Join us for a magical evening under the stars celebrating science and art! Experience the wonders of the night sky with telescopes guided by local astronomers, enjoy captivating space-themed presentations from leading experts, awesome hands-on activities, animals, connect with NASA ambassador, and more.
Event Date
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Location
Bok Tower Gardens
Price
Free to members/ $20 for non-member adults, and $10 for non-member children ages 6 – 17, free for Children 5 and under (Includes Admission)
No Registration required. Not a Member? Purchase Garden Admission Here
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Oval Lawn:
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Solar Scopes on The Oval Lawn
The Singing Tower:
1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Out-of-this-World Carillon Concerts with Geert D’hollander
Visitor Center Theater:
1:30 p.m. – Speaker Session 1: Dr. Mark J. Guillette, Valencia College and NASA Ambassador
2:30 p.m. – Repeat of Speaker Session 1 presentation
3:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker Session 2: Dr. Phillip Metzger, PhD, Director, Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education, Research Professor, Planetary Science, Florida Space Institute, University of Central Florida
4:30 p.m. – Repeat of Keynote Speaker Session 2 presentation
5:30 p.m. – Speaker Session 3: Derek Demeter, Astronomer, Seminole State College Planetarium Director
6:30 p.m. – Repeat of Speaker Session 3 presentation
Alexander Discovery Center:
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Raptors of Tampa Bay Presentation
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Repeat of Raptors of Tampa Bay Presentation
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Reptile Discovery Presentation with Bruce Shwedick
7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Owls Nest Presentation
8 p.m. – 9 p.m. Owls Nest Presentation (repeat)
Hammock Hollow:
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Orlando Science Center Family Science Fest featuring hands-on learning activities
Olmsted House:
3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Orlando Science Center Mobile Planetarium
Out-of-this-World Roaming Characters:
4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
501st Legion
The Outdoor Kitchen:
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Art Display by the Homeschoolers Art Lab of Highlands and Polk Counties and Hand-On Art Activity by the Lake Wales Arts Council
El Retiro Astronomy Meadow featuring Telescopes:
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Central Florida Astronomy Groups and Local Astronomers
Blue Palmetto Café Terrace:
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free Whisky Band
Stop by the Visitor Center for an awesome space temporary tattoo while supplies last!
PLEASE NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.
Know Before You Go:
• Light is not permitted in the Astronomy Meadow. Use a red flashlight or red headlamp while in the telescope viewing area (complimentary red cellophane flashlights will be available in limited quantities).
• Please dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Gates will close for entry at 8:30 p.m.