ladies Night
Grab your gal pals and celebrate our new exhibit, "The Brightest Stars: The Legacy of Cincinnati's Women Astronomers" with a ladies' night out focused on fashion in space. The event includes a presentation by Executive Director, Anna Hehman. She will discuss how the universe has been a source of inspiration throughout the history of fashion and design. Come hear all about how the breathtaking wonder of space and images of stars, galaxies, and planets have led to some incredible haute couture. We will also have local vendors onsite with relevant activities and products for sale including Tarot Card reading. Light bites and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.
Tickets: $30/person
Calling all space nerds and current events enthusiasts! Think you know your stuff? Grab your crew and join us on August 29, 7pm for Trivia Night at the Cincinnati Observatory. Top three teams will win an out-of-this-world prize!
21+ please
Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks provided.
Tickets: $60/team, up to 6 people, $20/individual
ScopeOut 2024
You’ve heard of car shows, but how about a telescope show? Come out for our annual telescope festival and see all the different types of telescopes the tri-state has to offer! Dozens of astronomy enthusiasts from the community will set up their telescopes and share their knowledge, passion, and expertise between 6-8 pm in addition to informative talks on telescope basics and night sky navigation. Then as darkness falls, from 8-10 pm telescope operators will share views through their own telescopes (weather permitting). We are also encouraging everyone to bring any unwanted telescopes and accessories for an equipment swap.
Great for beginners and longtime stargazers alike. As an added bonus, we’ll be holding two telescope raffles, one for kids and one for adults.
No registration required - tickets will be sold at the door.
Tickets: $12/adult, $7/child (ages 5-17)
